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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  Mixed Bag - 2007 Ford Edge
  By mooredc - September 10 - 3:14 pm

  The steering, acceleration and braking are quite smooth. But on (rare) occasions when I truly stomp on the gas, there is a loud clunk/jolt from under the hood. Comfortable leather seats. Poor center console - you have to remove the top tray to get to anything toward the bottom. The visibility out the back window is poor between the tint and the elevated head rests. We have the reverse sensor and that has been quite helpful. I am averaging 17.3 mpg which is pretty disappointing. The AC is weak for truly hot days. I have to keep the AC on the coldest setting, with the fan maxed out to keep from sweating. Great legroom. Suspension / road noise are both OK but not great.

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  Reminds me of... - 2012 Ford Focus
  By dq64 - September 10 - 5:45 am

  Ive only been driving my Focus about a week and half and that might be a bit too early for Edmunds wishes for the sake of this board, but I will check in here as I drive more. I just wanted to say that the last time I felt so "right" in a new car before my Focus was my 1988 Honda CRX Si. I remember the 1st week or two of that car was pure perfection. Ive had 4 new cars and 1 used since (Del Sol, Integra GSR, Subaru WRX, Mustang GT, 1998 Subaru Impreza) and none have felt as precise or pleasing as this. I just think its worth noting that I never thought Id find another car that felt as good as my CRX.

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  Very Fun, Great Buy - 2006 Ford Focus
  By TB765 - September 8 - 9:37 pm

  I bought my 06 Focus SE sedan brand new and the car has never disappointed. The engine is very peppy and have great all around pickup and performance and it makes a great sound. Gas mileage is alright. i get between 28-32 mpg in normal driving. This car is probably the best handling, most fun to drive small car on the market. You can throw the tightest bend at it and you can take it very fast, and with absolutely no drama at all. Yes, the a/c compressor shuts off during acceleration, but it turns right back on so i dont really mind. The only bad things about this car is the quality of the interior and it hydroplanes sometimes in heavy rain. The finish on the radio is coming off in places.

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  First 3000 mile review - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By WStaso - September 7 - 11:57 pm

  I traded my 04 Mustang GT in for this car (I needed a back seat) so I know power. The Taurus will accelerate decently if you put your foot down with force--but the mpg really suffers. The Limited series has a quality feel to the interior and the tech system is impressive, especially with the nav and synch. The exterior styling is less impressive, but I was after more space and the car delivers that well. Gas mileage is tricky. I was actually getting better mileage with my GT in town. On the highway I notice that if I drive steady at 70 mph I get about 22.5 mpg cruising at 65 I get about 24.5 and at 62 (tried today) I get about 26 mpg. Not sure what speed gets 30 mpg--55 maybe?

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  Not Bad - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By jman - September 7 - 6:38 pm

  Had the car for three years then started to have few problems like head gaskets, hinges for back window etc. and was not the car we had.

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  This pony is a gelding - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By isleofdogs - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I drove but didnt by the GT pony. Im 57" and found it to not have enough head room. The interior was very plain. My biggest problem though was the big drop in power when shifting into second gear. The car REALLY dropped out of its power band.

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  great package - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By prmonse - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I steped up from a Sports car, because I needded more space and comfort. I wasnt dissapointed, this vehicle is roomy comfortable, relatively quite on the road, inspite huge wheel package, easy to drive. New shape is very handsome, thats what attracted me in the first place, although interior on my XLT looks plain and a little plasticly. The XLT package is a very desiarable package, the wheels alone are worth it. The deal maker was the great ford price, I got mine out the door with the aftermentioned XLTpackage, leather seats, 6 CD 80 watts sound system for 29 thousand and change.

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  Not a Camaro - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By rayyanko - September 7 - 8:56 am

  This is my first Ford, I am a GM man. I wanted a sports car convertible, made in America. This was my only choice. I dont understand why Ford doesnt make Mustangs stock that is high performance. Yes you can purchase from Saleen, Rouch, etc, with all the goodies, why not from Ford, at least as options. I added a hurst shifter, chrome 20" wheels, side stripes, things to make it look better. I must admitt I do get a lot of "Nice Car" comments. Probably because I have over 100 coats of wax on it. Mine is a candy apple red. I do love the sound system, I wished they had a hood scoop on my car, even though it was a fake. It does look good. I purchased this car off the lot. My Camaro was fast

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  SVT Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Russell - September 7 - 7:10 am

  LOVE the car! My first Ford, and it surely wont be my last either!!

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  2007 Focus ST Sedan - 2007 Ford Focus
  By auto - September 5 - 5:53 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive, very quick at the start with a 2.3L Duratech 24. Tuned suspension system that keeps the body from rolling at high speed cornering. Great street appearance package that gets plenty of looks. Great trunk and back seat space in the sedan. Sweet looking interior complete with leather. Super nice Sony 6 disk sound system includes sub woofer in trunk. Love this car would recommend this car!