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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  Was Never A Focus Fan...Til Now :) - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jihavoh - August 27 - 5:08 am

  I was looking for a high mpg car to replace my Sonata because I drive so many miles annually, it makes a significant difference. I went to a Ford dealership to test drive a Fiesta which was underpowered and too cramped. The salesman suggested the Focus and I was sold in seconds. It was still a little more cramped than the Sonata (obviously), but it made up for it in in every other aspect.

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  Own two Crown Vics LX 2001 & 2008 - 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
  By J Coen - August 26 - 10:47 pm

  The Crown Victoria is an iconic car. For long road trips and four trips around town this car has no competition. The Crown Victoria handles like a dream, it accelerates quickly into merging traffic on the freeway, its a joy drive. It was a disappointment to see Ford just continue this car in 2011. I dont think that there will be another vehicle as reliable, as comfortable, or as cheap to operate As a Crown Victoria. There will be many on the road for the years to come because this powertrain has a long life. Parts are easy to obtain and repairs are relatively cheap and straightforward.

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  Really disappointed - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Barb Lovell - August 26 - 11:23 am

  SORRY I got it. Noisy, poor dash lights, minimal defrost and heating in north, faulty disc player, electric glitch (lost power steering 3 times), and mileage OVER ESTIMATED! At best I get 27 miles at 40 mph. Also because I wanted leather seats, I had to buy GPS which was not needed, It was part of the package offered.

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  HAPPY SURPRISE - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By HAPPY - August 25 - 6:13 pm

  After talking myself out of my 04 Lincoln LS and into a "gas friendly" vehicle, I have been happily surprised just how much I really like my new Fusion. It just sips fuel, regular at that. Smoother on the road than my Lincoln LS and surprisingly comfortable. Wind noise, forget it! Finally......... Good job Ford!

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  very thirsty, very very - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mcbrad - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I loved this SUV but I could not get any better than 12 MPG. I was not heavy on the foot. Highway / in-town, did not matter - extremly poor gas milage. I owned a 2001 Expedition XLT with the 4.6L and it did a whole lot better. I thought the 03 would come close, not even. The estimated MPG that Ford puts on the sticker is a LIE. I fortunately sold the SUV and did not lose much money. I will make it up with the difference in my Toyota Sienna - that I am waiting for. You do not have to wait for a Ford Expedition - I wonder why!!!

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  Great SUV at a nice price - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By J Bak - August 25 - 7:25 am

  3.5 L V-6 twin-turbo is awesome! The car hauls! Interior is very nice and quite. Smooth ride. Great for a long road trip. Lots of feature at a decent price. I would put up its features, performance, and price up against any foreign or domestic car/SUV. If you have not owned a domestic car before, give this one a try. You will love it...and have a lot of extra cash in your pocket I was a BMW guy for 25+ yrs . I owned a 328, M3, and X5. This is a great SUV. The Ford Explorer Platinum is really quick for a heavy SUV. Take a test and and you can decide.

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  My Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Kathy Payne - August 25 - 6:13 am

  We love the car; it not only drives wonderfully but is so comfortable. Even the kids and friends of it comment on what a great looking car it is. We compared it to many other cars and the options in the Five Hundred were so much more for the dollar also. We owned a Park Avenue 6 years ago and I compare it to the ride and comfort we had in our Park Avenue. Great Car!

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  SUV/TRUCK - All in one tight package - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By 914signs.com - August 24 - 10:26 pm

  The Ford Explorer SPORT TRAC is a great all around vehicle for the person that needs a pickup truck and a SUV. Versatilely is what you are going to get when you purchase this vehicle. Yes I know that there is a short bed that doesnt allow you to put a full 4" x 8 sheet of material in the bed. But there are ways to overcome such shortsightedness. Did you ever think of getting a small trailer to hook up to this baby? Youll be able to carry what ever a full size pickup carries without having to drive a full size pickup bed around town when its not needed. Can you use that full size pickup for work, play and as a family vehicle? I doubt it. The Sport Trac can be used for all the above

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  Great Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By david - August 24 - 1:40 pm

  Ive owned a lot of trucks, this one is the best. The interior is getting better with age! Wish Ford could make an F-150 that gets 30mpg. My stock would go up and 20,000 people could still have jobs. Ford, Its all about mileage to play in todays world.

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  Volvo XC90 at a Ford price - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dallas family - August 24 - 12:43 pm

  Looking for a family car to seat 7 - have 4 kids. Bought my wife a 2003 Suburban two years ago. Both thought that with this new vehicle purchase, having two cars in the family which can safely transport the entire family was important. Been driving my Freestyle for a week and happy with the purchase. The power issue is no issue. Don’t understand Edmund reviewers who write about a lack of power. It’s fast and capable of solid acceleration on the highway and city streets. Purchased no nonsense, no frills SE. All I really need in a car is for me and my family to feel safe, some A/C and power to get around in traffic – it has these things at a responsible price.