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:

• 

  found along the road dead - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Roland C Young - March 30 - 12:14 am

  WE were impressed the car until it had 1900 miles on it. The transmission started acting up then went out. The dealer said they would rebuild it but decided to install a new one in. Hope full after two week in the shop it will be ok. If I have any more trouble I will be going back to a GM I never had any problems with GM car or truck. I was a loyal GM employee for 42 years this was the first ford I ever bought. We liked the style an size of the ford edge that is why we bought it.

• 

  My 2nd Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Sandra - March 29 - 11:30 am

  I bought my first Sport Trac in 2001, and loved it. Sadly a drunk driver totaled her and I had to buy a new car. So naturally I bought another Sport Trac. This time I got the 2005 Sport Trac Adrenaline. Its great. Looks sharp, plenty of get up and go, and lots of room. I really like the automatic window in the back. And this time got the hard cover for the bed, as well as the "bush guard bars" for the front. My first Sport Trac was silver ... this one is black. I think that she would approve.

• 

  Im driving the inside I keep telling em - 2009 Ford Flex
  By toyisland8 - March 28 - 10:26 am

  So, I was sold on an Outlook or an Acadia, even though I get Ford discount through my dads retirement. Simply put I hated the way this car looked, a cross between a hearse and a bus. My husband insisted I at least look at it, and I admit the inside and its luxurious features got me to test drive... sold! Loaded to the gills at 450/mo for a 39mo lease - the Acadia was at least 75/mo more with less features. (retiree discount helped obviously) I cant get over how I love this car (on the inside and behind the wheel) the outside, not so much. I opted for the white platinum tricoat and really like that I dont have a different color roof! Love it inside, hate it outside - you must drive it!

• 

  Its a great car! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By bgkast - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I love it. The only problem I have had, (a faulty moon roof switch) was fixed by the dealer with no problem. Corners great and is a blast to drive! Two thumbs up!

• 

  Think Very Carefully Before You Buy! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By catskill - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Got a decent deal on the lease...leather, CD changer, etc. Car has decent highway ride and plenty of room. Mileage is only OK. Reliability has been good, with only a few fit-and- finish issues to speak of. The seats, on the other hand, are ABYSMAL. Neither my wife nor I can drive the car without leg pain, despite trying the full range of power seat arrangements. Also very difficult to get my toddler in and out of. I cant wait to give it back next July!

• 

  Reliability is poor - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By E Texas - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Performs well. Hauls family well. But the reliability is very poor. Had to have the front end rebuilt at 60K. Didnt even get it home from that trip when the transmission went out. Both items were covered under the extended warranty. If you are going to own one of these, the extended warranty is a must.

• 

  Finally Bought - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By kelbrit - March 28 - 10:00 am

  .I drove a Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Exployer. I thought the 2002 Ford Expolyer was superior to the others to driving, comfort and style.The standard 2002 Ford Exployer XLS comes with everything I need, (Except Auto Trans) At that time Ford had a $1500 rebate. I thought that was great until I visited a Ford Dealer in another town. They had a $2000 rebate. I went back to my orignal dealer. He met the rebate plus put is a CD player and mats. I paid cost less $2000, plus $190.00 in doc fees. I have 2500 miles on the Exployer.The new suspension on the 2002 is fantastic. Thanks Edmunds

• 

  This is a KEEPER - 2004 Ford F-150
  By CH - March 28 - 3:10 am

  I recommend the FX4 model, and the 18" wheels. This truck turns heads Big! The interior is great design. This is the 4th F150 (all different years) I have owned and they just keep getting better.

• 

  Love My Sport - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By Barbara Fulsom - March 28 - 2:09 am

  I love my Explorer Sport, we can carry up to 7 passengers and still have room to load stuff in it and on it. Love the technology and the AC, Fords have the best AC EVER!!!!

• 

  Nice looking, but dont expect great mileage. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By dougbratman - March 27 - 11:25 pm

  My 2013 Fusion Hybrid gets about 37 or 38 mpg on average; about 9 mpg less than the stated 47. Its not a lot different than my wifes non-hybrid 2013 Accord. And the price for this mileage is not much power. I brought it in for the "software update" but it did nothing to help. This is a $33,000 car! The car is attractive and comfortable, to be sure. The Sync system is not optimal. When I turn on the car the phone syncs, but I cannot use it for a full 5 minutes or it makes the call and the other person cant hear me. The Accord works right away. There are also times when, in order to disconnect from the call, I literally had to pull over and shut the car off. Talk about a hard reboot!