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 feelings. - 2007 Ford Edge
  By First Time Buyer - July 28 - 1:57 pm

  Went from midsize car (Chrysler) to the Edge. First impressed with build quality and design. Over time, still not comfortable with the ride height, Ford Flex looks better. Seats are not as comfortable as when first driven. The driver seat adjustment controls leave a lot be desired. The blind spot due to A-Pillar and mirror combination are daunting. Backup warning system is a must when trying to navigate through small dark,rear window. Overall height makes loading the cargo area harder since items need to be lifter higher. Engine is strong, maybe too strong as experienced at full throttle, torque steer is hard to fight. Gas mileage range is 20 city & 26 highway, very good for the size.

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  Still Not Up To Par Vs. Japanese - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Freeagent35 - July 28 - 9:30 am

  This is a fleet vehicle supplied by my company. I drive it regularly, a mix of highway and city miles. Though a definite improvement from the Taurus, still not up to the level of quality of the better Japanese cars. Examples: (1) Hood has to be slammed to close. Dont have to do this if build quality and clearance is correct, but I have to slam the hood hard or it wont latch. Unacceptable. (2) Grinding and creaking noises in steering/suspension. This began shortly after purchase, in cold temps. Now happens regularly. Im sick of buying imports but will have to until Detroit makes quality their number one goal. I likely would not buy one; if so, only if it was really cheap.

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  On the road with my Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By papadlh - July 28 - 6:19 am

  I purchased my 05 Explorer used with 32,000 miles. Today I have 93,000 and have had only a couple minor problems. A CD was stuck once but after a restart it came right out. The AC/heat blows in on my leg and should be moved to a different location. The fuel mileage is almost 20 MPG with about 800 LBS of gear and an overhead rack. It is a Flex-fuel vehicle but does not perform as well on E-10. The AdvanceTrac is instantly responsive and would buy another just for this feature alone.

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  My Focus... - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Candra - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Focus since October 2000. It gets good fuel mileage and if you take good care of your car, it will take good care of you.

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  Good car for a good price - 2000 Ford Focus
  By dlm04 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I got this car with 165,000miles on it only because it was a really good deal. I have only put on about 4,000 since i got it but nothing has gone wrong yet. There is the burning smell that comes from the engine, like oil or something. Its a great car but its not to dependable in the snow, but since its light its easy to push out.

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  Life saver - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By The Blue Beast - July 27 - 10:11 pm

  I had a 92 Bronco that was involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver in a 67 Ford LTD. He didnt make it. Anyway, I bought a new 1995 Bronco and am still driving it today. I must add there were a few issues in the beginning. 6 transfer cases, 6 transmissions, 6 drive shafts later, no more issues. I installed a 4" Rancho suspension lift, 33" BFG tires, Bassani headers, Auburn limited slip, and 4.11 gears. The truck still runs strong and I would it sell it for any amount.

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  2002 focus x5 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By rockinit - July 27 - 10:00 am

  this is a new car, have had it a couple weeks, and find it to be a very good driver, fun,even. Instrument placement is good, stereo w/6cd a no charge bonus. My only negative comment, and caveat to future buyers, is to check the upholstery for bad seam work. Day two, I noticed that the upper back seat back, had a 3 inch defect in the upper corner seaming, i could place three fingers in the hole, so beware of the stitch work. Personally i didnt sign off on the purchase order until the dealer orderred a new seat cover for the rear upper seat. This they did reluctantly, hopefully thats the only gremlin to be found.We like the car very much!

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  98_Exp - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Great 98 EB - July 26 - 3:51 pm

  I purchased this in 2005 with 134,000 miles on it. I now have 299,200 miles on it now. The usual things replaced on a 5.4 like COPs starter, alternator and shift activator. Body and interior in top condition. It hasnt spit any plugs out as Ive heard on other cases. Its a 98 EB Pacific Green with tan interior. I put a satellite radio in it, custom grill and grill in the bumper. custom 17 inch wheels. I believe this is one vehicle that was built on a good day. No one believes it has that many miles on it. I own other vehicles, but this is one I drive the most.

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  I love this car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Karla in PA - July 24 - 5:37 pm

  I bought this car as a high school junior because I needed my own transportation to work. I had limited funds and the Escort seemed just perfect at $750. I have had the car for almost 1.5 years now and I have not been disappointed at all. This car is small and cute. I get wonderful gas mileage (~29/35) and theres little maintenance. My friends are all jealous of my car! It has almost 100,000 (or 200,000 I cant tell because of the 6 digit odometer) and still runs better than my fathers 05 Pontiac. The only problem is that the A/C doesnt run very cold, but hey, at least it runs. I would recommend this car to anyone. It runs like new and will never leave you stranded. Surely a great buy!

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  Love it with reservations - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Cubby - July 24 - 4:05 pm

  Theres a mystery clunk in the front end that occurs on almost all Edges the dealer tests - no fix for it yet. Vehicle rattles much more than I expected - on cracked and seamy pavement, over RR tracks - mostly the doors moving around. Worlds most illegible instruments. Ford should have used the Fusions instrument faces. Love the power train its more manipulable than youd think. Love the seats. Love the quiet 1400 rpm at 62 mph! Over 13 years Ive found my small-town Ford dealer to be excellent so good I drive there (about 30 miles) for oil changes! Mine is front-wheel drive. With the right snow tires (Yokohamas)its more than adequate, saves close to $2000 and improves mileage.