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:

• 

  Quality not cost - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Robert M. - October 13 - 5:35 pm

  This crossover feels more expensive than it was. Leather interior is top notch, large comfortable seats all around. The new sync 3 system is very intuitive and easy to use, navigation works like a charm. 4cyl engine is sufficient enough this a family car not a race car folks. Handles well and we are really enjoying this vehicle.....highly recommend it.

• 

  What A Car goNNA Buy Another one - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Cindy brace - October 13 - 4:52 pm

  Almost all miles highway moved from michigan to mississippi made alot of trips home

• 

  No negatives - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By towndriver - October 13 - 11:58 am

  We cant understand what the fuss is about the navigation and touch system. It did take a while to find all the many features, but now it is easy to use and the navigation system is very accurate. The four quadrants make it easy to shift from one screen to another. Just a little time with the manual and you should be all set. This is the first American car we have had and we love it. We are getting excellent mileage...better than the newly corrected MPG. We have about 3300 miles on her.

• 

  1996 EDDIE BAUER F150 - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Ron Hawkins - October 13 - 2:00 am

  THESE TRUCKS ARE THE BEST

• 

  Excellent Motor & Transmissiom - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By JOe - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used with 87,000 miles on it. Ive recorded 91,000 miles over the past 3 years. I now have a total of 178,000. No repairs to the motor and transmission. Had to replace the radiator.I made the decision to convert the air conditioner for better cooling Both cost a total of $675.00. Overall, Im pleased with its performance.

• 

  Great car - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By gts - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Best auto I have ever owned. I have 155,000 on it. Wish I could buy another

• 

  Decent Car-Buy Used - 2000 Ford Escort
  By ford tech - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2k ZX2 S/R.The car is built well but dont drive with the a/c on, it lunges and surges..tremendous loss of power.Car is also too loud on the inside while driving. Only true bad thing abot the car is that if you buy one new-you will lose half the value when you drive it off the lot.Buy used!!

• 

  New Ford Taurus Purchase - 2016 Ford Taurus
  By CB Woody - October 12 - 2:08 pm

  Know exactly what you want in the car, use a service such as Edmunds.com to get a realistic price and shop from your house using the exact car requirements to get your best price before going out to a dealership.

• 

  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Jenine - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I have this vehicle as a company car. It is great because I am always carrying parts in the back and I have enough room while the vehicle still remains car-like. The overall reliability has been ok, but the little annoyances make me want to go back to my Toyota.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Hailey Mitchell - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I think this car is really great. It has good mileage and is very comfy. I like the way it is built and I am sure you will like it and its price.