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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  Doesnt Get Media Attention It Deserves - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By richjoy - April 7 - 5:16 am

  The utility of this crossover is wonderful. It is not as fuel-efficient as the Prius, but is much larger both inside and outside. Guests find the back seat comfortable with good viewing. I like the blue instrument lighting, the center-stack, the lighter interior colors, and tinted windows. It handles extremely well in the city and is large enough on the highway for a sense of safety). The 2.3 engine sometimes seems a bit underpowered and louder than it should be. The workmanship on my vehicle is excellent. I dont regret that I bought a $300 Garmin Nuvi instead of the $2500 built in GPS. In summary: The Escape Hybrid doesnt get the media attention it deserves.

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  LOVE this car! - 2017 Ford Edge
  By CA car lover - April 6 - 7:45 am

  Update 12/7/2017: Still loving this car! A joy to drive although the width can be a pain in urban parking lots where they think everybody has a Prius, LOL. Built-in NAV works very well altho you need to keep the Sirius subscription if you want traffic alerts! Sony sound system inferior to Bose but its okay (believe the 2018 models have dropped the Sony?). Love the quiet, the power, the braking and handling, the comfort (even if seats are still 1.5" too high). Still hate the cupholders, though! Be sure to make the sales rep show you all the hidden storage compartments. One of them we discovered by accident! The Edge Sport is really 2 cars in 1: in everyday driving, its a well-behaved, reasonably nimble SUV that drives smaller than it really is, due to good handling/braking. Great people and cargo hauler. We ordered 401A (Tech) pkg, Adaptive Cruise Control and Cargo Accessory pkg. Our 2010 Ford Fusion was an "almost" Accord beater--so close, but missed in too many small ways that were irritating. The Edge has corrected all those flaws: precision steering, better braking, much better seats, superior center console design (except for those cupholders; what in the world were they thinking?!?!?). Put it into "D" and drive with confidence, right off the bat. MySync 3 is easy to use, even for non-techies. But....slip it into "S" for Sport handling, and WOWIE !! Clark Kent vanishes and Superman takes his place! The moment your foot touches the accelerator, however gently, youll feel the immediate difference. The already good handling tightens up and the car takes off like the proverbial rocket (despite hefty size/weight). We flung it around tight corners on back country roads for an hour and had to seriously restrain ourselves! It handles so precisely, so cleanly; that after a short time you forget you are tossing almost 5000 lb. of tall high SUV around and not a 3400 lb. low-slung roadster. Mind you, its not as amazing as the Mondeo suspension used on the old Ford Contour, but weve driven (and owned) several other SUVs and none of them had this kind of flat-out FUN driveability. This is practicality wrapped around a fine drivers car. There are a few minor flaws: the center console cupholders are in a ridiculous place compared to other Ford models (your elbows run into them while driving). Our car, factory ordered (we did not want a moonroof), has a set of auxiliary headlights not working that the service dept. needs to fix. The cargo cover has an overly complicated close/open design vastly inferior to other mfgs. And.....well, premium gas is recommended, even though it can use regular. But youll get better performance and (according to some advice from someone who is familiar with Ford turbos) in the long run, better gas mileage as well, by using premium. BTW, far more comfortable than the new Lexus 350, whose seats are now thinner and less cushy. Only real flaws: Dumb cupholder position (should be vertically along passenger side, not horizontal where drivers arm runs into it). Front seat is too high, even at lowest point: are all Ford engineers 65" tall with long legs? Fusion had same issue!

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  This car still rocks! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By GARY - April 6 - 12:00 am

  I used to have a 1967 coupe, it was solid, but I really dig this car! I am in the process of upgrading interior, exterior, performance, ( cool air filter, headers, jba exaust system, nw 9 mm spark plug wires.) new 18 inch chromed bullett rims. It is a car I am proud to own, and would recomend to anybody.

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  Awesome Car - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By chris - April 5 - 3:09 pm

  My parents bought me this car about 4 years ago. I dont get good gas mileage because I have a heavy foot. The power is great for it being stock. Ive had to change the alternator once, no problems with the engine, changed the o2 sensors, had to taken the stabilizer bars off and replaced. A/C still works. I added a magnaflow exhaust (sounds great), put a sound system in. Im never going to sell this car, I love it. Now Im working on a turbo. The handling is great, a whole lot better than others cars Ive driven.

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  Fusion to the Future - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff1949 - April 5 - 1:36 pm

  Perhaps the greatest thing about this car is that it does it for you. The ergonomics are such that you think that they built the car around you! The seat adjustments were perfect for me and support of my back was spot on! I guess the most important thing that I can say about this car is that the handling is comparable to a race car! I have driven race cars and this car is on par! This car goes through the turns like it is on rails! The feel through the steering wheel is awesome! I have been buying Fords since 1967, and I know quality. If I were you, Id buy a Ford!

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  Love this car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By FusionChica - April 5 - 11:10 am

  I love this car! It is faster than my V6 Mustang was! I love all the options it is very luxurious but has the spirit of nascar. When you hit the gas, it goes! I love the sound of the exhaust. This is a super fun car.

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  High Expectations for Expedition - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By chuck54 - April 4 - 10:06 pm

  With my height of seven foot tall obviously I cant drive just any vehicle. Thank goodeness for Ford and the Expedition, its the only vehicle I can comfortably drive my 1,000 miles a week as a salesman.

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  Finally an American car steps up! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By valleycars1 - April 4 - 11:35 am

  What a score for Ford! The fuel economy and safety are great, but what really sold me was the interior space. I am a 68" 300 pound man, and this car gives me room to spare. Mix all that together with the European design and this is the best American sedan ive ever driven.

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  Great - 1999 Ford Escort
  By HERB - April 4 - 9:31 am

  Drives and handles great. Looks great. Drove it to New Orleans and back last year with no problems at all. Didnt even have it checked out before I left, I have that much faith in it. Just routine maintenance, nothing more.

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  2006 GT Convertable - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Mark J - April 3 - 5:53 pm

  We purchased this car one year old, and it has been fantastic in reliability and retro style. Love the convertable roof, stereo is very good (shaker 500), and the car drives extremely well. We traded a very unreliable and quirky Mazda rx8 for this car, and every time I turn the key the Mustang jumps to life and is eager to run. The car handles very well considering its size and gives the driver a confident feel of the road, always in control. A 1500 mile trip to the coast turned in 26 mpg which is great considering the HP/Size (way better than the RX8 too). In town average is around 18 mpg.