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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  Luv my hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By farmer - January 16 - 8:36 am

  We just returned from a 6600 mile trip to the East coat. The car was dream to drive, performance was great. We averaged 37.3 MPG round trip. We drove 75-85 MPH, we didnt expect great mileage as the car was heavily loaded with luggage and junk. We traded a Cadillac in to purchase this car, my wife reminds me that this "does not ride like a Cadillac. Overall we are very satisfied with the car. I made a contract with my wife: Drive the car for 6 months and if she is hot happy then go buy the Cadillac CTS. I think she will keep the Ford.

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  Getrdone!! - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CROWNVICKY! - January 16 - 5:03 am

  You better hop on down to your nearest crown vic seller and anti up that money!!!! This is a great car and reliability? whoa!!! Shucho mouth!!! Bustin in at 238000 miles and purring like a wild kitty purrin!!! Getchu 1!

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  Just purchased 11/2015 - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Jeff derry - January 15 - 12:22 pm

  Just purchased the 2016 Ford Escape S basic model made in Lexington Kentucky. Was going to get the Ford Foucus which have owned and had good experience. The Escape base model is priced similar to the high end Focus. The dash boards are similar. Car is brand new so cannot report long term but think for the price it is a good buy! Not gas efficient like the Focus though.

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  One Awesome Mustang - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Jack Higgins - January 15 - 10:00 am

  The Shelby gets noticed. I get lots of long and envious stares by young and old, male and female. The car is easy to drive. You really feel the road and the Shelby takes corners much like a sports car. The clutch and linkage make for easy shifting and you never feel like youre in the wrong gear. I like the way Ford has upgraded the interior over my 2008 Bullitt. Acceleration is scary and you need to be careful of how and when you use the power. The sound of the engine is cool. My neighbors have commented on how they love the sound when I start it up. I couldnt be happier with the car. It is truly one awesome Mustang.

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  Just Go Get One! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By One Happy Buyer - January 15 - 5:13 am

  Have owned the car for 30 days, having traded a 2008 Civic Hybrid. Must say this is an amazing change for the good. Ride, room, handling, amenities, everything about it is a big plus over the Civic we really loved. Cant say enough good about my experience so far!

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  Smiling from ear to ear - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By dderube - January 15 - 2:40 am

  Wow. I got my SE V-6 Fusion a few months ago, black with tan leather interior. Coming from a guy in his 20s, I think the car looks phenomenal. I definitely get a lot of looks on the road. I like the style of the interior too (especially the offset-color stitching in the leather seats & carbon fiber in the dash). Plus it handles great and is a ton of fun to drive. The quality of fit and finish -- interior and exterior -- is very high. Ive got 7k miles on my Fusion so far and I couldnt be happier. Good value for the money spent.

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  My Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rljl - January 14 - 4:50 pm

  Fun to drive. Lives up to all its promises.

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  Sport Trac - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TimL - January 14 - 12:23 pm

  The ride comfort of the 2002 Explorer Sport Trac is exceptional. It has adequate power at all speeds thanks in part to its 5 speed automatic transmission. The 4.0L has good pwer, but fuel economy is poor.

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  ZX5-Focus Great Buy - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Pedro J. Estrada - January 13 - 9:40 pm

  I just recently bought a Ford Focus. The ZX5 model 4 door hatch-back and its a good bargain. The 6 cd changer is a plus, takes very good sharp corners and the moon-roof comes standard. Its probably the best small car Ford has come up with the recent years. When comparing it to the Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe they are both more expensive and do not come as well equiped as the Focus.

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  Real SUV - 2010 Ford Escape
  By S Bowen - January 13 - 6:33 am

  I think Edmunds review is not very fair on this vehicle. We test drove the RAV 4 and CRV and they cant even compare. Ford has made a masculine, fuel efficient, comfortable riding, plenty-of-room SUV. To me, the other competitors "SUVs" are very sissy and nerdy. They also do not contain the features the Ford has. And, no I dont work for Ford and its been awhile since weve owned one. I believe the sales speak for themselves as you cant hardly find one on the lot right now.