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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  Still Glad I own it - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TW - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 2004. Has custom steering wheel and faux wood dash from dealer. This SUV is great. Simple comfort and easy to drive. Much better handling once I got rid of the Contitrac tires that came OEM and upgraded to some excellent Goodyear Forteras. Only one maintenance problem with rear compressor which was ~$450 to replace. Only have 47,000 miles on the truck. I think this truck will last a long time.

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  The best Explorer to date - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, goes anywhere, tows great, good steering, nicely equipped, good price. Much better vehicle than my brothers Rav4. His Rav4 is only averaging 18.8 mpg (ads say 24 mpg they are full of it) I am averaging 17.3 mpg and I am in a larger more comfortable vehicle, My Explorer is more comfortable under all conditions. There is no situation where I would take his Rav over my Explorer. They are both 2010 vehicles and Exp ~ $27000 Rav4 ~ $24000. I know people will say compare it to a Highlander but why the Explorer is the same size for less money so why spend 30000 plus and get exactly the same size vehicle. At least for my 3000 over the Rav I got a larger vehicle.

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  The car that keeps on giving - 1994 Ford Escort
  By sfensler - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Just did a cross country IN to DC avg 35 mpg-200 lb luggage and 450 lb passengers. Even the newest cars dont get that good of mileage. Rides nice with GOOD tires. 5 speed manual make it fun. All interior and exterior mechanics still work. Made some of the repairs mentioned plus new fuel injectors. I keep working of the rust above the rear wheels so maybe I can keep this GOOD little car for a few more years. Added cruise control works as good as factory at a fraction of the price. Dont forget to downshift early on the hills.

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  Dont listen to the critics! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By LuvMyEscape - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. I have the XLT with V-6, and I average 28 mpg, but at the same time, when I need pick up or just want to have fun, this is a great vehicle to drive. The interior is comfortable and very quiet. I havent had any problems with braking distances. Frankly, Im not sure if the Edmunds reviewers drove the same car, or if someone was just having a bad day when they did the test drive.

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  Awesome Truck - 1993 Ford F-150
  By Good Driving Truck - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 93 f150 in 1997 with 40,000 miles, i now got 217,000 and still runs like new! This truck is very Reliable as long as you keep up to date and well maintained. For being an old hunk of truck, its a very nice ride (if you dont mind a little noise on the side) and hauls great. This truck has never let me down. Ive had a 07 Chevy 1500 and Ram 1500 (almost NEW work trucks) with less than 200 miles, both trannys blew at around 124- 135,000 miles, the rams engine even went at 150,000.("these trucks were just for driving state to state with little or no cargo") That leaves me to say that the 93 f150 is more reliable than most newer models trucks.

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  Tough little truck - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cindy williams - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Right now I have 202,000 miles on my 2001 Escape. I bought it used a year ago. It is a 4 cylinder stick shift. Fuel mileage is pretty good, ride and handling are good, and reliability is great. Plenty of interior room and comfortable. Handles well in snow and driving around the farm. I bought it as a work vehicle and it has been great. The engine is what I like best. This is the first stick shift I have owned and learning has been very easy. The engine has plenty of power, to my surprise it can actually burn rubber quite easily! The only times I have had trouble in the snow are when it needed new tires and when I try to start up too hard the front tires spin, but its fun.

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  Cheap transmission - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Fred - September 21 - 2:00 am

  2010 explorer 14,000 miles transmission seems to slip, i should have done more research before buying this car. I wanted to buy American but i should have bought foreign unfortunately.

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  BEST car Ford has ever made! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By mahroni - September 21 - 2:00 am

  The title speaks for itself. i love this car. I leased my 2011 edge sport last week. i have all the options on it except for rear seat DVD players. I love everything about it. I get stopped 2 or 3 times a day by other drivers asking about this car. i have had bmw, mercedes, infinit, audi, lexus. none of them compare to this car. go drive one and youll know what i am talking about.

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  Love this truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By harveyzoo - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2010 Platinum with all options except the tailgate step. Seats (front/back) are incredibly roomy. Good quality leather. Comfortable steering wheel. Sync is easy to use. MPG is BTA with around 18- 19 in SE Virginia. The worst has been 16.5. We drive very easy. Nice ride height. Excellent finish inside with no issues. With the 5.4 L mated to the 3.73 ratio, it has plenty of power for passing. I usually dont nail it off the line, I have my 2011 Mustang GT for that. Great family truck with good tow capacity for a 1/2 ton. Excellent visibility and the platinum finish is gorgeous. Pirelli tires look/handle great, although, Im sure they will be $$$ to replace. We like all the options.

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  Ambushed! Til $4K do us part. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By fivelks - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this unit in 04 lots of candy like the entertainment unit for our son just out of sixth grade at the time. My first minivan. Its been pretty solid up until this past August, when, like so many folks have written here, the thing simply collapsed. Wed loved the ride and the space not so bothered at having to move the bulky back bench, since Im a band director and it gave me room for tubas or drums when needed. Took it to the east coast several times. Did not expect all things to fold as they did this fall all so simultaneously! Disappointing. PRICEY. Head gasket, brakes, alternator (did myself), then a.c. this week. The distance tow plus the repairs: $4000. Tradin time!