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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  great car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By EWILL - June 13 - 4:18 am

  I have loved and owned Mustangs all my life. I have had a 97 and 96 GT convertible. Out of all the cars I have driven these were overall very good automobiles. Yes they are going to have a few problems. They seem to not have very good radiators because they tend to overheat some. Other than that Mustangs have overall been pretty good. Most that have problems with them is because the previous owner has mistreated the car they are mostly well built cars

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  Hbrid Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By anthony santoro - June 13 - 12:03 am

  Overall good buy. 4 cylinder hybrid is very sluggish on start ups. Other than that, so far, no problems.

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  6 day Edge Titanium Rental - 2016 Ford Edge
  By KCM - June 12 - 6:18 am

  I just finished a six day rental of a 16 Ford Edge Titanium with the Ecoboost 2.0 4 engine, driving it from south Florida to northern Georgia (mountains), down through the west Georgia boonies where The Walking Dead is filmed, then back south. It averaged 28 - 29 mpg on the open (highway/interstate) road, 22 mpg in town per the fuel economy computer. Not bad - gas mileage is better than a 2013 Toyota Highlander that I drove for awhile. The performance of the Ecoboost 4 engine is pretty impressive, considering the weight of the Edge (4000+ lbs) vs the small size of the 2.0 liter engine, and it does move it along pretty well. However, if youve carrying a load of people & luggage in a hilly area, you’ll sometimes wish you had another 15 ponies and 20 pound/feet of torque on tap. With a full load, this engine in this vehicle gets the job done, but you won’t have a lot of reserve power to spare. To be fair, compared to the POS 14 Ford Edge rental I drove two years ago that had a brutally punishing and miserable ride, the 16 Edge is a big overall improvement from their new Sync 3 system (great!) to the relatively improved ride, seat comfort, braking and handling. It was very strange, however, that this loaded Titanium didn’t have a navigation system!!!! Nearly a $37k MSRP car??? Huh??? This being said… this ’16 Titanium didnt close the deal for my family for a purchase, and here’s why: It rode pretty smoothly and fairly quietly only on the most glass-like asphalt road. I don’t know where some Edmunds reviewers say that this SUV is soooo ‘quiet” – it is NOT, and on some types of macadam and asphalt roads, the road noise is surprisingly LOUD. Obviously, these reviewers must be deaf, happy Ford fanatics, or previously drove Yugos or 1950 Ford pickups. On any other road surface than smooth asphalt, the ride was frequently nervous and bumpy on all but the smoothest of surfaces. The car thumped and bumped over minor broken pavement, you felt every imperfection in the road through the steering wheel and your seat. The road noise from the 19” Hankook 245/55R19 Venus S1 noble tires (set at 35psi per the manufacturers recommendation) and through the vehicle’s floorpan was a bit excessive, especially since this was the Titanium model. I shudder to think how the Edge Sport must ride and sound with its even lower profile tires/larger (20") wheels. Frankly, we were surprised and a bit shocked at this after reading all of the glowing reports from Edmunds reviewers about the "smooth ride" on this new Edge. Ummmmmm, NO. Maybe these people think that a SUV/crossover HAS to ride stiffly and with pronounced road noise. No, they do NOT have to be this way. For these reasons, these observations were definitely NOT my definition of a ‘Titanium’ level in my opinion, and the probable deal breaker for a potential purchase. With the improvements in automotive industry suspension and sound reduction technology introduced over the past few years, there is certainly no excuse for Ford not producing a smoother riding and quieter crossover than this new top of the line Edge. Perhaps the Edge SEL might ride a little better (and a little quieter) with its 18” wheels & tires (I recently learned that you CAN order an Edge Titanium w/18" wheels & tires). If so, a ‘16 Edge SEL could be worth a serious look if youre looking for a quieter and smoother ride. In the meantime, I suggest that Ford needs to talk to Kia, and closely examine a 16 Sorento. I rented a lowly 16 Sorento LX w/V6 a few months ago, and it was definitely a quieter, smoother riding, and faster (V6) SUV than this 16 Edge Titanium, and at a MUCH lower price. Dont take MY word for it - rent one from Avis or Enterprise for a few days like I did, and wring it out. If you own a new Edge, you may be a bit upset after driving one of these SUVs. BTW, the 16 Sorentos in EX & SXL trim are even quieter, more comfortable, and ride about as well as their lower trim LX, despite having 19" or 20" wheels & tires!!! Overall, the new Edge is a bit of a disappointment for a SUV we really wanted to like. Back to the drawing board, Ford – Kia can get the job done with their Sorento, so, you can too. Try again!!
  
  
  
  

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  Great Little Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Rachel - June 11 - 1:33 pm

  This little car has been great! It was my mothers car and now mine and weve pretty much run it until it could go no more. Ill be replacing it soon, but its been super reliable. The only problems Ive had have been recent...once it was over 110,000 miles!

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  Our Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Scotty - June 11 - 11:33 am

  Bought to replace a 97 Buick Regal GS. Not near the HP of the supercharged Buick, but enough for our needs. Interior is great, more than enough room. Seats are comfortable on long trips, tall seating position is great, better than the Buick. Car does not stand out on exterior styling, certainly not a Chrysler 300. Our daughter says it is a car we can grow old with. She says it is a geezer car (she drives a Mustang). CVT was a little odd at first, but we got used to it. AWD drive is great on nasty roads. When it is bad we can actually take the direct route home up a hill without going out of the way for a flatter path.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Otaku - June 11 - 6:20 am

  This is my first new car, purchased for college and expecting 15k a year. So far Im impressed with the car - its comfy with a nice ride and its quiet. Its practical with lots of room for people and things but also fun to drive thanks to the great handling. I purchased the awd model due to where I live - we get snow; in fact the day I bought it I drove home in snow very confidently, car has lots of grip. Only things I can think of needing to be addressed are build quality (just a bit) fuel economy could be better I think and the engine could be better which I hear is on the way (but even that engine now used in the MKZ isnt so great). Mine was loaded except for navigation system. I paid $24,000.

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  an ex-gt driver - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gregory williams - June 9 - 2:00 am

  the mach1 is better than the gts because it is built better and more sturdy, and has more horsepower

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  Pretty nice for its time. - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By The Mighty - June 8 - 11:16 pm

  Pretty quick, but a little weak for a V-8, but I just did a PI head swap to remedy that. It gets good gas mileage for a V-8. I took a 4 hour trip and only burned a half-tank. With the exception of the stock intake cracking, its been very reliable. For its time, the interior is pretty well-done, hence the reason it didnt really change again until the new 05 model. Overall, fun car to drive, and TONS of potential for modding.

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  An ICON of FUN! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By RevMatt - June 8 - 11:13 pm

  Now that I have owned my Ford Mustang Mystichrome SVT Cobra convertible for two full years, I would like to share my experience with the vehicle. This has been the most reliable and fun vehicle I have ever owned. This is my sixth vehicle purchased brand new and my eighteenth total. This is also my seventh convertible. Having written that, I would like to say that the 2004 has been my favorite. I have had ONE problem with it. A bad cigarette lighter socket! The Cobra invites you to mash the gas pedal and delivers awesome power, speed and torque. With its IRS, it also begs to be ridden hard around the twisting and curving roads along the Pacific Coast Highway. Drop the top and GOOOO!

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  Money was worth it - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By larieaux - June 8 - 6:34 pm

  I actually bought this car for $1300 from a gas station with lots of hidden problems with it. About a week after purchase my car wouldnt start because my starter had died then that same day after getting it fixed my car had to be towed again because I had blown fuses. After that the car was loud but it ran great. When i finally gathered up enough to get the exhaust work done I found out that I had no catalytic converters. This was after I replaced the rear struts and sway bar links and battery. Then I found out I had a nasty leak in the main transmission seal which possessed me to sell it after everything we had been through together. but over all that the car got me where I needed to be.