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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  Our 3rd Edge - 2017 Ford Edge
  By DaveK - July 19 - 8:27 pm

  This is our 3rd Edge and our first AWD vehicle. We bought the 3.5 L Titanium package and it seems to have all the bells and whistles. My biggest complaint over the 10 years we have owned Fords is dealer support. I have had unhappy episodes with 2 of 3 dealerships I have dealt with. In defense of the dealers, I am a picky owner and they have a lot of customers to deal with. The vehicle performs well and is very nicely appointed inside. Seats are comfortable and controls are mostly convenient (I am still getting use to things). The 3.5 liter 6 cylinder seems to be not as peppy as our 2010 but it could just be that the vehicle is quieter. Our mileage seems to be about the same as the FWD 2010 but given this one is AWD Im OK with it. 24-25 MPG on the highway and over 20 MPG for the first 1600 miles so far. Fit and finish is very good (In my opinion). We got the 20" wheels and they look great. Ride is a bit stiffer than I expected but handling is better than our two previous Edges. Overall opinion is good. I am an American car buyer and this vehicle is a better fit for me than anything GM of Chrysler has. Dont think you will be disappointed if you decide to buy one.

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  ALMOST PERFECT - 2006 Ford F-150
  By MIGUEL GARCIA - July 19 - 10:10 am

  With 6 months with my King Ranch I am now most happy every day, almost perfect just a problem with the truck bed, but every thing else is great.

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  Focus ZTS - Beware! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Maryland Driver - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This has to be the biggest piece of JUNK ever! After owning it for 2 years (and only 15,000 miles) I will NEVER own a Ford again! And Ford DOES NOT care if you are unhappy with their products! To numerous recalls to mention, they had to replace the auto transmission at 10,000 miles (and after numerous trips to the dealer!). This care is NOT SAFE, the car got T- Boned on the passenger side doors and the side-impact air bags (which I paid extra for) DO NOT DEPLOY! After complaining to Ford Corp, they basically call me a liar and refused to honor a prior agreement of fixing the problem! STAY AWAY FROM ANY FORD PRODUCT!

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  Simply the best - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Shellgal - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Have driven numerous small cars and none compare to this one. Room, ride, handling are outstanding. Have not had any problems at all with this car and would buy another in a second.

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  Buy one now!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By briguy7214 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Ford built this one right. I owned a 1994 Mustang Gt Conv. for the last 8 years. Everything that I would do different on my old car Ford fixed on this one. Awesome car! The performance is outstanding. I drove it 250 miles in the first evening I owned it. If you are on the fence, get off and go buy one now!

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  Not Bad - 2000 Ford Contour
  By ALS - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a company owned vehicle, which I got new in 2000. Its up to 110,000 hard driven miles and still going strong. Only problem has been replacement of fuel pump (2 so far), winshield wipers broke, and several bad pieces of interior and exterior trim have come loose/broke/fallen off. There is now alot of squeaking/moaning/groaning coming from its underside, despite recent replacement of all struts and and misc other suspension components. It did have serious handling problems in heavy rain and snow util I went with Aqua- Treads, now its glued to the road. The v-6 still has its bite despite the high mileage.

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  Excellent RIde for the money - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Tristar504 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price

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  my Taurus - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By ann - July 19 - 2:00 am

  this car has been a gift from my sister.the car has been repaired alot of times since ive had it. The motor and trans. are great, the susp. parts wear out alot,power stearing,and electical.It has been very reliable other than this.All this I think a lot is the fact that its an older veh.

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  Great ride - poor mechanical function - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By kgal37 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent acceleration and handling - good quiet ride. Mechanically the worst car I ever owned - needed transmission replaced at 39,000 miles - under three years old, and since have replaced transmission sensor three times. Engine shot at 97,000 miles. The car had overheated. Seems that engine light is always on and many small electrical problems. At transmission repair shop, many Fords -Taurus and Windstar in for repair - this transmission should have been recalled. Also, per mechanic, the Taurus has problems with Crankshaft and seals.

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  THE BLACK BIRD - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By JOHN D. - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AT THE END OF THE YEAR AFTER SELLING A TROUBLESOME 96 PONTIAC.I HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AT ABOUT 75K MILES, AND THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE TOO SMALL AND WARP EASILY.OTHER THAN THAT THE CAR HAS NOT NEEDED ANY MAJOR REPAIRS AFTER 148000 MILES.