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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  Multiple Problems - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By minivanmom - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 04 freestar used in Oct 09 with 54k miles. Within 3 weeks of having it, the traction control light went on -- it goes on and off at will, mostly it is on all the time. This last summer, the AC went out. Had to get a new AC compressor for $600 dollars ... it was changed and the AC only worked in the front of the van, just blew hot air in the back. Mechanic tried to find the problem and changed the orifice tube, which was full of debris ... still no ac in the back. He said that there is likely debris throughout the entire system and would need an entire overhaul to repair the ac in the back. This weekend the transmission failed and it will cost $2500 to repair. DO NOT BUY ONE

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  Very nice car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Richard - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Roomy, comfortable, plenty of power with good fuel economy, and nicely styled. Im a happy owner. By todays standards it doesnt have all the bells and whistles (GPS, Sync, etc.) but still a very nice car with a very reasonable price.

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  5 Things I Love & Hate About This Car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Caleb - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I Love: 1. The Gas Mileage (29 city/ 38 highway) 2. The Price ($19,000 with all packages) 3. The Features (heated seats, interior lighting, Sirius xm, push-to-start ignition, hands-free phone mode, temperature control, leather covered steering wheel, etc.) 4. The design (lights, body, interior are all stylish, no road noise) 5. The stock security system I Hate: 1. That there are no stock arm rests 2. There are very limited Sedan models out on the market 3. how the stock shifting knob is plastic 4. The hands-free device doesnt always recognize the voice commands you give it 5. the stock seats have a weird design printed on them.

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  Nice Ride @ 5200 miles - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Toy Truck 1 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Needed a truck as the SUV wasnt up to the task of safely towing our 3300 lb. Hi-Lo. Drove GMC/Chevy, Dodge and Ford. Things that stood out in the Ford were great build quality, ride and interior design. Very quiet at speed and great brakes. 6 speed auto and the small 4.6 3 valve V-8 are economical too. That excluded the Dodge as gas mileage suffers with a 5 speed. Resale with Dodge is also poor. Have had Dodges in the past and liked them, but they need to come up a bit to compete. The GM brands were noisier on the highway and interior materials/plastics were just not befitting a $37k vehicle. That left the Ford as the clear choice. Im very happy with it.

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  Awesome - 2001 Ford Escape
  By BC Prosser - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Owned this escape since 2001 when it had 0 miles. It now has 235,000 and is still going. Never had any problems, original engine, transmission, clutch, and everything. New front struts/tie rods and brakes at 190k. Replaced the in-dash stereo, but left the speakers, they sound as good as the Bose speakers in our 2007 yukon denali. Vehicle drives great in all conditions, and still looks like new when its clean. The Escape has never let me down, and i hope to rely on it for years to come.

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  Pretty Car, unreliable & poorly built - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jim from Houston - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new 2010 Fusion SEL in May 2009. Four cylinder provided adequate acceleration & excellent MPG. I was impressed by the quiet interior & smooth shifts. What a diff a year makes - now the engine sounds like a dying sewing machine and the tranny either revs to the red-line before a rubbery downshift OR it bangs out harsh clunky shifts). This is after the "transmission recall repair" The dealer claims this is normal for the car however it certainly wasnt the norm at time of purchase. Additional problems have included faulty airbag sensors, faulty seat belt sensors, faulty starter, the list goes on. 6th new Ford in 13 yrs sadly its prob my last. Avoid this model.

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  The Best All Around Vehicle! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Mike - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Wow am I impressed with ford. I have owned just about every manufacture except for a Ford and man am I glad I tried one. I always thought European cars were the way to go because of quality, price, looks, performance, etc., but that is no longer the case. I researched this car along with ALL of its competitors and liked what I read. I test drove my aunts 2011 Ford Limited and decided I had to have one. I went with the Sport, and got Tuxedo Black and wow does this thing look awesome. There is no other crossover that draws this much attention under $50,000 out there. When parked next to a BMW or Audi crossover, the ford makes the other two just seem cheap.

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  Great Car - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Jim - October 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! Researched all the mid size cars and chose the Fusion. Glad I did. Always have been a GM man but this car just is better than the Malibu.

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  The other lawrence - 2007 Ford Focus
  By lawrence - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I own 2 foci a 2000 with 192,856 zx3& a 2004 wagon 116,743 both autos still on original engines and transmissions no major repairs I have used them both for a while as delivery cars the wagon could carry more. 35 mpg highway to the other Lawrence could it be how you drive but you did not spec your mileage except it was high. Wish you well in getting it sorted I am still waiting for the Focus rs 302 hp as usual the Europeans still get the better Focus. yours, the Lawrence

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  2010 Edge Review - 2010 Ford Edge
  By S. W. Enman - October 23 - 2:00 am

  We traded a 2005 Ford Explorer for the Edge. Big difference in vehicles. The transmission in our Edge shifts smoothly most of the time. However, as noted in Edmunds review it is reluctant to shift going up hills. More concerning is the lurching it sometimes does when stopped at an intersection. Has anyone else experienced this? It actually startles us when it happens. Otherwise it performs ok.