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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  The Cutting Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Jeannie Osborne - August 30 - 4:53 pm

  We just love this car in every way. It is so comfortable to drive and responds amazingly well! Just to shut the solid doors is a treat. It just feels so stable and well built! We trade in a Lexus IS250 for the Edge because we needed more room and we are not sorry!

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  I absolutely love this car! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Rob, Long Island, NY - August 30 - 12:53 pm

  The new styling is perfect. This car (triple black) gets stares and comments almost every time I drive it. Its comfortable, extremely hot looking, fast, nimble, and the sound from the pipes is music. Build quality is fine, price is reasonable, and I fit my whole family in it. What else can you ask for? I could only rate fun to drive a max of 10, but I would have given it a 15. There are many accessories out there to personalize it and further improve performance so itll never get old. The premium fuel is worth the extra cost. Glad I didnt wait for the 2011. The 4.6 is plenty powerful and a tried and true performer, while the 5.0 needs a few years of reliability history under its belt.

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  One COOL ride! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By C G Moore II - August 30 - 12:21 am

  I waited till just the right time to buy my Escape, best deal I ever made. I am a college sports official and I use it to get around town and to drive to and from events. Space, comfort, ride and looks are just a few of the things that make this vehicle outstanding. I can take just about anything in the cargo and extended area with the back seats down. Plus, I can tow my motorcycle, boat of loaded trailer with no issue at all. I comment FORD for making such a GREAT little SUV.

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  Fix or Repair Daily - 2009 Ford Edge
  By kimberly flynn - August 29 - 9:06 pm

  I have had nothing but problems w/my edge! I had all my wheels replaced w/in the first 9mos of having it, speakers went out, electrical problems, vent broke, ignition replaced, and now my rear differential it being replaced! I am fed up w/this vehicle and for some reason its not a lemon by my states law! I am upset w/Ford Motor Company and my dealer that I bought from! Im stuck in the middle of a terrible situation! Plus, My car has been in the Service shop 13 times equaling me to be their a total of 26 times! Tired of my car and I am really disappointed in this Ford that I have 2 fix on a regular basis! I truly dislike my days off now because I spend it in a waiting room for my car.

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  Uncertain if this was a good purchase... - 2010 Ford Escape
  By River - August 29 - 4:19 pm

  I bought it during employee pricing-so cheapest on market at time. I traded in my 07 V6 mustang- & I miss the power. Thought fuel efficiency would make up for it- but theres hardly a difference -engine has to rev harder to perform and eats up fuel to do it. And Braking is a joke! I braked suddenly in a parking lot & felt the vehicle skip before halting. It doesnt feel very safe to me! Interior looks alright, but not nearly so stylish as other SUVs. And a/c vents take a lot of fussing to re-adjust with 2 separate handles for each one. Storage area is good- but back seats are awkward to bring down. If Id had more $$ I wouldve chosen a Kia Sorento.

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  Awesome Drive and comfortable - 2011 Ford Edge
  By roushpolice - August 29 - 12:47 am

  I love the vehicle. We have all the bells and whistles besides the panoramic roof. It drives very good, usually when you get a new car no matter what it is, you have to get used to it, but I was used to its handling after 10 miles of driving it.

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  2007 Ford Edge Pros & Cons - 2007 Ford Edge
  By joeohio - August 28 - 10:31 pm

  I purchased this car with 25,000 miles from a GM dealership. I enjoy driving the car and like its looks. Very roomy inside for front and rear occupants and I am a big guy. Storage area behind the second row seats is somewhat small, probably because I had a minivan before. I have had to have the left rear wheel hub/bearing and the right front bearing replaced. An occasional hesitation has developed when climbing gradual grades at a constant speed. I thought this was related to the front wheel bearing because it stopped for a few weeks after having the bad front bearing replaced. It has now returned. I dont think it is an engine problem, more likely tranny or drivetrain. 55K miles now

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  What an awesome machine! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By debi - August 28 - 9:19 pm

  i special ordered a candy red metallic v8 6 on the floor and it has surpassed my expectations by miles. shifting is smooth and tight, you can feel the power wanting to get out. saddle interior is so fine, seats are comfortable and intimate. glass roof lets light in without the wind. interior ambient lighting is fun and sets it off from the others. sync/navigation is a must! steering is easy and hugs the road. ford has done a wonderful job, i love my car!

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  What a dud - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Zac - August 28 - 7:59 pm

  I bought this car as my first car about 3 and a half years ago. As soon as I finished paying it off, it started having one major problem after another. I liked driving the car while it worked, but all too often it didnt. I have only put ~16k miles on it since January 07 and Ive had 3 major breakdowns with it. Kept regular maintenance on it, the car was just a dud. I wouldnt even recommend this car to my enemies, Im not that cruel.

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  Tank - 1997 Ford F-350
  By derelict - August 28 - 7:07 pm

  Great truck that does everything I want. You dont buy a 1-ton for comfort and fuel economy - you buy it to work. This truck has been driven hard without a whimper. Perhaps the best looking OEM PU ever. As with all Ford trucks of that body style, fuel pumps and power steering pump are poorly designed. Doesnt seem to have the power a 460 should have, but it does have oversize tires and has lived a rough life of driving into trees, pulling trees, and being covered in mud.