Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

• 

  Great 5 passenger SUV - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Jon DellAntonia - June 28 - 5:52 pm

  Look at this SUV before you buy something else. Has a multitude of features and is comfortable to drive or be a passenger. Electronics package is easy to use and very comprehensive. Our Edge is a Titanium model with the V6 engine in it. Edmunds did not provide that option in the selection of vehicles.

• 

  Bang for the Buck! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mike Knoffler - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I have a 10th Anniversary Edition with the all leather seats and red inserts. (prefer this over the fake suede) With only around $1,500 in mods ( Exhaust, pulley,chip,CAI,shifter) it puts down 450RWHP ~500 at the motor. The stock Goodyear F1s are useless, Drag radials are a must. With Nitto 315 555rs was able to run the 1/4 in 11.89 at 120.1mph with a mediocre 1.89 60ft. This car has some pull, anything below 50mph on street tires is gonna go up in smoke. If your looking for more performance than this slap on a Kenne Bell or Whipple and push over 625rwhp on the stock long block its fully forged to handle up to 700hp.

• 

  Its an old friend - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Sgt - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle used, and I have put over 60000 miles on this old friend. It has been a costly vehicle, cost 400.oo for third brake light, used even!!! Likes to eat brakes and really loves gas, but has been a great vehicle to drive, has never let me down in the snow! You cant make this vehicle slide in the snow. overall, I love it.

• 

  Do not buy a Taurus! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Turpie - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Run, dont walk away from buying a Taurus! Although this vehicle is fun to drive and looks sharp, it is prone to mechnical problems. This is the second Taurus sedan I have owned (and the last) and both had transmissionproblems at about 70,000 miles (under normal city driving conditions). Plus, they do not hold their value, so youre going to get sunk on the financial end of the deal, too. Do yourself a favor...buy a Honda, a Toyota, but whatever you buy, DO NOT BUY A TAURUS!!!

• 

  Another Tranny Story - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Phobic - June 28 - 2:00 am

  But this one used, had 27K miles on it. After racking up an additional 35K in less than two years, the transmission gave in and was replaced. Thank God we had an extended warranty! Hopefully we can go another 60K before it breaks down again.

• 

  pressman - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By brian bruckner - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Big suv and gets 21 miles to the gallon.

• 

  pimp - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By joe565666 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  this thing is pimp and awesome i love this ruck the v10 gives it smooth power and the zer to 60 is under 7.5 seconds!!!!! its way bigger than an escalade its 10 grand cheaper and it has V10 power !! bu could say the gas mileage sucks but if u wanted smething with good gas mileage u shouldnt ve bought it in the first place it gets good muleage for what it is

• 

  Truck of the year for real - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dave0169 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. If youre shopping for a truck you should drive one before you buy another brand. I dont think you will be disappointed. Very quite, solid ride. Interior is leather, console is a perfect fit.

• 

  03 Mustang Cobra Convertible - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By The Principal - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Take the Ford Mustang GT but add some real fun: buy the limited edition Cobra. Add zest: get the soft top. Want to turn heads : modify with a Borla exhaust system and hear it rumble! With 400 horses this Pony is the fastest sports car in America under $40k. Make those more expensive convertibles in the lux class disappear in your rearview.

• 

  Perfect SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Charlie Tsaung - June 27 - 10:00 am

  When it comes to an SUV with luxuary. Than you need to check out the Ford Eddie Bauer Expedition. With the Power folding 3rd row seat and the space behind it gives you all the versitility that you need. Looking for an SUV Than check one of these out.