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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  2006 Mustang GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By MIKE D - July 3 - 5:46 am

  Big bang for the buck. Roomy enough for two and space for luggage. Great styling inside and out. Constantly get positive comments on redfire color and 20" wheels and tires. Great handling and breaking. Acceleration is great and lays rubber on command. Great rumble from dual exhausts--may upgrade to Ford racing exhaust. Worth every penny of $31,000 price tag!

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  Awful piece of junk! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By kippie - July 3 - 2:03 am

  I bought this car used and drove it only 6000 miles in the 1 year I have had it. The head gasket blew and then out of no where there was a hole in the radiator. I bought an extended warranty but it covered only the head gasket. I only drive it to tote kids around and this is appalling to me. Reliability with only 60,000 miles on it!? I will NEVER buy a Ford again.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Simone - July 3 - 1:06 am

  Have had Escape 05 Limited for 3 days; test drove about 9 months ago and last week when a tree finished off my 97 RAV4 I knew it was time. This car is fabulous. The leather seats are worth every penny (you will be sorry if you settle for cloth). It drives effortlessly, comfortably with little road noise, good stereo, beautiful interior. I have read all reviews on Edmunds for Tribute, CR-V, RAV4 and more people than any other car agree about the Escape - it is FUN! See CR-V complaints about noise, few standard options, RAV4 about comfort and power, and Tribute for just plain boring exterior. Mariner is supposed to be equal car but not many people are buying it or have rated it.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Steve - July 3 - 12:36 am

  I purchased the Focus with the expectation of a decent car with nothing spectacular to offer due to the low price. I have been amazed with its performance thus far, much better than I expected. Even the little 2.0 has some muscle behind it. Im enjoying this purchase more and more each day.

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  Love It!!! Even the "Normal" Squeal! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Bridger - July 3 - 12:20 am

  We love this truck, its the best truck we have ever owned... Bought it with 2 miles on it and have loved every mile we have put on it.. With the exception of when it was in every ford dealer in the state of Arkansas for the a/c squeal... The one that we were told was "Normal" by all the ford people.. I dont see an a/c screaming when its on to be normal.. and a body plug fell out Odd I think but overall its been a great truck! Especially when you spray liquid wrench on the compressor to make it stop squealing!!!

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  Great Car Ford is back - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - July 2 - 10:52 pm

  I purchased my new Fusion in January after driving the Focus and I4 Fusion. I miss my Ranger but I love this car. I fell in love with the handling, interior design, great looks during the test drive.It has many nice features, including the heated seats ,that my wife loves, and the dashboard storage and sunglass compartments. I drive 75 miles round trip to work and I am averaging 27 MGH week in and week out. I love the way it handles. It hugs the road. The V6/six speed is very responsive and smooth shifting. For those of you who are considering a mid-size foreign car I highly recommend you test drive the Fusion before you decide. You wont be disappointed

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  Surprisingly Happy! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Very Pleased - July 2 - 8:48 pm

  Bought the 2008 4-cylinder Fusion in February, 2008 - owned it 1 year and 4 months. Coming from an 8-cylinder Explorer, I am surprised at how pleased I am with a 4-cylinder. Although it does rev up pretty high to get up any speed, it does get up there quickly, and I have no problems keeping up with anyone on the highway. I have not had the first problem with this car. On a trip to FL, got 31 mpg. Cant beat that!

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  Owners Beware! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By leopold fuchs - July 2 - 4:39 pm

  I have a 2006 Fusion 4 cylinder 5 speed. I generally enjoyed this car and was enthusiastic about it until 2 weeks ago when the locater pins fell out of the fly wheel destroying the transmission, clutch and fly wheel. The Ford tech says it is a fault of the manufacturer but Ford says, sorry guarantee is up. To make matters worse I have been waiting two weeks for parts as simple as the bolts that secure the pressure plate to the fly wheel. I bought this car to support the American manufacturer. The next guy I support will be named Hans. This has been an nightmare.

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  Awesome - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Marc - July 2 - 2:03 pm

  This is my first new car, and I must say that I made an excellent decision on buy a Ford Mustang. The car is great to drive if its only going to work.

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  It WAS ok until... - 2008 Ford Focus
  By beckyk - July 2 - 1:35 pm

  Ive had this car for a year and a half now and was mostly pleased with it until I had to take it in for a tire rotation only to find out that the suspension/alignment is TERRIBLE on most ford focuss. With only 30,000 miles on my tires I was forced to buy all new ones. So I was not pleased with that. Only a year left on my lease and will definitely be trading this in, probably for something other than ford, unfortunately...