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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  this car is better than its reputation - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JLS - May 21 - 9:52 am

  I am the original owner of my Focus. I have been driving it for 3-4 years. It is not the fastest car at the light, but you knew that. It is however, a great deal: once it gets going, it really goes reliable, responsive, handles extremely well (I live in the midwest and laugh at many when I pull easily out of snow), and easy at the gas pump. All in all, a great little car.

• 

  Great little car... - 2001 Ford Escort
  By frmnc - May 20 - 11:27 am

  I have had this Escort (my second) since Feb. 2002 and currently have almost 81,000 miles on it. Other than new tires, new brake pads one time, one light bulb and the normal oil/filter changes, I have never had a bit of problem with this car. Since it was $1,000s less than an import of the same size, I am very happy with it!

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  The beginnings of a love affair - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Gary DelVecchio - May 20 - 10:00 am

  1st truck Ive ever owned. Was concerned about a move to a truck re. comfort and ride. Was very pleased with both ride & comfort. Wish it got a little better fuel economy.

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  nice vehicle = get an 8 cylinder - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By osmalls[ - May 20 - 10:00 am

  i was one of the first ones to buy the new explorer a few years ago. its been nice. it rides a little rougher than gmc cars but its good for the money. i had an old explorer with 8 cyclinders. i tried to save a few dollars and went with the 6 this time. people told me you wont feel the difference. wrong! if you like driving like i do, get the 8 cyclinders. other than that, its not a bad vehicle.

• 

  blue mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By admansurfin - May 20 - 10:00 am

  the top is a little load and it would have been nice to have the option of pass side power seat. rear windows from time to time need to be adjusted. this car though is the best bang for the buck when it comes to fun and power. word to the wise check insurance rates out before buying..

• 

  Transmission Turmoil - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Bad Transmission 87K - May 19 - 6:42 pm

  I bought a 99 Windstar second hand. At 87,000 miles the transmission was replaced. Ford quoted me $2500. They ended up paying $700 of that due to my complaining. It is still jerking and snatching and I am too tired to take it back to the shop. As long as it gets me where I need to go, I will deal with it. Overall, Im disappointed! Im looking for a vehicle that is TOUGH and BUILT LIKE A ROCK! It was a roomy ride and my kids loved it, however, Im, ready to give this minivan the boot. Not to mention that the check engine light stayed on and no one could figure out how to get it to go off.

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  Great car has lasted and held up well. - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Cruzzza - May 19 - 12:19 pm

  I have had no problems mechanically with my car. That means a lot to me. I am constantly annoyed by the fact that when you have a cup in the front cupholder, you cant shift. Also the cupholders arent adjustable, so if you go round a curve, and the cup isnt a perfect fit... oops, there goes another drink. It might be petty to complain about that, but it has been a huge pet peeve to me. The drivers seat is starting to lose integrity. The foam gets smushed after so many years and I get it just doesnt come back to normal after a while. I cant believe that it has been so reliable. Ford did good on this model. Also, they made a lot of stuff standard, I just wish I had cruise.

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  So far, an excellent vehicle. - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By fiesta owner - May 19 - 9:16 am

  Lease was up on my BMW 335. My better half got to choose the car this time: The Fiesta. Surprisingly enough, this car has some of the same features as the BMW (not just tires, bumpers...) heated leather seats, heated mirrors, keyless ignition, etc. The Sync system is very versatile and informative. The instrument cluster and dash layout are intuitive, though the Sync has a bit of a learning curve. The car does not drive as well as the BMW, but it takes road bumps at least as well (thank you BMW run flats). Except for the vast amount of space you get with the Fit, the Fiesta outperforms that vehicle in every way. The Fiesta is very quiet when compared to the Fit which is ridiculously loud.

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  2013 Fusion Energi SE Owner... - 2013 Ford Fusion Energi
  By matth77 - May 19 - 2:22 am

  As a recent purchaser of this vehicle, I find the Edmunds review spot on. I confess the price difference between the Energi and regular Fusion Hybrid gave me pause, but I went forward with the Energi version for all-electric weekend performance. Thus far it hasnt disappointed. Couple that with the fact that it appears as a normal sedan, and I was sold. My commute in DC Metro is usually a long one, which will inevitably tap the battery after anywhere between 16-20 miles. The economics of gas/electricity vs. price point of this car wont pay for itself against the Fusion Hybrid, but it is a convenience to not have my weekend in-town trips result in a fillup on Monday morning for work.

• 

  Great litle truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jaxmo - May 19 - 2:12 am

  I bought this truck used in 1996. It had 15,000 miles on it when I bought it. It now has 117,000. This truck has done everything I asked of it and gave me nine years of trouble free service. The only items I replaced were the battery, brakes, temp gauge sender, tires and a $15 sensor. Still has original clutch, starter, exhaust, etc. Still not a spot of rust on it (Cleveland area) Parked in the same spot every day and not one drop of oil on the floor. The most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. I still like driving it. Cant say enough good things about it.