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:

• 

  2008 Ford Edge SEL - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Fernando - May 14 - 12:34 pm

  I purchased a brand new 2008 Ford Edge back in March 2009 and I love the car. It feels like a real car. Its performace is awesome and not to mention its outside and inside design. Even my wife wants to drive my car more often than her Honda Pilot. The Sync system is great and if you are into technology, you will enjoy it even more. I must say that Ford really scored a 10+ on this one.

• 

  Love my car - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By H. Current - May 13 - 11:25 pm

  I dont know why edmunds complain. I love my ford taurus. I had a 1998 ford taurus and got almost 200,000 miles on it before I bought my 07 ford taurus. My son now drives my old one. No problems. The ride is smooth,it responds quickly, and the style inside and out are as up to date as any 07 models.

• 

  I love my Taurus - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By karenmelissa98 - May 13 - 6:22 pm

  I needed a good dependable car, Im a Hospice nurse. I drive in all kinds of weather and needed lots of room for all of my nursing supplies. I absolutely love this car and have no complaints about it.

• 

  BEST SUV FOR THE MONEY - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Jason - May 13 - 4:34 pm

  This vehicle shows the direction Ford is going. Better interiors, high quality and still amazing performance. This makes it a winner. I think any Dad would love this as a very safe, fun and versicle package. This car received the highest score for safety. Believe me once someone hits you and you are in a car accident you will check this every time before making a decision on a car for you and you family. Safest CUV available. I think any young or fun couple with love to have this in their garage.

• 

  Edmunds reviewer is batty - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By james burkes - May 13 - 11:55 am

  Im commenting to mostly straighten out a misconception. The Freestyle is not slow, with a bad motor. It is fast, with a proven reliable motor. Edmunds review of the same year Chrysler Pacifica says "Acceleration is a little soft from a standstill, but once the 3.5-liter V6 gets its wind, the vehicle moves out quickly." "Moves out quickly"?!?! The Freestyle beats this car in acceleration, yet the Edmunds review of the FS says that its major downfall is power. If you press the gas all the way down on this car, hang on! I dont have to do that hardly ever, as the power is fine for anyone not used to driving muscle cars. Get real edmunds.

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By nymets78 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my explorer for all the great features including the 4WD, third row seat, dual climate control. The towing package is great as well and it tows very well.

• 

  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mi70 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great Suv I have had no issues and I am very happy with the Explorer.

• 

  Great Investment So Far - 2009 Ford Escape
  By pbnbcr - May 13 - 9:24 am

  My family spent about a month and a half trying to find the best vehicle to accomodate our needs and I believe we made a great choice. We needed something with more room for a family but also a vehicle that sipped gas. We knew with an SUV that we would have to sacrifice mileage. I figured it would average 24 mpg but I have been pleasantly suprised. After 3800 miles I have consistently improved mileage each tank, going from 26.7 up to 29.13. For a non-hybrid SUV, I consider this excellent. -Smooth shifting transmission, quiet engine, great cargo space (boxy design helps), good visibility, center console is HUGE, smooth ride, great leg room. For a base XLS with AUTO and SYNC, nice features.

• 

  Best SUV For Your Money - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Travis - May 13 - 9:09 am

  I have a 1999 Ford Explorer XLS with 184000 miles on it and I put that baby to the test every day. Things like going muddin and have never got stuck. I also go through snowbanks that the Chevy Blazer Never Dreamed of! The only major thing that has happend to my Explorer was the Tranny. I had to Flush it and replace the Filter in it. Not to hard of work. I think this is the best SUV for your money. I took my Explorer to Kansas this Spring and I live 6 hours from where I was going and I got 21 Miles to the Gallon in my Explorer. This is the best SUV I have ever Had!

• 

  Ford Quality still BAD - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jane Roe - May 13 - 6:20 am

  This car has been a nightmare, its been in the shop more than Ive driven it. Traded my 2001 Honda Civic for this troublesome crap. Going to try to get it classified as a lemon and buying a Honda when I get my money back.