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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  Fantastic vehicle - 2001 Ford F-150
  By fordtestdriver - June 3 - 11:47 pm

  I love my truck. The only thing that has gone wrong in 5 years is the antenna loosened after driving through the car wash. It was repaired under warranty. I purchased an aftermarket engine recalibration package and if I burn premium I get about 3 mpg better and a lot more power with the reprogrammed chip. I plan on keeping this truck for a long time.

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  Good car, dont buy for mileage! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By ddd13 - June 3 - 12:55 pm

  Edmunds! How about correcting your review regarding the stellar mileage? Ford - how about changing the deceptive commercials representing that mileage is better than a Prius V? This is nice little car, but it is abundantly clear that its real world mileage is in the 36 to 37 mph range, while the Prius V can expected to yield 42 - 44 with similar driving. Really disappointing is highway mileage if you expect to drive more than 63 mph. Over 3000 miles of very moderate driving and often attempting to manage the EV mode, we cant exceed 36 for any reasonable distance. Recent 300+ mile trip at 70-75 maxed out at 36 mph. Could be driving a non-hybrid. High 40s for Prius V at speed???

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  Never Again - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mcook30512 - June 2 - 4:51 pm

  40,000 miles and the transmission went. $3,900 to repair. I have been reading of too many similar occurrences with these vehicles so I would never consider buying another.

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  Could be better - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JIminmass - June 2 - 2:00 am

  On the way home from the dealership the drivers door window motor blew out, got the vehicle home and noticed several small dents in the hood that wereny notice able at the dealership. The dealership repired all but needed to leave the vehicle for 4 days. The ABS has malfunctioned and required 3 trips to the dealer so far with another scheduled. The reverse parking sensor is shutting it self off every once in a while. Vehicle has been good on long trips but disappointing in the reliability dept. I have owned several Ford vehicles and had gotten used to great reliability until now

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  so far, couldnt have asked for more - 2004 Ford Focus
  By leftcoastkid - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car i have owned, but far from the first one i have driven and i am very happy with my focus. The power comes smooth and i hardley notice the shifts, it cursies nicely and handles very well for its class. The interior seems to be put together well and i am yet to have a real complain about this car.

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  best truck i ever had - 2004 Ford F-150
  By csbarnes - June 2 - 2:00 am

  i like the truck and the only problem i ever had with it was the back doors, the molding between the front and back door on the back door was bent out by the front door. But besides that it has been a great truck and i love driving it everyday.

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  Love this car...sometimes... - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Need 4 Speed - June 1 - 11:24 pm

  Ive had my Escort for almost a year now. I love it, except for when things go wrong or when theres people in the car with me. The car is great when youre alone and is reliable (some of the time) - you wont want this car when it has problems, one problem leads to another. All of my problems are because of up keep (bought the car not even thinking about it). Its in the shop as I speak. Its shifting rough and the engine is sputtering. I dont know? I was also driving without a outer tie rod and stabilizer link a few months ago. Ive learned if you want an Escort, keep the maintenance up. Spark plugs, fluids, clean fuel, etc. This is why my car has everything wrong with it otherwise good car

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  More fun than imagined... - 2005 Ford GT
  By BL - June 1 - 8:28 pm

  An absolutely awesome example of beautiful kinetic sculpture. More fun than I ever imagined it would be to drive. Better than 10% improved performance on the Bondurant High Performance Driving School autocross times than their Corvette Z06. Baggage capacity stinks but works for the overnight trip.

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  used Ford Aspire - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By arlene - June 1 - 7:53 pm

  Bought this car used, paid $500 for it - put $800 into it for repairs, well worth it. I drive it in central Florida were it belongs (no hills). My only fault I find is the fuel tank only holds 10 gallons and I have to stop every four days to fill it up. If we have to get out of our area, we would never reach the next state without stopping twice for gas.

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  No more Ford ! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By yves - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is garbage. There is the list of problems during the past 30 months, (Ouf, I sold the car last week). 1. Rear wheels bearings,(3 times) 2. Master cylinder, (2 times) 3. Water inside the car, (2 times) 4. Fuel gauge. 5. Front disc replacement at 20 km 6. Rattles in console 7. 4 doors hinges replacement. 8. 6 recalls. 9. Rust on the rear trunk. 10. Rattles on the rear suspension. 11. Anti pollution system failure. 12. Water in the front lights. etc, etc ...