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:

• 

  A++ - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Brooker - September 28 - 5:15 pm

  My husband and I test drove many crossover SUVs when we were searching for a new car and when we happened upon the Edge, it was love at first site. Its roomy enough for my husband, who is a large guy, to sit in either the front or back comfortably and the panaramic sunroof is great. But most importantly, its fun to drive! Keep producing this king of vehicle Ford, you hit a homerun with this one!

• 

  170,000 miles on it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By xjandxj - September 28 - 12:56 am

  Just sold my ZX3 after 7 years, 170,000 miles. Fun, fun car to ride however, it has truly been unreliable pretty much from day one. Calipers, fuel pump, catalatyic converter, wheel bearings $500 dollar repairs 5 months in a row escape a few months and starts all over again finally sold. When running (second to none) on fun factor but not without cost.

• 

  Nice ride, but not luxury - 2007 Ford Edge
  By GoOrange03 - September 28 - 12:26 am

  The Edge is awesome looking on the outside but is very lacking on the interior. The interior materials are cheesy plastic and really need to be upgraded. This is a heavy truck and needs a more powerful engine. Around town it is great but highway aceleration is poor. The sound system stinks and needs an upgrade. I already miss the monsoon system I had in my VW. Ford needs to think about adding the little touches that will make this ride a true standout, automatic open and close lift gate, keyless entry and start, sensors on the front which alert you to cars in front of you. Pretty much take all of the features found in the VW Toureg and put them in the Edge.

• 

  Great Little Wagon for Price!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Lisa Pelz - September 27 - 9:38 pm

  Love this vehicle! Handles well with awesome gas mileage! Holds all of my sons sporting equipment as one of the reasons why I have purchased this vehicle. Love the sunroof and the multi disc player. I bought extra, the net for groceries and the cargo cover for the back so you can hide your valuables. Handles great! Fits me like a glove. No where to put your purse but in the back seat. Unfortunately had one accident in it and we were all safe! Awesome!

• 

  Fun Little Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By James - September 27 - 5:06 pm

  I bought this car because I was traveling long distance to work, at first 120 miles on way now about 60. The gas mileage is good. I avergave about 30 mpg. I have really enjoyed having it. No major problems. I did have to replace the ignition switch once and the engine light stays on, Im told its because of where I buy my gas. I just find this a fun little car. My entire family enjoys the car. It goes good in the snow and wet roads as long as I take it nice and easy. Ford must have done something right with this one because I see lots of them on the road.

• 

  Nice car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Carp - September 27 - 4:47 pm

  I bought my 1998 Contour used, have had the car about 5 months, Very nice little car eventhough it is 10 years old it is still tight, holds the road well. Replaced the 02 sensor because it would stall, also the fuel pump, extensive brake repair but then again I dont believe that the brakes were ever repaired. Nice car, worth keeping to me.

• 

  2005 Ranger - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Brian - September 27 - 2:03 pm

  I bought the truck used about a year ago. Very nice truck, the ride is a little stiff, but I dont mind that. The seats could be a little more comfortable, but other than that it rides nice. Its only been in the shop once, a friend of mine kicked the inertia switch and broke it, so thats nothing to blame on the truck. Plenty of torque, Ive towed a 4000 lbs box trailer with relative ease. Fuel economy is not great, 19 MPG was the best I got, going 60 on mostly highways using cruise control, but its a truck. Stereo sounds good. I like the overall look of the truck. If you get the sport mirrors, a set of blind-spot mirrors might help they dont show a wide enough angle to see.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jim Stainton - September 27 - 1:53 pm

  Fun, fast, good fuel economy and runs on regular gas and gets a lot of high fives.

• 

  The AWD is great - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By matt - September 27 - 12:37 pm

  Love the car ,bought it because of the AWD,car is very functionable and lots of space ,comfortable to drive. Had a Lincoln LS before and the finish and quality is right up there. Really like the storage compartment in the dash and media controls on the steering wheel.Fold down passeneger seat makes it very easy for carrying longer items. The AWD is awesome, freeway mileage is 32 -35 mpg, city mileage as low as 16 mpg with mild driving. Installed rear back-up sensors (offered in 2008) as rear visability is poor. I would definitely recommend this. I would absolutely buy another one.

• 

  Transmission failure - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Rob - September 27 - 10:59 am

  My wife bought this car new to carry kids/dog/groceries and liked the third seat and the gas mileage. Didnt get the AWD to get better gas mileage, although we should have. At 31,000 miles, the transmission failed in heavy traffic, freeway driving in a driving rain. Suddenly in neutral and no forward power after a catastrophic weld failure in the CVT trasnmission. Thankfully under warranty but repairs would have been $3500. Now forced to trade the car or buy the extended warranty for $2000. Would not buy another one.