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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  I love my Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By spybgl - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in my 2004 Ford F150 for a 2008 Fusion 4cyl SE. I dont miss the V8 like I though I would, but i love my current fuel economy. The 4cyl engine has a lot of power considering the size. Great overall comfort too. Almost got leather, but didnt really need it. Handles great in traffic and on the curves.

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  Fun Driving Workhorse - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jay - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I originally bought my Focus for the gas mileage as I have a 190 mile round trip daily commute. The zippy engne, and great handling have been a nice suprise. With 30k miles in 11 months the quality has been consistant with no problems to report. Really a great car.

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  view from a teen - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Me\ - April 9 - 10:00 am

  only 2 regrets should of bought a 4x4 even though the 2x4 gets around just fine with sand bags. second regret is caused by ford, ford put a speed limiter on the 3.ol motor limiting the speed to about 92mph. not a problem for most but then again i am a teen and would like the needel to reach that 120mph mark which i know it is capable of doing at 92mph the truck runs smoother than ever, the ride is quiet and the truck is not even winded.

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  Gave American Autos a Chance - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Mike - April 9 - 6:57 am

  I decided to give American made vehicles another shot at my business. Ford did not fail me. I have owned my Focus for 3 years and havent had any mechanical or interior defects. The car looks and drives as well as it did the day I drove it off the lot. I had to get back on Edmunds and let anyone that could or would read this that my Ford experience has been fantastic. I am so pleased that I have found an American auto maker that is building a quality vehicle.

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  Ford Fusion Tremendous. Theyre BACK! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Michael Shannon - April 9 - 1:10 am

  My goodness this car is super. We are also leaving Honda, and extremely happy with the Quality of this Fusion. The ride has to rival Germans selling at $40,000 more. Cant freaking believe FORD developed this machine for $21,000!!!!

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  My Opinion - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By jimmy - April 8 - 8:32 pm

  i bought this 92 very happy with it. used for hauling water since we live in the desert of texas.

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  Lost an engine at 100k miles - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By W - April 8 - 3:45 pm

  Owned almost 9 yrs. except for the bottom end of the engine going out at 100k miles ($8k later) I love it. Use it for snow plow, pull 24 boat goes anywhere and has never let us down (except for the engine). Has original battery but new alternator. Lots of room and very comfortable. Handles well on wet, dry roads as wel as in ice and snow. I dont like all the cheap-looking plastic on the new Epeditions. Plus the prices are way too expensive. Get the gas mileage up to 22-25 mpg, keep the power and handling etc and I might buy another.

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  love this car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By chuck - April 8 - 1:05 pm

  Looked at all the competition for this vehicle Accord, Camry. Mazda 6, Sonata, Malibu and chose the Fusion. Had the most room and most comfort up front for a big tall buy that was tired of small cars. It is a blast to drive with a nice combination of power and comfort. Very nice fit and finish for the money with a host of nice little details that makes it fun to show off. Very nice Black paint job matched with the black leather and blue suede interior that my wife just loves. Overall canÂ’t beat what you get for the money and Ford has matched the import quality in look and feel.

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  Hybrids in ... Gas guzzlers out - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Patrick - April 8 - 6:33 am

  We took a chance; had only Hondas and Toyotas since 82. The Highlander w/4WD and Navigation system was $12k more. We get 25mpg hwy+city with the A/C on max (ie: the gas engine is always on). Seats are not deep enough for a tall person, but headroom is excellent. Tires are really noisy and wander on grooved pavement. Make copies of the navigation CDs -- we couldnt find a source to buy or update them separately -- a full set is $200! Safety package is a must have. Wish it had an option for steering wheel radio/CD controls. Time will tell if Ford can come close to Toyotas reliability.

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  Just What We Wanted - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Chuck - April 7 - 10:56 pm

  Traded 01 Supercrew for 06. It meets our needs perfectly. Interior finish & passenger accommodations are excellent. The short bed holds everything 2 adults and 3 kids need to travel. Gas mileage is down from 01 but slightly exceeds predictions. The ride is quiet & a little stiff but handling is excellent. Interior storage space is minimal (rear underseat space taken up by the sub woofer). Rear seaters miss individual reading lights. Wheel wells (especially rear) are not closed off as well as the 01 & are difficult to keep clean (also impacts looks). Side impact strip would prevent "door dings". "Nit Pick": would like more substantial grill in vehicle in this price range.