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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  Better Than Sentra and Corolla - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ken - July 25 - 11:10 am

  Focus is much better built than Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla. I own a 2007 Sentra and had 2007 Corolla. The Focus is built much more solid and safer without the cheap plastic parts. Gas mpg is at 32 on the electronic odometer. Car handles very good on the curves and open road. I am 64" and fit comfortably. Since I have owned all 3 of the top compact cars, the Focus wins hands down in all categories except size. The Sentra fits me a little better.

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  Former GM Guy loves his Ford - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Tim M - July 25 - 7:13 am

  Ive always owned GM vehicles, but the new F150 Platinum outshines anything else on the market. It runs great, gets better gas mileage than my old GMC and I get nothing but compliments on it. When I get out of it, random people always ask if they can have a look inside. The Platinum is the nicest truck Ive ever seen or owned and yet still very functional. The power running boards are the feature that gets the most "wow" factor. I would not hesitate buying this truck again. The exterior looks great and the interior is as comfortable as any luxury sedan out there. I love my Ford F-150 Platinum.

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  First Sports Car - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Zaxman - July 24 - 9:37 pm

  I must put the review in perspective. My wife allowed me to have a sporty car since the kids are all grown. We purchased a GT Premium coupe, however, the vehicle is upgraded with a Roush 427R package. I dont see any reviews on Edmunds about the Roush, but I must say this vehicle is worth the upgrade. After talking to someone who used to work for the SVT at Ford, the Roush is a much better overall than the Cobra. With 435 hp and 400 torque, this a dream car to drive and the handling is remarkable. The regular GT Premium was enjoyable to drive, but if you can get the Roush you wont be disappointed. Mine is a short throw 5-speed Grabber Blue with flat black accents and great seats.

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  I LOVE MY 2008 FORD EDGE!! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Annette - July 23 - 8:16 pm

  We purchased our Ford Edge in March 2008 after selling my car. We live in Wyoming where the winter weather can be a challange at times and we wanted something that had higher ground clearance and was AWD or 4WD. We took 2 weekends test driving every crossover vehicle on the market. We kept coming back to the Ford Edge. It is roomy, classy looking, AWD, we have 32,000 miles on it and are getting 23 MPG. I miss my little cars 30 MPG but Im not totally disappointed in my Edges MPG wish it was getting 26-28 but 23 isnt real bad.

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  My second Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Danny J. - July 23 - 1:33 pm

  My first Taurus was a 97 model. It currently has over 215k miles on it with no major issues and is still going strong(we did not trade it in). Thats the main reason we decided on the Taurus when it was time for another vehicle. We have only had it a few months but we are well pleased with the new design. Its comfortable on long trips even for my 6ft frame and is a pleasure to drive. The dual air, multi disk cd changer and other new amenities make road trips much more comfortable. The huge trunk also makes it easier to bring everything we need.

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  "A Real Treat" - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By A. J. S. - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Great looking Sport-truck, very solid and very well constructed. Soooo much fun to drive, and turns a lot of heads for a second look. The leather and Moon Roof are fantastic extras....

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  Very good\ - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By daniel - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has given me good times with the guys and an enjoyable time with my lady.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jessibarn - July 23 - 12:50 am

  Just bought my Escape a week ago and I LOVE it! Luckily it was well taken care of so Ive got no problems. Proz: Decent mpg for SUV, Looks sharp in/out, turns well, easy to manuever, and drives great. Cons: Sunroof slow to open now, set up of shifter, igniton, and windshield wipers is tricky. Needs rear air vents other than the floor. I moved from a Corolla and I feel safe and secure driving it. So far I am very happy.

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  Love the pony - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By mike - July 22 - 10:20 pm

  I love the look of this car. I was always a fan of them and finally purchased my first pony this year. The outside is awesome and the v6 engine is especially peppy being a 4.0. It is not great on gas, but I do average in the mid-20s on the highway. the interior is fairly cheezy. the glovebox is pretty small (my old Dodge neon had a larger and more functional glovebox) and the center console is also kind of impractical, but all around it is more of a sportcar than anything else, so it is nothing to really get picky over. also they used a lot more cheap plastic than i would of liked. all around, i would purchase it again, and love it tho

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  G.O.A.T - 2005 Ford F-150
  By JMcKnight - July 22 - 9:33 pm

  This truck is a joy to own. My previous vehicle is a 2000 Honda Civic, so you already know the difference. I have finally joined the Ford family along with my wife & in laws.