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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  Explorer Sport XLT Premium - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By JamesC - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Edmunds thinks this vehicle is a little long in the tooth, but for me that means reliability. The drive train has been around for over ten years, so we think well have few problems. This is our second Explorer Sport, and we love it. Im 62" and Im comfortable driving it. My wife likes the conveniences of an SUV. Yeah the fuel economy could be better, but you dont buy an SUV for fuel econmy.

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  super - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Al Gordon - October 2 - 8:28 am

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  UPDATE - Cant believe its a Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By JOHN MOOD - October 2 - 3:00 am

  Weve had the car for seven weeks. Close to 3000 miles. Took it to the dealer for a squeak. Naturally, it didnt happen at the dealers, so the issue is still unresolved. They also had to re-program the computer. Overall, We are extremely happy with the car. We get many compliments.. One thing though,we dont see many on the road and FORD doesnt advertise it much. Were somewhat confused about that!

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  Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Dewey - October 1 - 8:30 am

  The best car in the world

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Edward - September 30 - 11:03 pm

  This is my fourth F-150 and 2nd Supercrew, there is no other vehicle I would even consider owning. I put over 40,000 miles a year on a vehicle and the ride is always quiet, smooth, comfortable and reliable. Despite all that use they have only ever been in for scheduled maintenance. Ill acquire another vehicle in 07 and it will be another F-150.

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  Nice car considering I drove a rental - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Ohiodale - September 30 - 9:40 pm

  This car is very well designed as far as its interior and exterior looks. The seats really hold you in place which is another huge plus. I would never buy a car with the lowest available engine or technology options so this review is for the low end car. The acceleration seemed sufficient even with 4 adults in the car. I love the convenient of the controls and the leg room. I am 511" and not fat so most cars have decent room for me. The car handled well and the steering was really stiff which took a few hours to get used to but once I did the car was very easy to drive. I would buy one of these cars and thought it was much nicer than the Camry I rented the previous year. All in all I loved the cars style, performance, interior space.

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  fun performer - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By mustang - September 30 - 3:28 am

  This is a fun car to drive around town. It gets decent gas mileage, and is reliable. I purchased this vehicle new, and it has never had a single mechanical problem.

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  Black Arrow - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Sunny - September 29 - 5:15 pm

  Fun to drive. I never imagined that i would get this kind of performance from a 4 cylinder engine. Just bought it so far I love this car.

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  Great car for college students! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By KatS - September 29 - 2:16 pm

  I have had this car since I was 16. Now I am in college and drive a ton. The fuel efficiency is great, I can get up to 350 miles on one tank. It is extremely fun to drive, has great handling. Its very spacious, including the trunk. The rear suspension is not adjustable and can be very pricey to get repaired if damaged.

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  The Hybrid for Skeptics - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By b25nut - September 29 - 7:46 am

  I’ve never hit a home run or flown first class, but I feel like I have now. I really couldn’t be happier. I would have to spend $25,000+ more to get a car that would provide me with more satisfaction. But then, I’d feel guilty for spending too much money. I didn’t buy my Fusion expecting to get 47 mpg. I don’t drive the way it takes to get that. I currently get 40 mpg on my 10 mile daily commute. The Fusion will entice even the most stubborn driver (like me) to drive more efficiently and safely. This is my first time driving a Hybrid, and I’m hooked. Ford has made my transition so easy. Up to now, I was one of those who always said “I wouldn’t be caught dead in a Prius".