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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  great car to own - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Pjames - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for those who are considering a vehicle that offers allot of what camry and accord offer. IT has plenty of room, features and looks classy. you can get an SEL W/leather power seats, Woodgrain, Reverse sensing and a 6-disc CD changer w/ keyless entry for under $26,000.I like it

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  Retro Here We Come - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By cupkakes - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Mustang GT! The retro look is awsome! Even the interior is retro and make you really feel like you are in the 1960s This is my favorite Mustang since the 1971 Mark series. I was to young to buy one of those but I really liked that body style.

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  awsome - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ladybuggie91 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  looking at them not driving any

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  First Ford - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Ray Gasiorowski - April 7 - 10:33 am

  What a nice vehicle to choose for your first Ford. The Freestyle is a good handling vehicle, sturdy, quiet and has good performance. We found that the visibility while driving is excellent and the amount of head room is good especially when sitting in the rear area. The front driver & passenger area is a comfortable layout and controls are within reach. All seating in this vehicle are well designed and give max comfort while driving.

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  Should be Recalled - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Wendy - April 7 - 9:51 am

  My 2011 Ford Edge is serviced regularly, just before the 5 yr mark it broke down while driving. Found out that there was water in the engine oil and I need a whole new motor at a cost of $7K for a car that was under 5 years old. Because i drive my daughtet to her club soccer tournaments on weekends the mileage was over the warranty and thus Ford would not warrant the motor. A car this new should not require a new motor! Something is definitely wrong with Ford and now the back up camera is flipped upside when reversing.

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  I just LOVE my Explorer! Very Reliable! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Yvonne - April 7 - 5:09 am

  This SUV I got as a baby shower gift. I have owned it since Febrary of 2014 right before I had my daughter. It has never left us stranded anywhere. This SUV is like a tank seriously! The only thing we had to do with it was get the transmission rebuilt which cited us $1,975.00 but it was worth it. I plan on getting it fully restored when I get my settlement. Maintenance is easy , we have always kept up with oil changes etc. the original owner that bought it brand new always got all of its maintenance done at the ford dealer she got it at! It was all written down in the maintenance schedule book with the owners manual she kept. The original owner also kept the factory window sticker in the owners manual! Neat! My explorer costed $42,000 new! Wow back in 1998!

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  Initial impressions - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Richard - April 7 - 3:13 am

  The I4 is a little "raspy" on acceleration but not unduly so. Seems to have plenty of power even with four very good sized adults. Roomy and comfortable. The interior really seems exceptionally well thought out. The option did not include the automatic which we did get along with the leather seating which I highly recommend. We have dogs that shed. Seems to be quite roomy both in front and back and Im over 66" tall. At highway speeds normal conversations were highly understandable and I thought the handling was great. No complaints at all. Mileage right on the money at 28 mpg per the window sticker. Getting many compliments based on the light sage color. Styling is excellent.

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  Great car! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jmd - April 6 - 12:10 am

  Ive only had my 08 Hybrid Escape for 3 weeks but so far it has been great. Im getting better than average mileage and have no complaints. It is fun to drive and easy to manuever in DC traffic. I traded in an 06 Honda Odyssey due to terrible gas mileage. Nothing but positives so far.

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  Police Interceptor - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By T Morgan - April 5 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased my 97 Crown Vic Police Interceptor from an estate sale. It has 72,000 miles on it, never registered as a police car. It has all the heavy duty extras of a police car. On the road I get 24.5 MPG, great for a large car. I havent had any problems with it until recently. The intake manifold is plastic composite material. It cracked and the engine began leaking anti-freeze. Costs me $1100 to fix. This hasnt been a recall yet. I found out it is a common problem with Crown Vics and Mustangs of this era. Who would have thought Ford would have used plastic composite in a place engine heat is terrific. I could write a book about people who thinks Im a cop! They slow down.

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  Love My Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By FordLover - April 5 - 5:16 pm

  I was online as soon as I saw the first TV commercial for the Flex. Finally, they brought back the Luxury Wagon! This is not a mini-van. The owner reviews at Edmunds.com regarding the comfort, quiet, details etc. inspired a test drive and purchase. This is a wonderfully comfortable car! It is a luxury sedan with room in the back! It handles smoothly. I am impressed with everything Ford included in this package. For the past year, I had been feeling forced to look at different makes, models and styles that I didnt LOVE because it was time for a new car. So glad I held out. Love My Flex!