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:

• 

  best car ever! - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By pespan1427 - May 13 - 1:16 am

  Its the most fun driving experience with plenty of v8 power. I cant believe its only 190 hp! Smooth driving, comfortable leather seats. I like how the dash board is all digital. Now I need to put a cd player that can match the green lighting. I bought it used with 84,000 miles. And its still smell new!

• 

  Great Choice - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By C25sailor - May 13 - 12:46 am

  After driving either a European sedan or SUV for 20 years, I decided to give the Freestyle a try. I got tired of wearing out a $40,000 dollar vehicle every 3 years and burning lots of gas doing it. After driving the Freestyle for 9 months -- Im amazed at how happy I am with it. Overall mileage at about 22mpg, comfortable and enjoyable to drive and ride, plenty of performance, (it isnt a sports car -- but has enough zip to do whatever you need) and more utility in a better package than any vehicle Ive owned or driven. I havent met an unsatisfied owner yet. Highly recommended.

• 

  Unhappy with interior redesign - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Carolyn Walker - May 12 - 2:47 am

  I drove a 2007 Ford Edge until I purchased my 2015 Ford Edge. Overall both have been great cars as far as fuel efficiency and smooth ride, however, I do have complaints about each. The 07 had very little range of motion for the AC vents, which could not be completely closed off and could not be directed off the passenger seat which meant traveling with my husband I had to keep a heavy blanket in the front seat as he likes the AC cold. The seats were not comfortable, especially the middle back seat; VERY hard. I couldnt wait to get my new Ford Edge and immediately, on the test drive, discovered that the seats were far more comfortable than the 07 and the AC vents had full range and could be closed off completely. Thank you Ford! Unfortunately for everything Ford fixed, I discovered other nuisance problems: 1)the storage in the door, where I keep my water bottle - because of the contoured design of the door handle, I cannot easily remove the water bottle without bumping into the contoured handle, causing the bottle to slip from my hands an spill on the floor, and I am a small person, with small hands; 2)the convenient tray in front of the gear stick in the 07, which was the perfect place for me to place items while driving to work (about 4 x 6 or so)- cell phone, vitamin container, office keys, is no longer there so NO place to set my stuff; 3) the center console and cup holders are now so far back that for a shorter person like me, I cannot grab a cup from the cupholder or open the console with my right hand as it is all set too far back. I have to reach over with my left hand while driving to pick anything up from the cupholders. En the 07 the cupholder was beside the gear stick, not behind it and the armrest was in a comfortable proximity to the seat; 4) the door handle, 07 design was a closed handle so if I wanted to drop a small item - paperclip, Tylenol, whatever, for ease in grabbing quickly - is open now so NO tiny, convenient little door storage. I realize all these may seem petty, but they made enough difference in my daily travel routine that I will NOT be purchasing another Ford Edge not do I plan to keep this one for any length of time!

• 

  Not a new car buyer!!! - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Brian Mace - May 11 - 11:15 pm

  I am not a new car buyer but in the case of zero interest for six years. Count me in!

• 

  MY STANG - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By stephen rader - May 11 - 8:50 pm

  I bought this car the first day middletown ford in ohio had one, and to date i am one of 3 in middletown to have a GT.(01-05-05) My car is #912, which is not bad since the first one available to the general public was #825. Ford employees and executives got those!! I LOVE MY 2005 MUSTANG!!!!!!!!!! Ford did a great job on this car. I cant go anywhere without people looking and pointing. If you like attention, its awesome for that too. It is one hell of a car for $28000.00. If i had a 5 car garage id buy 4 more!!!! My car is grey with black leather, perfect for racing stripes. Im adding a shaker hood, Roush side pipes, and flowmasters right now. When the snow melts, maybe i can drive it..

• 

  Good not great. - 2014 Ford Transit Connect
  By fredbt - May 11 - 4:08 pm

  Much nicer to drive than any other van Ive owned, good suspension, quiet and better gas mileage, though I only get 19 or 20 mpg. The latter probably because I carry about 500 pounds and most of my driving is in Los Angeles. I badly need a back up camera because the van has a ridiculous design flaw, the handle on the rear gate is level vertically with the rear bumper face so if there is an unseen wall or pole they both make contact at the same time. The bumper should stick out at least 2 inches more.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mitchr77 - May 11 - 6:20 am

  Very comfortable ride. Plenty of storage and front seat space.

• 

  My red rocket - 2002 Ford Focus
  By svtracer - May 11 - 2:20 am

  I love this car, it handles and drives like a true rally car. The seat heaters are awesome and great sound system - not too much bass but enough.

• 

  lemon - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Jimmy Dean - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Center console broke only after about a month, having problems with vehicle stalling, and having electrical problems!! I think I am done with ford, I have owned fords all my life and I think it is time to change. Do not buy this exloder.

• 

  Cant beat it for long trips.. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jeraa2t - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Have 7K miles on it, 4K in last two weeks from NE to FLA and back. Had luggage rack full of luggage, kids had back two rows, and we came back with a carrier on the hitch. Nice ride, ok mileage considering, added weight. Carrying stuff doesnt seem to effect it, even weight on the hitch. Used only 1/3 of a quart in 4K miles, oil stayed clean. Got 14.5-16 mpg @ 75 mph. A few panic stops were fast and straight. Min tire wear, some brake dust.