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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  Wow, a taurus did that? - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Brent - September 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Ford I have ever bought. Truth be told, the only reason why I bought it was I got a good deal. I have it up to 165,000 miles now, and I have only replaced the alternator, tires, all brakes, and the radiator. Previous owner must of had a wreck, the radiator was damaged from an unknown accident. I dont count that against the Taurus though. I average 30-32 MPG! I drive 150 miles round trip everyday, all highway miles. It rides smooth with newer tires, and is somewhat comfortable. All in all, I think its an ugly car with a bland interior, but for 6500 bucks, I have driven the car 100,000 miles. I find that much more sexy than a loaded sports car.

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  After One Year of Ownership - 2009 Ford Escape
  By mjm87 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2009 Ford Escape XLT AWD in June of 2009. Ever since then, I have enjoyed every minute being in my Escape. The visibility of the Escape is excellent, the 4 cylinder engine puts out plenty of horsepower to get you where you need to go, the 6-speed transmission shifts smoothly, it is easy to park, and has some of the best technology compared to any vehicle on the road. It has been to dealership once for a PCM flash for the transmissions occasional hard shifting from drive to reverse. That problem has gone away and the vehicle shifts much better than before. The SYNC system is outstanding and I personally find the AC unit to be one of the best I have ever experienced. Great buy

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  A lot of car for a little $ - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Polyak - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2010 Focus S, 5 speed manual trans. The car is comfortable, it handles securely, fuel mpg so far is averaging 29.1 mpg in a mix of driving, about 50/50 city highway, it keeps going up the more I drive it. It shifts smoothly and the engine has a nice sound when revved. For $12,894 there was nothing even close to it. Honda fit looks like a small clown car for $18- 21k, no thanks. My car seats 4 very comfortably, 5 in a pinch. The trunk is huge. Standard PL,AC,CD,traction control and stability control and keyless entry even on the base S model, all STANDARD. And best of all its American and Ford didnt take the govt extortion $. Looks great in Sangria red. Im pleased for what I paid

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  Very useful little suv - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Bob - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I have 42,000 miles and no problems except for the trans leak recall. I do mixed driving and average 21 mpg with the 3 liter v/6. Twice a year I tow about 3000 lbs of boat, and trailor. The 3500 lbs tow rating is maxed. The newer 3.5 v/6 may tow better, due to more power. I do like the vehicle.

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  Fun, Fit and Finish - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Russ M. - September 29 - 2:00 am

  We have now had our new Fiesta SES hatchback for about a month, and put about a thousand miles on it. We have the Powershift 6-spd automatic (not listed as an option the Edmunds review?) The car is fun to drive, has good handling, adequate power, and great gas mileage. It looks great, and it has been perfect so far. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small, fun, economical car - its not an econobox - its a great car that happens to be efficient.

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  Finally Took the Plunge! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Maxine - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Originally interested in the Mazda 2 and the Honda Fit. Although the Fit was impressive with its huge cargo space, the ride proved tinny and the vehicle offered no pickup. The Mazda 2 gave us better pickup, but the ride was noisy and bumpy on the side roads we drove on. At the last minute, we made the decision to check out the Fiesta and it was love at first sight. It looks like a "sportsover" - the look of a sports car from the front and the look of a miniature crossover from the rear. The drive is quiet and the car takes all the turns well. As far as the mileage goes, weve had the car for about two weeks and are still on the same tank of gas. Interior is impressive as well as roomy.

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  My 1st truck, Love it! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By ERS - September 28 - 2:00 am

  i am a big ford fan, but i wanted fuel economy and some power and reliability! This truck has towed and pushed 2 trucks already, with no problem, good power for a 4 cylinder. Just wish it was 4x4 with a 4.0 and a 5 speed

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  Still The Best Deal on the Lot - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By flin1 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my SE for a year or so now and its still the best value of any used car I found. Its funny that the editors or Edmunds rate this car low cause it doesnt handle like a BMW or Acura but it starts, gets pretty good mileage, has pretty good acceleration, has a lot of room, good safety rating, kinda cool looking, American made, cheap parts that are easy to find, good visibility and head room, comfortable on the road. Sure its not exciting or flashy but its very easy to live with and does its job very well. Remember your last high school reunion when you saw that girl you had a crush on and she was fat and divorced three times? SE is that smart plain girl you married.

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  Happy senior - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Ford Flex - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Econobost is strong and coupled with the 20 inch wheels, drives like its on tracks. Gives driver a complete feeling of confidence and in-control.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Since buying the truck, I have recorded every gas purchase into an excel spreadsheet. Recording price per gallon, gallons purchased, cost, date of transaction, transaction number, etc. Then calcing mileage of last tank of gas & over all mileage. My overall mileage is very slightly over 16 MPG. I do not drive the vehicle hard and my driving is a mix of highway & city. When I have driven a full tank of almost all highway I only got 15.871 MPG.