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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  Edmunds reviewer is batty - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By james burkes - May 13 - 11:55 am

  Im commenting to mostly straighten out a misconception. The Freestyle is not slow, with a bad motor. It is fast, with a proven reliable motor. Edmunds review of the same year Chrysler Pacifica says "Acceleration is a little soft from a standstill, but once the 3.5-liter V6 gets its wind, the vehicle moves out quickly." "Moves out quickly"?!?! The Freestyle beats this car in acceleration, yet the Edmunds review of the FS says that its major downfall is power. If you press the gas all the way down on this car, hang on! I dont have to do that hardly ever, as the power is fine for anyone not used to driving muscle cars. Get real edmunds.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mi70 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great Suv I have had no issues and I am very happy with the Explorer.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By nymets78 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my explorer for all the great features including the 4WD, third row seat, dual climate control. The towing package is great as well and it tows very well.

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  Great Investment So Far - 2009 Ford Escape
  By pbnbcr - May 13 - 9:24 am

  My family spent about a month and a half trying to find the best vehicle to accomodate our needs and I believe we made a great choice. We needed something with more room for a family but also a vehicle that sipped gas. We knew with an SUV that we would have to sacrifice mileage. I figured it would average 24 mpg but I have been pleasantly suprised. After 3800 miles I have consistently improved mileage each tank, going from 26.7 up to 29.13. For a non-hybrid SUV, I consider this excellent. -Smooth shifting transmission, quiet engine, great cargo space (boxy design helps), good visibility, center console is HUGE, smooth ride, great leg room. For a base XLS with AUTO and SYNC, nice features.

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  A Very Smart SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Dusibello - May 12 - 10:25 pm

  Have owned this vehicle less than a week. My girlfriend makes fun of me because I refer to it as a lovely and smart vehicle. I sometimes kick the brake release lever when I am looking to press down the emergency brake pedal, and I wish you could pop the rear hatch from inside the vehicle, and yes, folding down the rear seats is a piece of work, but other than those quibbles it is a love affair. Extra nice ride. Terrific interior. All around a winning small SUV. And despite misgivings about having Microsoft be a part of my vehicle, the SYNC system is great stuff.

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  Love It - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Rock Solid - May 12 - 9:35 pm

  After 3 years and 18000 mostly city miles, the car is virtually unchanged from the day it was new. No rattles, no fading, no visible wear. The car has tight handling, has the feel and build quality of a luxury car, and has an excellent 5 speed transmission. The car has been absolutely problem free - just gas and regular oil changes. I would be another one just like it without hesitation and recommend it to others.

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  Proud Ranger Owner Again - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Jay - May 12 - 9:16 pm

  I had a 93 Ranger before this one, and been super pleased with it. I havent had a Ranger for 12 years, it was time to have one again since we brought the house. The newer Ranger has more leg room than my 93 I used to have, and this time, I got the basic XL package, since we have a nice car for our long road trip. Where my old 93 was the XLT (full package), and I was single at the time. I am some disapointed with the louder cab noise than my old 93 XLT, but its not the end of the world. Over all MPG, Im pleased with the MPG I gotten on it.. On my first tank, I got 24mpg, I am near the ned of my second tank of gas, and I am around 28mpg as of now.

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  Fun Commutor - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Kory - May 12 - 9:03 pm

  I purchased my Mustang used with 48,000 miles on it 4 years ago. I drive just under 100 miles a day back and forth to work and it now has over 120,000 miles on it. This car has been incredibly reliable and has had no major issues (at all). I have done the recommended maintenance since i have purchased it. The peppy V6 is fun to drive while still getting an average of 26-27 MPG (highway and around town). I have the premium model with the upgraded stereo, which is great. The only thing I dont care for is the Bluetooth system. Many times the system wont connect to my phone (Ive had different phones with the same issue). Usually i have to turn the car off and restart it to get it connect. Also, when driving down the freeway at 70 MPH it is hard to hear someone while talking on the phone with the blue tooth system. Many time i need to put on my headphones. Also, the rear seats have just about zero room, but it is a mustang and you dont buy one of these for the back seat leg room. Other than that, It is a great car! I would recommend this car for anyone looking for something fun too drive.

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  Platinum Review - Best Truck, Period.. - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Scott K - May 12 - 8:37 pm

  Traded a Chevy for a new Ford. This has the luxury for the needed night out and the toughness expected. The SYNC is great. I love the truck. My only problem, so does my wife...

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  still going - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By artifishal bait - May 12 - 1:26 pm

  it is the best truck i owned and would recommend it to beginner drivers. i own the 5 speed 3.0L 4 cylinder with 176000 miles and it is flippin awesome to drive and drives like a cadilac