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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  Fun and Not Boring! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Scott D. - June 11 - 10:10 pm

  We wanted to replace our minivan and still needed to seat at least 6. I looked at this car and many others and kept coming back to the Flex. It grows on you quickly. Two months later and 5,000 miles already - I love it. I have had at least 6 strangers stop and look and ask me about it. Never had that happen with any other new car! I like that it is different than the usual common, boring SUVs, crossovers, and sedans. Tons of interior room for family. I am 6-5" and this is the only car I have owned where the drivers seat is not all the way back. The boxy style helps with the engine compartment and the maintenance points (oil, battery, filters) are easily accessible.

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  The Ultimate Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By wolverine - June 11 - 5:30 pm

  This is my third Mustang (84 GT, 90 GT convertible) and this is, without question, the quintessential Pony Car. At 47, I was ready to settle down and purchase an Accord or Toyota. Glad I didnt. You cant get more bang for your buck. And if you dont drive like a madman, you can get decent gas mileage (Im currently averaging 20.6 mpg - city and highway). Ford, you hit this one outta the park!

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  GREAT TO DRIVE - 2004 Ford Escape
  By DAVID MACDONALD - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The Ford escape is an excellent vehicle for all around driving. Love It.

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  Excellent - 2003 Ford Escape
  By taurusescape - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Feels great when driving it. The passengers feel good even in the back seats.

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  GM convert - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By scratch_golfer_la - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After numerous repairs (all warranty) to our driveline, we finally bit the depreciation bullet and traded in our 2000 Yukon SLE. Generous Ford rebate softened the blow. Very pleased with the first year of ownership--quality, fit, finish & NVH are all excellent, contradicting what the automotive press says.

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  Great Buy - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Brenda Jolly - June 11 - 12:16 am

  I bought this in April of 09 and waited to write this review, because I wanted to see if my delight in this car would hold--it has. So far, Ive gotten 26 mpgs but its still adjusting. I saw where Edmunds said getting the rear seat down was difficult -not so- lift a handle and down it folds. Im loving the Siris radio that comes free for 6 months. I will subscribe when it runs out. The fit of the car is great. My husband loves it too. I bought this car because when I researched cars on Edmnds, the people who had bought this car gave it such high marks. They were right. No complaints at all.

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  Over 100,000 and going strong!! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Glen - June 10 - 10:18 pm

  My X just went over 100 Grand and is still going strong! We,ve been all over the US, East Coast, West Coast, Both Disneys, Etc. The Best Truck Ive ever owned. Power, Big and Dependable. After 9 years and five adopted kids, I plan to drive her til the axles fall off. Best thing is NOW shes paid for, Yea!

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  1st time buying a new car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mike - June 10 - 9:58 pm

  This was our first family new car, ever. We looked at a bunch of models with similar features but Ford turned out to best suit our needs and budget. The salesman was great which was a huge added bonus. We opted for the SEL with AWD, DVD, Sync, and Lighting and Convienience package. Havent done much with the sync but the bluetooth feature was easy to set up and calls on the cell were easy and clear. I would agree the headrest angle is a bit much and having a telescopic wheel would be nice, however with so many adjustments to seating this is easily overcome. It drives like its on rails, and very smooth and quiet with enough feel of the road to help the driver. Very first class feel.

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  Awesome F-150 SuperCrew Lariat - 2009 Ford F-150
  By dironk - June 10 - 9:01 pm

  WOW, I thought my 2005 SuperCrew drove and rode nice, this truck is awesome. The 5.4L has plenty of power and gets good gas mileage, averaging 19.2. It is so quiet and has so many great features and ideas encompassed in it, like the improved tilt wheel(my 2005 tilt was the pits with that bulky handle underneath the column), the improved tailgate extender that separates, microsoft sync, the compartment to the right of the steering wheel my Blackberry fits perfectly in, the size of the interior( I think you could sleep two back there comfortably), the sony stereo, it is just a greatly improved truck. Ford really out did themselves on this truck.

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  Best decision Ive made in a while - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Laurabel - June 10 - 6:55 pm

  I purchased my Focus in June of 08, after driving a gas guzzling minivan for 5 years. After looking at Toyotas, Hondas, Chevys and Mazdas, the Focus was just the best idea for cost and reliability. Im at 17,500 miles and have no issues. The gas mileage got up to 41mpg highway, but also as low as 27mpg city. Being a musician and a sort of music junkie, its just amazing how seamlessly my Zune works with Sync. Its a good looking car with lots of options and features it just gets you where you need to go - in style.