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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  Outstanding - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By oxbow - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My 1996 Explorer has 118,000 miles on it and all I ever did to it was oil changes,shocks and brakes nothing else and it is still going strong.There is one thing I dont like is the rack and pinion steering it is to quick, Ill take gear box steering any day.Overall a great truck.

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  Tire Smoking Fun - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Lightning speed - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I sold my Corvette for this lightning. I enjoy the truck much more. Its faster, gets more looks and you can tow your boat anyplace you like in "lightning fast" time. I will be keeping this truck for a while, at least until the 2003 comes out.

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  Fun to drive with fantastic mileage - 2014 Ford C-Max Energi
  By cheryl2229 - March 31 - 5:40 am

  Ive had my new 2014 CMax Energi for 1 month and Im loving it. I havent been to the gas station yet. Im averaging 102 MPG with a +/- 20 mile daily commute and 2 100 mile trips over Christmas. The few days Ive used the heat do make me wonder how much efficiency will drop with a/c use come summer. It has so much power and handling ability, you will forget you are being green!

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  Killer Sounds - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Michael - March 31 - 5:22 am

  Only 7500 miles but so far very reliable. No dealer nightmare stories to relate. Fuel rated at 18 to 23 but 14 to 21 mpg is more like it. 16 in.wheels a big plus, 3.0L plenty of pep. I looked at S-10 and Tacoma but for the cost verses what you get, no contest. Lots of pros but only negative would be fuel mileage. I am sold on it so far.

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  Too much fun. - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Retrofun - March 31 - 3:40 am

  We werent planning on buying a Mustang, just taking a look, but the price was right and the retro style was too good to pass up. We are very pleased with the way the car handles. It has lots of get up and go, and there is no roll when cornering. The Shaker 500 sound system is an excellent stereo and the car is very comfortable when driving long distances. We love the retro look, but never would have guessed how many people would stare when we drive by; its a real head turner. This car is a keeper, we plan to own it for a long time.

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  Extraordinary Vehicle - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By D Hutcherson - March 31 - 2:20 am

  My wife and I purchased this extraordinary vehicle for two reasons. The first beauty (this is a beautiful car). Second speed (you cant go wrong with 280 H.P.).

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  Just Another Review - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By RS0460a - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Retro in style, in handling, and in functionality. Nothing too hi-tech, better than average sound system, so-so power (no, its not a 390 or 460 Ford, but it can also pass the gas station without stopping for a drink!). Sitting in the drivers seat reminds me of the view of my old 58 T-bird (dual "cockpit", hood scoop). The rides nice, the 5-speed has a longer throw than I like, but then again, Im not going to "power shift" at my age. The rear seat - is nonfunctional (I dont have kids/grand kids to worry about). As far as Im concerned, its an extension of the trunk. The car is primarily a 2-seat "sports" vehicle thatÂ’s more functional than an old MG (and maybe a lot more reliable).

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  Perfect Choice - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Wes Gardner - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Visited edmunds.com almost daily reviewing entry level luxury cars and SUVs for about 4 months. The Explorer ST was the one vehicle I keep going back to. It is the most versatile and best value for my money. Love it and only sorry it took me so long to get it.

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  Not Sure What To Think - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gelton1 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Consumer Reports gave the Sport Trac a big thimbs down, ranking it one of the worst vehicles. I use to think there was something to their annual report, but I have 2nd thoughts now. I bought my Sport Trac in Dec. 00, a co-workers husband bought his 3 months later, a friend bought his that same month, and someone I talk with via work bought one this past summer. With the exception of me getting the Firestones replaced (all the others did not have the Firestones), neither of our vehicles have been returned to a dealership for anything (well the co-workers husband does use the dealership for routine service)

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  Ford got it all right - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Tom - March 31 - 12:00 am

  I bought the SEL Plus and traded my 2003 Expedition. We found that the space inside the Edge is a lot more than you think. We travel regularly with 4 pets and it works great for us. The styling is nice, hard to believe its a Ford! With all the incentives, 0% financing, you have to consider this over the Acura MDX for 47k. Youll save a ton of money and be happy with your new car too! The moonroof is amazing, good powerful engine, nice sight out the large front window and a huge amount of back seat room for adults to sit. We just drove it 600 miles and got about 21 mpg with it loaded down, including stops and traffic. To me thats all you can ask for.