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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  143,000 miles since 2011 - NO ISSUES - 2011 Ford Edge
  By NanoSk - June 23 - 8:20 am

  My 3.5 L V6 Edge Limited AWD gets 23.5 mpg average, no matter how I drive. I am averaging about 28 k miles per year. I have put lots of miles in on the highway, but also in stop and go traffic. Only replaced oil, filters, brake pads, wipers, and tires. PTU in rear trans replaced at about 118,000 under warranty. 85,000 miles out of each pair of Michelin tires (still on 2nd set). Great handling in the New England snow too. I will buy another Edge, and really think it is a great vehicle. Another Ford home run.

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  Best SUV in its class - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jazzy Jeff. - June 23 - 4:13 am

  After one year still love driving it. Nice power, rides lke a car. Not good on gas, but the ablity to use of low octane helps.

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  Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By clayton - June 22 - 1:04 pm

  Pretty reliable. Only had one instance of "down time" when a wire to the oil pan came off and truck wouldnt start. Cost $300 to fix because the local repairman charged $80 to say "I dont know". Took to dealership who fixed it in one morning. Only other problem is with ABS brake light coming on when it rains but ABS braking system is still working.

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  Love at first drive - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Victoria - June 21 - 10:40 pm

  First of all, Ford Motor Co., why are you keeping this vehicle under wraps? It is fantastic. I drove the Edge and while its a nice car, as an aging baby boomer, the Taurus X was easier on my bad back and knee. I love everything about this car. The ride, the performance, the ease of positioning the seats so the car can be a heavy duty utility carrier. I love the interior and exterior design and keep getting plenty of inquiries and compliments. I enjoy SYNC and I love my navigation system which makes life a lot easier. Taurus X is a make over of the Freestyle. With its bigger engine and 6 shift transmission, its a sure winner and I highly recommend it. Congrats to Ford!

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  focusish - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By butugly - June 21 - 7:16 pm

  Great multi purpose vehicle. Perfect for the streets of Boston, parks like a sub compact car. Very happy with handling, was expecting worse. Have had 5 200 lbs. men on a half hour drive without complaints. Soon to go on a 1500 mile golf trip with 3 men.

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  Safety first - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Fran Di Ienno - June 20 - 4:35 pm

  Solid vehicle, comfortable and not as anemic as everyone says. You feel safe especially with side air bags.

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  Vehicle surpasses my expectations - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jason in Milw/WI - June 20 - 8:26 am

  I truly enjoy driving this vehicle. Used to drive a four door sedan, which had a decent amount of room and with the traction control, it was a great winter vehicle. This hybrid has greatly surpassed my expectations, and Im only a week into driving it! Comfortable ride on the bumpy/potholed roads in my neighborhood. Weather conditions we experienced with the recent snowstorm and the handling of this vehicle quickly convinced me this was the right purchase. This vehicle feels more in contact with the road and accelerates better than I had anticipated. Overall, Im very pleased with this purchase and whats even better, the wife is fast growing accustomed to riding in it.

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  I Escaped - 2004 Ford Escape
  By escaped - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I first learned about the Ford Escape when I rented one to go on a long skiing trip to Vermont. I was immediately impressed. Not only did it easily fit 2 sets of adult skis, gear and luggage, but the driving performance was excellent. I drove from Pennsylvania to Vermont and it was like more like driving a car than an SUV. The Escape handles snowy and muddy terrain with no problems. I was hooked. I purchased one a week later. Absolutely love it. My other car is a Mercedes E320 4 Matic and thats been sitting in the garage lately. The Escape is really fun to drive.

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  Fun and Conentional - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SareBear - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Im a college student and several times a year I am in need of a vehicle that can move me from apartment to apartment. Also important to me is a comfortable ride for my 3 large dogs. With the Sport Trac, you have it all. With the tonneau cover you can put anything at all in the bed. Once the seats in the back are folded down, the dogs love standing back there and stichink their heads out the rear power window. This is my first SUV/Truck and I absolutely love it!

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  the best truck i have ever driven - 2004 Ford F-150
  By rcwfox2002 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  my truck has fx4 interior with grapite and chrome black leather seats i was debating this over a navigator and i just fell in love with this truck ford did a great job on this truck really on all of their suv and truck lines after i have driven this truck you wont find me in a cheap GMC product EVER