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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  My 2003 Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rwatters - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The first thing I noticed was how quiet the vehicle is on the road. Very comfortable. Plenty of power with the 4.0L engine. Very nice styling.

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  Awesome out of the hole!! - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By BillyRay - November 13 - 5:50 pm

  Waited 19 months to get this car. This car is one of the fastest cars I have ever driven. I would also like more rumble through the mufflers so Im in the process of fixing that. The satellite radio is sweet with the 1000 watt Shaker system.The handling is real smooth and the braking is number one! BillyRay says if you get a chance to own a Carroll Shelby land rocket...BUY ONE. Because in 20 years 0 to 60 in 4.5 will still be fast...hold on!

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  Not a bad Cross over - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Brian125 - November 13 - 11:01 am

  Babysitting my friends new Edge till I pick him up at the airport . Pros.. nice interior and lay out . NAV is quite good with large 8 screen, back up camera and tech package/ cross traffic alert / bliss works well. No road or tire noise from inside. , Sony radio and 9 speaker sounds good but not in the class of other good systems . Ingress / egress is excellent with plenty of room for folks over 6 tall. The 2.0L engine lacks low end torque but once you get going there is plenty of power. I would of opt for the V-6 but gas mileage is better with the small turbo. Seating SELmodels non sport seats are so much more comfortable than the Titaniums sport seating . Big / tall drivers beware . The Cons ... not many but they are something to consider if buying . The hood flares up on both sides so when your driving it hard to see / judge around turns and corners / tight spots . The hood flares up closest to both sides of the driver and passage window . This to me is very annoying . visibility is a little obstructed by window pillars and sloped back window. Im sure after a few weeks you could get used to it. Last thing that I noticed was the Foot rest by the door where your non driving foot rests. It should of been placed back another 2 inches and slanted more at a 45 degree angle . Tall people beware this could be annoying on long trips . Overall comparing it to other Cross Overs the 2017 ford edge is definitely at the top of the pack.

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  Bad fuel economy - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By wayne - November 13 - 1:56 am

  My Ford Escape gets poor gas mileage for a hybrid. Were now down to 25 mpg. Our Ford dealership wont help. Ford Motor Companys help line did not work. I guess Ford is going to lose more market share.

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  Buy This Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By EPERKI - November 12 - 9:10 am

  I love this vehicle! Bought it with 77,000 miles on it in 2006. In 2009 I have 204595 miles on it and it drives like its brand new. I do a lot of driving daily for my job and it has been nothing but dependable. However its noisy. If you dont replace shocks with good shocks it will hit every bump in the road but as long as you keep the maintenance up on it you will have few major issues with this vehicle. I feel that I have gotten more than my moneys worth and I will drive it until it wont go anymore. A great vehicle for the price. You can haul heavy people and items and this truck holds its maximum power.

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  2005 vs 1999 - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Sue - November 12 - 2:01 am

  It seems I get more miles from a tank of gas compared to my 1999 Taurus. The interior control panel not good-the speedometer is blocked by steering wheel on right and right hand or have to tilt wheel up higher to be able to view speedometer. Dont feel like I have the head room compared to the 1999- sitting close enough for pedals and steering wheel my head is very close to visor. Feels like less space in front seat.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Jerry - November 11 - 9:41 pm

  Very satisfied with the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle, am considering buying a new one next year.

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  Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Geoff - November 11 - 8:28 pm

  Just a very cool car to drive.

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  Not so bad - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Cheryl - November 10 - 8:02 am

  Purchased the car three years ago with about 60K miles. I loved the car and am just now hearing "whining" noises ... feel a little slippage from the transmission between 2nd and 3rd gears. Contemplating whether to fix the transmission or trade it in. I do love having an suv, sun roof, etc. Its roomy and I like the looks -- it also handles well in the winter. Until now, Ive loved owning it and had no problems. However, it appears I have a transmission issue at this point and Im not sure whether to replace transmission or not. Overall, Ive enjoyed owning it. It did have relatively high mileage when I purchased it. Exterior and interior remains great.

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  Ford Taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By steve - November 10 - 2:02 am

  This has been a fairly reliable car. Used it mostly over the road. I did have to replace brake rotors at 50,000 miles and just had those replacements turned at 175,000. Does use oil 1 quart every 800 miles started using somewhere around 160,000 to 170,000. Had some overheating problems. I also replaced ujoints at 120,000. Some minimal electrical problems. I get anywhere between 23 to 25 miles per gallon consistently drive mostly 75 on interstate. For the money I paid for the car it has been a great car. I am shooting for 250,000 to 300,000 miles. The ride is not the greatest is a bit on the rough side.