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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  Absolutely better than Prius - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Xueshu Song - March 25 - 2:50 am

  I have own two Toyota Prius cars since 2001 and 2005. Ford Fusion Hybrid is a much better value as it is larger, more conformable, and with more efficient hybrid system. It always starts its engine only after pulling out of the garage and you would never have to keep the garage door or window open to keep the air fresh inside.

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  very pleased - 2004 Ford Escape
  By scott rud - March 24 - 2:00 am

  i picked the escape due to deperate need. recent accident caused me to move quickly. i liked the price and look. it handles great. comfortable ride, i picked this over a car because of the higher profile and cargo area.

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  Better Reliability then any Toyota! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By LBISAILLON - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds - Lauds the Toyota Sequoia and states that they beat Ford and GM. Thats horse you know what. I had a 1997 Ford Expedition, Eddie Bauer model that I put 185K miles on and it was the best vehicle that I have ever owned period. Ive owned Toyota and Honda cars and thought they were unreliable. Dont believe Edmunds review about the Toyota Sequoia. Why would I pay more for a Japanese vehicle that you could not prove to me was more reliable.

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  Awsome Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dave C - March 24 - 2:00 am

  The interior has a lot of room. Even with the large console in the middle I have a lot of hip room. The leg room is awsome. The ride is ultra smooth. The only negative if nay is the gas milage is mid average, but with even the smaller v8 I have plenty of power. The cockpit is also very quiet, not a lot of road noise. One of the best vehicles by far I have ever owned.

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  Great Car for Young Retirees - 2007 Ford Edge
  By totat - March 23 - 4:06 pm

  My husband, 62" and I, 56" both love the comfortable ride. We looked at many crossovers and SUVs before going with the Edge. We did add most of the options including the Vista roof, towing package. We love the power adjustable front driver and passenger seats with the Plus package. Our son has a Honda Pilot and we thought that would be our buy, but the Edge is much sportier and has a quieter, smoother ride. The ground clearance is the same. We did our time with kids and vans so dont need or want the 7 passenger seating vs 5. We compared reviews and specs for the Honda Pilot, Honda CRV, Volvo CX 90, Toyota Highlander, Toyota RAV. Just ran 1600 miles to Las Vegas and back. Great!

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  hard seats - 2003 Ford Escape
  By tommy boy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I almost bought the Escape, but two things stopped me. 1. The front seats were as hard as a rock. VERY uncomfortable, like sitting on a wooden bench. Too bad, I really liked the way it drove and handled, it is also very sharp looking. Ford needs to redesign the front seating. 2. Great deals on Explorers right now, I am getting an Explorer (full size) for less than the Escape or Explorer Sport (which I drive now). Tommy Boy

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  Dont buy this car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Puddgomez - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Focus LX for only a short time and the clutch has already gone out six times. The rear defrost refuses to work and the brakes are crappy at best. I dont think Im buying American cars anymore.

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  King of the Road - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By chris523 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. The Mach stereo system is probably one of the best.

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  Small vehicle that offers A LOT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus090 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Everything from the sport bucket seats to the sport wheels and 6 disc in dash cd changer make this car worth every penny. it is a great little ride, my second Focus, had a regular sedan first, now have the 4 door with the hatch. its quick, sharp looking, reliable, and overall is a great package!

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  Dont Buy!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Not Happy Either - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Have been in the shop since purchased vehicle!!!! One thing after the other and Ford is no help at all. Trading in this car next week!!