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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  Okay, I guess. - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mike Stevenson - May 31 - 8:10 pm

  I think my Ford is okay. It has a smooth ride, yet it isnt as smooth as the Toyota Avalon or the Honda Accord. It is an okay car. This car gets an average of 15 miles to the gallon. I have been driving this car for 6 months and after 28,000 miles I needed a new transmission. This car is very comfortable.

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  No Compromises - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By henrydrobinson - May 31 - 6:08 pm

  Bought red C-Max four days ago with every options but auto parallel park. Its not a long car and I have to parallel park about once a month. I love the C-Max. I think it looks so much better than Prius or Prius V and there arent a million yet on the road. The red color looks like a candy red Corvette. Love it. Car is quick. Glass roof and huge wind shield gives amazing visibility in all directions, including up. Traded in a 2011 Explorer that was awesome but wanted better gas mileage. Glad I did. Just miss adaptive cruise control that I had on the Explorer.

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  Poor Comfort Front Seats - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Gary - May 31 - 11:47 am

  I and several others that have rode with me find the front seats very uncomfortable. It actually feels like your sitting in a bucket. The power seat doesnt have enough lower adjustment on the fron portion of the seat so a lot of weight is under your legs and thighs with the hard seating bolsters on the side. The other major complaint I have is that the door seals dont seal well enough and allows dirt sand snow etc to be thrown up under them...really shoddy workmanship. I have to believe Edmunds and others must get incentives to write the rave reviews they have given this car. Also with cheap gas its no big deal but my I-4 Turbo has good power but will not get even close to what is posted on estimate. Then if you figure the mileage longhand you will find its even worse than what the trip computer says. The 28 mpg posted must be going down hill with a tail wind. Count on 21-23 real world running 70-75 mph

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  80,000 problem free miles in 3 years. - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Murrieta - May 31 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been a perfect vehicle for over 3 years. First new truck in over 35 years that has never been back to the dealer for any type of warranty work. The 5.4 L V-8 has plenty of pep, although gas mileage, averaging 16.2 overall could be better. With 4 captain chairs it is extremely comfortable, good climate control, and a pleasure to drive.

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  Been Great for the Long Haul - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JennyFL - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my ZX2 since buying it new in 98--its been great! Ive put over 100000 miles on it with few problems-- had to replace the alternator. The 5spd is zippy and tight. Nothing better than knowing its gonna start up every time I need it to. Im sooo pleased to have gotten so much out of this little car and hope Im driving it for a few more years b/c Ill hate to give it up!

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  Excellent Car - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By pjkt01 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I had to sell my 1999 Pathfinder because my wife got laid off, we have 2 small children and we needed a nice midsize car. WE purchased it with 102000 miles and we paid just over 2000, its a great car, excellent on milage, I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  F-150 XLT Supercrew - 2002 Ford F-150
  By PaulKirchhofer` - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Drives great. Ive got the 2WD 4.6L V8 and it could use a little more power. Of course it is a gas guzzler as all large trucks are. No complaints. My F- 150 had a dealer installed moonroof which was wired incorrectly and I had to bring it back to get that fixed and they didnt do it correctly and ended up wiring it wrong again and a couple of months later the windows went out. This was all due to the dealer wiring the moonroof incorrectly in the first place.

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  Overall good truck had a few glitches - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Pickem Up Ed - May 30 - 9:19 am

  4 speed auto tranny slips and clunks when shifting up a hill on occasion.. Replaced fuel pump, serpentine belt pulley and adjustor mechanism. Major brake issues were solved after 10 yrs. old after $2,000 spent. Heater air conditioner temperature control replaced. Had leaking rear slider window replaced. Still got original spark plugs and coils on engine. To give this truck more power and acceleration I recommend a cat back dynaflow exhaust system be installed! I love the engine sound! But I do love the ride, comfort in the cab with ample head room. I bought this truck new in Nov. 1998 for $22,000 even though I had glitches I like the truck overall I have a cap on the bed and do no towing just light hauling every now and then.

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  Cycle Gal - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Cycle G - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great truck. I do not have one complaint. We have towed motorcycles to places near and far...very far, and have never had a problem.

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  My Midnight Rocks! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dougmount - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Our 2002 Ford Escape Midnight Appearance Package is just awesome! The V-6 is already strong, but we added a Borla exhaust, Superchip, and Air Intake to make this thing really move! The black leather seats are real nice, but they could be more comfortable. All in all my wife and I love this thing as Ford did not cut any corners in putting this together!