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:

• 

  This was my baby - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By sheesha - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ford Taurus very slightly used in 1995, from a rental car agency. I was 19, and this car was awesome. Lots of power under the hood, all the nice power features, roomy for friends, and a nice size trunk. Its now 2004, Im 28, and ready for a change. This car has been extremely reliable, until this year. Before now, I never ran into any problems, and I got my moneys worth at $10,000, 9 years ago. This year Ive put at least $1200 in brakes, new radiator, and a battery. Not bad, since its only needed minor work a few times in the past. I think it would be a reliable used car for others, and could last quite a bit longer.

• 

  Best of Breed - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Escapist - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Theres not much that I dont like about my Escape. It has plenty of power for my (admittedly basic) needs, while providing an overall smooth and comfortable ride. It does great in the snow, hauls butt up Snoqualmie pass with four adults, boots, gear, and lunch in back and skis on top. I love the exterior look, 16 inch wheels are the best. Beats the snot out of the Jeep Liberty for way less $$ smaller than a Cherokee or Explorer and I like it that way. Has an annoying creak (not crack) in the rear window havent been able to find the source.

• 

  American In and Out - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By aerussel - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is totally American. Big, conservative styling, comfortable, big engine. Its a true SUV. Lots of room up front and back, plus the back seat folds forward or comes out. Reliable. The only thing I dont like is the front seats are buckets. Id rather have bench.

• 

  Ford F150 Lariat - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DuckHead - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Love my new truck. edmunds was crucial in the negotiations..Thanks

• 

  Win/Lose a little - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ShnMobile - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the car itself. Nice interior and very comfortable. Handles my crazy driving...so it definitely rides well. The only things I have disliked are the recalls. The fuel pump especially. This was really bad and almost left me stranded a few times, until the recall came to the rescue. Had to have radio fixed a few months after buying, and the radio piece still pops out randomly. Get the extended warranty just in case. Love the design of the car though. Roomy even though its a "small" car.

• 

  good ride - 2002 Ford Escape
  By bamroz - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, powerful vehicle that has a good look to it. Vehicle has nice features, but too much plastic.

• 

  02 Mustang Premium Convertible - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Roger4751 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Interior needs update, is old-fashioned looking. Gauge layout is blah. Seats have no lateral support.

• 

  great car - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By bob sled - August 12 - 2:00 am

  we bought this car in 95 2 years old and have had very few problems with it. the car now has about 220000 miles on it and is still going strong. very comfortable, good handling, acceptable power, only real problems have been the ignition switch, which sometimes does not switch off completely, causing the battery to need a charge, and the a/c, which recently failed, and costs alot to fix due to the change in the type of frion.the exterior styling could be better.

• 

  trailer hauler/people mover - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By pdy2505 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  So far reliable. 1 Firestone failure. Pulls a 9000 trailer very well getting 12-13 mpg. Gets 20 mpg+ without trailer with optional diesel. Will travel over 850 miles per 44 gal tank. Noisy outside but economy makes it worth it. Truck based, ride is harsh on bumps. 3.73 rear axle is right.

• 

  One week in and very pleased - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wamba2000 - August 11 - 11:32 am

  Took delivery of a 2013 SEL 303A a week ago. Initial thoughts: Was driving a mid-sized SUV, but mostly use the vehicle for commuting. I wanted the following: Comfort, fun to drive, better mileage, flexibility to handle a large parcel/item via a hatch, reasonably quiet driving experience, all the toys like Nav, backup camera, leather, etc. The C-Max delivers all these items. There is more head and leg room than in the SUV ( I am 66" and 240lb, dont fit well in many vehicles). So far only one build issue, which the dealer addressed. Last, the mileage: EPA tests were followed to the letter, but it is not real world. I am getting 37.0 mpg on the first tank. Cold weather does affect