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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  Love my "Cloud 9" Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By CB - October 10 - 10:46 am

  Im a former Ford Owner (94 Escort). At first I was anxious to try a sedan again after driving a pickup for 5 years. From the first test drive of my Focus I fell in love with this roomier than expected interior. Being that I am in a warmer southern climate and running the air often, there still is good fuel economy which greatly surpassed my 2000 Mazda truck. Though the sound system is not Bose quality, it gives ample range with the CD that are comfortable for driving. Also like the hood placement giving a virtually total windshield view without obstruction.

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  Dont buy this thing - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Pirate - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Transmission probles all over the place. Ford just kept on saying that it was normal !!! Sold it. Never buying a ford again.

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  bad paint - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By rodimorr - October 10 - 2:00 am

  4th tbird but not the best. paint is lousy looks terrible.

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  My 1996 Bolic Green t-bird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gregory - October 10 - 2:00 am

  The car needed more power, i had the 3.8 v-6 that was one thing,Then when somthing went wrong w/ the eigine it was major, the front and rear main seals went bad (oil every where) it had 3 trans replaced the problem w/ the trany was when i would be going along at at crusing speed and floored it it would rev to 5 to 6 grand and then catch a gear and go. Thats my thunderbird i plan to buy anothor one in the next 2 yrs

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  good car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By probe user - October 10 - 2:00 am

  this was my first car, it was a good car until i totaled it. oops. Never gave me any problems the 3 years i had it. good car

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  Strong as a billy goat - 1992 Ford Escort
  By jim7heaven7 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I recently got rid of my 1992 Ford Escort LX with Auto trans. My wife burned out the tranny, it had 118,000 miles on it and running strong. I had purchased it for college commutes and it worked great and I love hatchs. This car took me through cold winters and blistering hot summers. I decided to let it go because they were wanting to put a re-built tranny on her and it would cost more than the car was worth, so I gave it to my father in-law and he fixed the tranny and is now driveing again.

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  1 year and love the truck, not ford mtrs - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By mikejana - October 9 - 2:00 am

  the vehicle is phenominal. the dealer is the only prob. ford is of no assistance.

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  Been a good Truck - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By bradski - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had explorer 10 years this month. Im turning 200k this month and have not had to do anything but standard maintenance. However, Im starting to hear some internal engine noise (lifter?) Primarly used for family travel. Started using a quart of oil every 1200 miles at about 180k. Changed oil every 3000, but never.. never gave tune-up. It was still getting 15 - 17 MPG!.

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  Road Warrior - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By mikerep - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good value for the $$$ spent. Had been reliable, inexpensive to own. However, after 90,000 miles service needs have accelerated rapidly. Drivers seat foam insides have compressed so not comfortable even with lumbar support. Car has become noisey, leather is wearing on steering wheel and drivers seat, steering system has needed work. Still has good power, handles well for a family car.

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  I love my 2015 Edge AWD - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Cydney Renshaw - October 8 - 10:38 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 9 months. First off, I love how this SUV drives like a car and handles very well. The acceleration of the 4-cylinder turbo is superb here at high elevation in Colorado, whereas a lot of other 4-cylinder vehicles are lacking in power. I purchased the SEL with leather and both power driver and passenger seats, automatic liftgate (which I love), upgraded sound system etc. The rear legroom is plentiful and its awesome that the rear seat reclines (Although, I have small children and am not able to recline it yet). The AWD is great; my vehicle handles way better in the snow than my Jeep that I traded in. Around town I average about 25 mpg per tank. I recently went on a 3000 mile road trip to Georgia and averaged around 27-28 mpg sometimes. The seats were comfortable on the trip up to about 10 hours of driving in one day. The interior is very quiet and the vehicle has a smooth ride. The safety of the vehicle is top notch, which I can attest to being involved in a 9 vehicle accident on the interstate a couple months ago. An SUV pushed a pickup truck into the back of my Edge. It felt like a hard impact but I only had a tiny dent on the plastic rear bumper cover which people dont even notice (The pickups bumper was hanging off). The only con I had was shortly after I purchased the vehicle and a rattling noise was coming from the drivers side door speaker. It seems like over time it has resolved itself. Overall, the new Ford Edge is a pleasure to drive.