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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  Unbelievably IMPRESSED - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Celeste - December 14 - 3:53 am

  I am NOT a Ford person. I saw I drove and I bought so it must be great! Was looking at a BMW and saw a picture of the red with foglights, upgraded rims and tons of extras and for the price I couldnt beat it. The 4 cylinder outperformed better than I was expected, nice pick up for a 4 banger. Plenty of room, we think it has the Cadillac front end look and a Lexus rear end look. Classy and sporty looking for a sedan. Handles great, sound system is great. Gas mileage has been great especially since I have been driving my Honda Ridgeline 100 miles a day (good lord the gas) and now its like $40 a week compared to $100 - love it! Recommend to all. Inside isnt cheesy looking like I expected either.

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  Highly recommended - 2007 Ford Edge
  By EdgeDriver - December 14 - 1:50 am

  This vehicle is one of the nicest Utility vehicles that Ive ever driven. It has a quiet and comfortable interior, and the suite of luxo-goodies doesnt hurt. The engine delivers power smoothly when requested. Handling is good and adds to the fun-factor, but the Edge is no sports car. It is heavy and, although the Edge maintains control, you feel that weight when you push the limits. Overall, a pleasure to drive. I appreciate its just-right size when compared to the larger boats like the GMC Acadia. With 800+ miles on mine, Mileage is OK at 19 MPG.

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  Great concept, poor execution! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By MA - December 13 - 9:46 pm

  I was delighted to see Ford come up with a car that is roomy, comfortable and versatile. The first day of delivery I spotted 4 defects, 3 trims and 1 paint. The first year, I noticed that the climate control is performing erratically then the front brakes had to be replaced because the hardware fell off! Also, the instrument panel blistered from the sun. The second year, the rear doors weather stripping fell off, both sides. The front doors dont lock below 20 deg F (recall) and the starter mechanism started acting up. Also, the front drive bearings are noisy. As they say, never buy a first year car. Wait until they work the bugs out!

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  As good as you could get - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Jerry - December 13 - 7:56 pm

  Couldnt ask for more. Purchased in 1997 and felt like it helped raise the kids. The vehicle had heavy use. I used it plenty in 4 wheel drive in the snow in New Mexico. I pulled a boat for tens of thousands of miles in Texas and Oklahoma. I hauled kids daily and recently took to long distance weekly travel. It only failed to take me to my destination one time over 12.5 years and that was after it had 200,000 miles (the alternator failed.) At the risk of mixing metaphors, the truck ran "like a rock". Over 200k miles and major repairs were rare and related to "wear and tear" items - front-end, shocks, compressor. Going on 204,000 miles

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  FALLING APART - 2008 Ford Escape
  By FALLING APART - December 13 - 7:33 pm

  I purchased this car with 14000 miles on it. It had been a dealer demo. Great fun car to drive, cruises right along but.... now at 29000 miles the power steering pump is going out, the upholstery looks like kids have been in having a picnic ( I have no children) in the car, paint on the rear bumper is spidering, and there are ignition problems, I was told the tumblers were bad. Fading dome light works intermittently, wont come out of park, ignition wont accept the key almost leaving you stranded. Rubber seals on the doors fall off in the winter. Now the back window on the hatch has decided to open a random. The back seat wont stay latched so you cant have rear seat passengers safely. yuk

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  Best "car" we ever owned! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By f in pa - December 13 - 2:01 pm

  First vehicle we ever purchased new. EXCELLENT performance never had any problems except factory recalls for cruise control and torque on wheels - all taken care of at no cost. Comfortable, safe, and reliable. Even though gas mileage is approx. 14 mpg around town, get about 22 on the highway. Our old Toyota Camry got about 18 mpg around town - this truck beats it in storage, comfort, and safety! For a couple hundred dollars extra in fuel costs, its cheap life insurance!! Will definitely purchase another Ford when this one wears out! But its built so well - no squeaks or rattles - doubt it ever will. Oh, its a 2WD with posi-traction and we pass 4WDs in the snow!

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  Built Ford Tough! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By charleston girl - December 13 - 9:49 am

  I have been driving my Expedition for 11 years. It has 146,000 miles on it. I haul kids and my 3 dogs in it. It is the best vehicle Ihave ever owned. It is time to replace it and I am more than likely going to get another one! I recommend this vehicle highly. It has been in the shop very little. No major repairs... Was hit in the rear with 4 kids in my car not one scratch on anyone. The vehicle is like a Mack Truck. Very solid and sturdy. I feel very safe in this vehicle.

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  windsheild glare - 2007 Ford Edge
  By jason - December 13 - 7:53 am

  I did not buy this car my wife did before I met her. I like the edge alot it is a roomy fun to drive crossover the gas could be better and my main complaint is while driving sometimes the glare from the front wind shield is really bad it seems like ford didnt really test it all that well before production. I have thought of buying a dash mat to cut the glare. I can deal with the not so great mpg we dont drive a real lot.

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  07 GT Convertible - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Eric - December 13 - 6:23 am

  Went from an 04 GT to an 07 GT convertible. The difference is amazing. Ride, performance and comfort are much improved. I dont want to get out!

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  Youll all be very very sorry!!!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By marypal - December 12 - 11:28 pm

  If you have the Continental tires, you will be replacing them soon, and probably have to have the leaky transmission repaired and God help you if you have the cloth interior, good luck trying to clean it, and whatever you do, dont let any rain or snow or water of any kind touch those seats, you wont ever get them to look nice again!!! Good luck with this sorry excuse for a vehicle, we are done with Ford!!!!