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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  Found on Road Dead a very true statement!!! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By donna stepp - November 17 - 4:49 am

  I bought this 2007 Ford Edge Sel Awd from Car Max with 77k miles on it. I bought it for personal use only!!! I am self employed and was using my 2000 Chevy Blazer to work. This Edge basically sat from September of 2015 when I bought it until October of 2016 when I started using it for work. Well, lets go back to when I first purchased it from Car Max. I immediately had braking issues, I took it back to Car Max and their service dept "supposedly" fixed my brakes. Well the grinding noise was still there so I took it to Merlins and they showed me the rotars and pad needed to be replaced. This was in Sept. 2015 2 weeks after I had purchased the Edge. At that same time Merlins noticed the Rack Pinion leaking, So I had to get that fixed. Yes, I have the MaxCare warranty but that is besides the point. Well, that go fixed and now this vehicle sat until October of 2016, like I said and started driving it more. Well, May of 2017, with 91k miles on it. The battery light came on and I took it to Merlins and the Alternator went out. So, I had to replace that and the serpetine belt along with the tension pulley, on that same day, Merlins noticed the Transfer case was leaking. Now, that had to be fixed. Now, in August of 2017, I was driving down the road when I came up to a red light and I went to press the brake to stop and it was HARD as a rock. Like hitting a wall. I take it back to Merlins and the Master Cylinder and Brake Booster both went out that day. So, that got fixed. In September of 2017 now it has 92k miles on it the Rack Pinion was leaking again. So, Merlins fixed that. This brings us to this very date. As of Dec.16. 2017 this vehicle is leaking oil from the timing cover, which Merlins thinks its the valve cover gasket. So, in the 27 months of having this vehicle that I purchased with 77k miles on it when it all began. Now it has 94732. Thats a total 17.732 miles I have put on this vehicle. Thats 8.866 miles a year I have put on this vechilce. So, far Alternator, Tension Pulley, Serpetine belt, Master Cylinder Brake Booster, Rack Pinion (twice fixed) Transfer Case and now Valver Cover Gasket and possible Heads as well. That $9000 in repairs for this vehicle. What is going on at Ford? I mean really I paid 13k for this vehicle and 9k in repairs? This is completely insane. Wait, the recall for the gas tank and now the hub bearing assembly front drivers side. (Steering) I mean really. This is not the 80s where the vehicles did last past 80k miles. Now I have to wait for the tekata air bag replacement because the air bag may deploy. When is Ford going to be held responsible for their vehicles. They need to stop running such short tests on these engines and putting them in reproduction asap. This is the outcome of that. I am going back to GM. I gave Ford a chance and this is what they are reproducing? I mean the Edge is a very nice looking ride and hanldes awesome but I cannot keep mine out of the shop. The interior is awesome, I like everything about the vehicle but these major enginge...brake and steering problems are all very serious. I hope one day ford will get rid of the FOUND ON ROAD DEAD, off their backs. With me its ALL TRUE!!!

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  Mustang Sally rides again!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Salli - November 17 - 4:10 am

  Ford has a hit!! Congrats- I have the only GT in our town- and it is turning heads wherever I go. Ive had many sports cars and never the positive reaction like with this one. It is truely an awesome car..

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  lov my fox - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By luis - November 17 - 1:01 am

  ive had my mustang for 3 years and so far its the best car ive ever had..not to metion i yust 2 have a 99 z28 my father owns a 96 corvette and we also have a 73 chevelle laguna and out of all those i prefer my fox even after all the abuse that engine takes form my heavy foot it yust wont give out day after day winter after winter its always started every single time i mean seriously lol

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  Happy but with issues - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bob White - November 16 - 8:05 pm

  A fine, tight, smooth running vehicle. Unfortunately the rear-end is so weak it was whining at 8000 miles and needing replacement. The transmission started shifting improperly at 25000 miles. I dont believe a vehicle should need a new rear-end and transmission so early. I have a Toyota with 325000 miles and it is running better than my explorer. I love my explorer but very unhappy with the mechanical bills, over $4000 within 175000 miles. Other gripes include new brake pads yearly, electric window that has not worked since new, door ajar light on most of the time, and ABS sensors failing.

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  2007 Fod Focus SE - 2007 Ford Focus
  By travisgt3 - November 16 - 3:48 pm

  This car has been a great get around car however the gas milage is sitting around 26 which is not bad but said it would get higher. I love the size of the car because its small but could use some better styling.

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  Great car for the money - 2016 Ford Edge
  By David N - November 16 - 8:32 am

  Ford has improved the touch screen from previous years model. Really great little car. Smooth and quiet on the highway and easy to maneuver in the city. Not crazy about the limited direction of the front a/c vents in the center, but not a huge deal. Lots of leg room and head room for taller people. Has a really solid feel to it. Overall very happy with this purchase.

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  Sassy Scarlet is her name - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Jo Ann Moschetto - November 16 - 7:18 am

  I love the car in general. The race red is awesome. The only thing I dont like is the tight back seat. Not enough room for passengers over 5 feet.

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  I Was Surprised - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JETZcorp - November 16 - 5:35 am

  When I told my parents I would like my first car to be a truck, they figured I was looking for a 4000lb thing and picked up this van. I thought it was going to be a terrible pig that got a gallon to the mile and turned with the precision of a brick. What I found instead was that, compared with my moms Suzuki Grand Vitara, the beast had gobs of torque and an orgasmic sound above 4000 revs. My only complaints are the transmission (all cars should be manual) and the fact that it wont haul a motorcycle. In terms of reliability, the only worrying thing is a sort of clicking under the dash depending on the A/C setting. Take control of the shifter yourself and burnouts are easy.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Hoss Senior - November 16 - 3:59 am

  Select the SEL I4 model to have the convenence of automatic temperature control,great sound system with Serius radio, MP3 input, extra interior creature comforts, automatic head lights, ambient interior LED lighting as well as a great ride and 30+ mpg on the highway. I also had the benefit of Fords Z-purchase program and $3500 incentive rebate. Waiting for the more powerful 2010 I4 thats rated better for mileage would have cost at least $3500 more while the 2010 Hybrid would have costed $8000 more with the issue of replacing the storage battery since I keep my Fords along time. 1991 Aerostar XLT van 235000 miles, 1998 Taurus 190000 miles.

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  Freestars A Winner - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Twavic - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Freestar. I have owned several Windstars and my biggest complaint was always their lack of pep. Not so with the Freestar -- its new engine size offers pep, easy handling, interior comfort and top notch safety features. I love this mini van enough to want to sell it -- being a fussy owner, thats saying a lot. Congrats to Ford on a real winner.