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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  Edge continuous problems - 2012 Ford Edge
  By grayling - February 3 - 5:31 pm

  I have a 2012 Edge Limited AWD which is about 1 month old and has already been in the shop 3 times. While I enjoy the ride and handling of the vehicle the build quality suffers quite a bit. The SYNC and My Ford Touch systems are a complete disaster that the dealer will not tell you about prior to purchase. The screen locks up, goes blank, wont pair with my phone most of the time and the voice commands are usually not understood. Fords answer to this is "take out fuse #29, wait 3 minutes and reinstall the fuse", then they tell you a new software update to fix the problems will be out in a couple of months. This will be update #3, I sure hope it works or this will be my last Ford.

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  Durable, Dependable, Best Truck on the Road - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By phoenixatlanta - February 3 - 12:31 am

  I purchased a 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer Edition in 2006 with 37,000 miles on it. Aside from routine 5,000 mile oil changes using Pennzoil Synthetic Motor Oil, I have only had two issues. At 125,000 miles, I replaced all eight spark plugs with basic NGK Iridium Spark Plugs, and the engine runs smooth and plenty of power. The alternator was replaced at 165,000 miles due to low output however, was changed as preventative and never caused mechanical breakdown. I am a DOT engineer and occasionally tow a bobcat on a large dual axel trailer and it tows better then my co-workers 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi pickup truck. Would recommend this to those who want a solid, dependable, SUV!

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  Love My Car - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By bonusvalue - February 1 - 8:03 pm

  I have owned another Ford Taurus and though really liked the car the transmission made me think I would never again own a ford, but so far this Taurus SEL make me change my mind about Ford. I drive at least 65 miles daily and I love it more each day

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  Extremely reliable. - 2007 Ford Focus
  By cdhghs - January 31 - 8:56 pm

  I bought my Focus brand new in 2006 for business usage. I drive an average of 10,000+ miles per month, having the oil change every 3,500 mi. This car has been nothing but reliable for me and my business needs. I have always been able to count on it to get me from coast to coast. Minor wear and tear repairs are to be expected, as with any car. The most costly repair Ive had to get was a new fuel pump in the middle of 2010, and of course tires and brakes. Other than that at 315,000+mi its time to trade it in for a new Focus. Thanks Ford!

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  Great value for the money - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By moxiedog - January 31 - 7:29 pm

  Ordered the 2012 S model optioned the way I wanted and waited 10 weeks. Picked it up on 1/12/2012 In most aspects this car is outstanding. The first tank showed 27.3 mpg in mixed city/ hi-way driving. Fun to drive, great handling and braking. Fit and finish are first rate Two very minor Issues: 1. The 6 speed manual shifter is a bit clunky. No speed shifting with this baby. 2. The C pillars are a bit thick creating a slight blind spot.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By kxteem - January 31 - 6:00 pm

  We purchased our new 2011 Ford Explorer in March of 2011 because the looks sold my Husband and I. From that moment until November 2011 when we finally got rid of it were those most aggravating months dealing with Ford, Ford Reps and several Ford dealers. The My Ford Touch is a driving disaster and constantly takes yours eyes off the road because it does not work. Our screen froze so many times, and we were left without a/c or heat or radio. This system is the main brain of this vehicle. The voice commands would not operate either. We have been to the dealer for an upgrade, and they keep saying that "This will fix the problem". Also problem with Gas vent hose. Do not buy this vehicle!!

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  garbage - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By j433r - January 30 - 5:31 pm

  this truck is absolutely awful, everytime i drive it there is something breaking on it. Just got the heater valve repaired along with all the ball joints when i noticed a hole in my vacuum and also a strange loud creaking sound coming from my front wheels. Truck is very prone to rust, and should be checked thoroughly before purchase. Not to mention, very low cosmetic appeal when compared to tacoma or frontier. Suspension is very stiff and leads to a very uncomfortable ride Also horrible on gas. Just plain a nightmare like experience, I will never buy a ranger ever again in my lifetime, or simply any American made vehicle. My uncle just hit 320xxx in his toyota which is a real truck.

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  Better than her Mercedes V8 SUV..by far! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By fordz4evr - January 30 - 1:55 pm

  My wife had a 2000 Mercedes SUV...430 something or other. Nothing but problems. Accelerator module,seat problems, sunroof stuck open on vacation, check engine light etc, etc... One day I said "this is it...were going to the Ford dealer and trading this piece of junk" We walked into the showroom and I told her to pick any model she wanted...she wanted the Escape for its size and maneuverability in traffic. Now, please understand that my wife was no Ford fan...she had a 58 which was junk and swore shed never own another. She is now in love with her Escape. Its reliable, fun to drive and has incredible acceleration with the V6. When we get a new car, Im taking hers.

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  The Most Dependable Car Ever - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By fic - January 30 - 12:38 pm

  I purchased this car in 2001 and its been going strong ever since. Im only giving it up now due to a check engine light that wont go off (so it wont pass smog). Its been bashed up on all four sides, had the axles replaced, a new clutch at some point, and driven almost 200,000 miles. (And the speedometer recently fell off and now makes a horrible noise!) AND, Ive been very negligent about maintenance. I will genuinely, truly miss my car, "Casper."

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  Dont buy, Sync system is worthless! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By koakai - January 30 - 10:56 am

  Went from an older BMW X3 to the Edge and now regret it! Ive never been a fan of American cars and this is the first one I purchased in nearly 20 years. While I realize the Ford wont have the same performance as my BMW, I was intially impressed by the overall look of the Edge and lured in by the technology. The Sync and navigation system is virtually useless since I bought it six months ago and now being told theres nothing the dealer can do until Ford issues an another update. Ive given up using all the features you see touted in the commericals because they dont work or work properly most the time. Do Not Buy a vehicle with Microsoft Sync!