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:

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  fits my needs - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By mark136 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  interior lights have a mind of thier own. totally unreliable. door ajar light is always on. the buzzer reminding me of it intermittantly sounds off. after a year of ownership new brakes and calipurs.I have also experienced vapor lock a few times. . otherwise great and fun and reliable. Id get another.purchased may 2002 with 46k on the clock.

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  16 Again - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Randy - January 20 - 8:06 pm

  I first saw a Ford Mustang when I was 16 in 1964 at the Bowen Scharff Ford dealership. Now at 59 and the new retro style of the Mustang I finally bought one. I really like how it looks and sounds. I was torn between the convertible and coupe, but in Washington, we get a lot of rain. I immediatley loaded the CD player with 60s music. My wife and I really enjoy driving this car and plan on getting a vanity license plate, first time we have ever done something like that. It is great! 16 again in Bonney Lake

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  Excellent FORD - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Maricruz Eglen - January 20 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had the car a couple of months now its my first new car and just had my first oil change. The car is great - Ive had no problems. I have two kids, a 3 year old and a 7 year old and one on the way. The kids watch their movies on the DVD player that comes with the car. Plenty of room for everybody. The third row has room for adults according to my friends who rode back there on a trip to the LA Zoo.

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  Great little car! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Papabear - January 20 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car for three reasons. 1-The 2005 Ford Minivan was excellent except for MPG. 2-The owner reviews on Edmunds were almost all favorable. 3-I fell in love with this model on the dealers lot. It gets 26/36 MPG with AC on. 28/38 MPG with AC off. The mileage and pep went up after the first 1000 miles. The seats are very comfortable & my long legged son-in-law says the back seats are roomy enough. The tires, suspention entertainment & safety features are all top of the line in the SEL model that I bought. The color is a metalic gray with lots of chrome. I get complements every where I go on it.I am 76 years old & have owned 32 used & 10 new cars. This one is the best.

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  Great improvement - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mike - January 20 - 2:36 pm

  I had a 2004 Ford Escape, the new 2008 Hybrid out performs the V6 in my 2004 model. My first week I averaged 29MPG. They reprogramed the computer that operates the Hybrid and this corrects all the the flaws in the older models.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Chris Jeffries - January 20 - 2:13 pm

  I got the car new and now have over 50,000 miles on it. It has been better than I expected based on reviews of the Freestyle. The engine is very powerful. My wife has an 08 Merc Mariner and I hate road trips in it b/c I miss the power of the X. Another surprise was that I have taken it off- road in CO and never gotten stuck. I dont recommend it, since the ground clearance is like a sedan, but the power and the AWD didnt let me down. Drives great on snow and ice. I love the way the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats fold flat. I have heated leather seats and they have been great. I also love the rear proximity warning when youre about to hit something in reverse. Not one maintenance issue yet!

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  better buy an extended warranty! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By familytruckster - January 20 - 2:00 am

  When its running right, it is very pleasant and does what its supposed to do. The 3.8 V6 is plenty for most. Pretty good visibility for a minivan. Looks great. Had it a little over a year and have had several problems. Window motor, some seals, guage lights flickering, paint chips too easily, sensors gone bad. Thankfully nothing like major engine and trans work. Just aggrevating little stuff. Without the extended warranty I bought, I would have had to shell out quite a bit of coin.

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  Excursion, just Outstanding!!!!! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By cptntims - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I am in the Mining business and drive between 80,000 to 90,000 miles a year and the Excursion has been maintance free except for Oil changes and tires. I currently have 144,000 miles and believe I can push her to 400,000 before any real problems occur. If you buy a Excursion make it a Diesel and not gas. Pretty good considering its weight is just 200 pounds short of 10,000 lbs. If you have never driven one you will feel like "King of the road". If you are in traffic and need to get over, most people are just scared to death of getting hit and let you over with no problems. I can say I will purchase another Excursion in the future.

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  The Quiet SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bobby J. - January 19 - 11:56 pm

  Traded in my 4WD pick-up that got 15 mpg. Wanted to get this vehicle last winter, but there was no real availability in my area at that time. I have had it for a month and have driven about 2,500 miles and overall I am very pleased. I have averaged 30 mpg for all types of driving. I had to install a back-up alarm because when this vehicle is operating on electric you cant hear anything but the tires moving. I didnt get much for options because I have a Garmin Street Pilot GPS system. I take the vehicle out on backwoods roads to take me to hiking locations and it is a bit weird to roll along with no engine noise. People often stop to inquire about it and Im always glad to inform them.

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  Crappy Mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jbn74135 - January 19 - 5:42 pm

  We recently bought a C-Max. After 636 miles, we are averaging only 31.2 mpg. We are driving extremely light foot, following the speed limit, these about 755 highway miles (reason we bought based ont the FALSELY advertised 47mpg) and have used real gas but did not see any real improvement in MPG. The only possibly excuse is that we drive 75 on the interstate (OKLA speed limit). However, even in town, following the little blue guidelines (on the display), we still only get about 32 in the city. The car is roomy and relatively comfortable but if you are thinking you will get 47, you are about to be cheated.