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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  Great Buy - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By EJ - January 23 - 7:04 am

  This was a used purchased. 2016 with 22k miles on it. Research price thoroughly. If you know your price range, salesman cant high ball you. Edmunds.com was a big help with their website. Do not deal with corner used car dealerships. By corner, I mean that you will be able to tell once you walk thru the door. The facility will be basic and poorly maintained and salespersons would be obvious. CARMAX is good for no haggling. They are very professional, but prices will be slightly higher than dealerships and will sell you warranties while some of the dealerships will give them to you with the purchase. For instance, I purchased my vehicle for $800 under Carmax price and received the 7yr 100k mile factory train warranty with my price. Carmax and corner dearlerships would sell it to me with purchase.

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  Ford Convert - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WMcClure - January 23 - 1:40 am

  Ive never been a Ford fan, always preferred GM or Toyota products. Test drove this and was impressed with how solid it felt and the quietness of the cabin.

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  2000 HPP - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By BigJon - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car about a month ago and I absolutely love it. This is my 3rd Crown Victoria(88, 94, and now a 00). This is definitely the best one yet. If you plan on getting a Crown Vic, definitely spend the money and get a HPP or an LX Sport. The extra horsepower and ride feal is worth it!

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  Buyer Beware - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Mrs. Den - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This cute, sporty car has been awesome...until now! Only four years old and both the transmission AND engine have gone belly up in less than 40,000 miles...NOT GOOD! More trouble and money than its worth ~ gave up and traded it in for a Toyota!!!

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  The real package - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By smellwhat - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I just got the "rig" i bought it to replace a 95 GMC yukon. The changes are great and the ride is excellent.

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  Florida fun - getting 30+ miles/gallon - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By flawill - January 19 - 3:16 am

  Rented a Prius for a day to "check" out the hybrids - was told that the Ford Escape was similar to the Toyota. Almost bought a Prius - but really wanted an SUV. Searched the internet for local dealer inventory; good experience, good salesman, good finance manager. I think showing up the last day of the month helped - with the Edmunds info in hand. Mileage in city is usually 32. Having trouble getting 30 MPG highway.

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  Ford Fusion great car, but transmission poor - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Rick Severance - January 18 - 11:22 am

  Overall I really like the car but theres something about the transmission that sporadically acts up within first 5 minutes of driving it, where it doesnt seem to know what gear it needs to be in and thus causes tach to jump around. Then it goes away. Usually always just a slow speeds..

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  bought it used but love it - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By andy fan - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I cant understand the under rating some people give this cruiser on gas milage. I recently went into the mountains by way of MT Airey NC {Andys hometown} across US58 in Va. to South Boston Va.,and averaged 28 MPG.,with the air on.How could anyone expect more with such a large and comfortable car? As for me, Im very pleased and reccomend this vehicle to anyone considering a Crown Vic!!!

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  Very Disapointed - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Disapointed Ford Fan - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Im very disapointed in what the Ford engineers did to an awesome SUV. This is my third Ford SUV. They ruined the Explorer. It has car mirrors instead of truck mirrors. HELLO! IT IS A TRUCK, IT SHOULD HAVE TRUCK MIRRORS! Now in order to sit up high, you have to raise the seat all the way up, but then the rear view mirror gets in the way. I now HAVE to drive the recommended speed limit on a clover leaf. If I dont, I can feel the SUV lose traction. Teach people who are used to driving corvettes how to drive an SUV instead of giving a knee jerk reaction to the bad roll over publicity!!! People who knew how to drive trucks & SUVs werent the ones rolling it!

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  Price - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Come down on the price - January 16 - 8:39 pm

  I own a gmc was looking to go back to ford but it kinda hard to go back when I could get another gmc for about 5 or 6 thousand less. Its a nice truck but not for that price.