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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  2011 Fusion SEL with 3.0 is awesome - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By mike7461 - August 1 - 8:16 pm

  I bought the 2011 SEL with all the bells and whistles. Moon & Tune, Nav System, BLIS, Rapid 302A, Auto start, premium leather package. I have put over 5000 miles and my average gas milage that is mostly hwy is 25.5 MPG. Performance with the 3.0 engine feels just right.

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  Tips and concerns - 2006 Ford F-150
  By dan251 - August 1 - 7:19 pm

  I read he horror stories, and I still whats going on. 3rd Ford truck and still impressed. 2 Rangers, now a 5.4 XLT Supercab 2006. No plug blow outs, no leaks, oil lifters etc. I do, however, after research and experience, think the 5.4 is a high maintenance engine. MUST use a light weight FULLY synthetic oil, K&N air filter, the correct oil filter, and CHANGE PLUGS at 60K. Run fuel injector cleaner every 3 fills. I only have 46K, but I really think preventative maint. is the key. Are some of you "romping" on these trucks? ie break-stands, tug-o war?. Who knows, I may have all these problems at some point but I have never had one single malfunction/problem with ANY of the 3 Iv own

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  Mostly great, with a few small gripes. - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By sr76 - August 1 - 2:46 am

  Picked up my Kona Blue 12 Mustang a month ago. My car is a base unit with the only options being the sport appearance package and the backup sensor/security package, both of which I highly recommend getting. The V6 is smooth and has good power, although low end torque is nonexistent. The manual trans is mediocre. Clutching is effortless and easy to modulate, but 1-2 shifts can be tricky and Ive missed a couple during aggressive acceleration. My car grinds and clunks sometimes during even lazy 1-2 shifts. dealer says its normal, along with a bunch of other clunks and whines this trans makes. I hope it holds together for a long time, as this is my 10th and definitely best Mustang for sure!

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  Great Car - Fun to Drive - 2008 Ford Edge
  By illini025 - July 30 - 2:59 pm

  We love this car. Fun to drive, and the AWD handles great in the snow and ice. We bought it new and now have 40K miles on it. We can fit a ton in this car too. We have two kids in car seats, and make frequent overnight trips with strollers, luggage, etc. Our only problem so far has been the power lift gate would not stay up at times (around 30K miles). Dealer fixed it (under warranty) with a computer reset and its worked perfectly ever since. We would definitely recommend the Edge!

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  Drive One.....Awesome. - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By whoagirl - July 29 - 8:10 pm

  First, congrats to Ford for "not one dime!" As a taxpayer, I appreciate it hence, my recent purchase. Ive had my 2011 Explorer about 2 weeks and it has lived up to my expectations: - smooth, controlled drive - responsive handling - secure turns (sticks to the road, not top-heavy) - upscale, roomy & very comfortable interior - high-tech, hands-free MFT is a delight - sleek, sporty exterior w/classy dual-panel moonroof - great MPG for its class (17 city) - offers about every perk you can imagine - favorite feature: "bootie cooler"! (A/C seat) Transitioning from a GMC Suburban to the lighter, more agile and advanced Explorer has been a treat. My family recommends it to all!

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  Ford recaptures a classic - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By someothersteve - July 29 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased this car in early June as primarily a commuter car that could double as a fun car for the weekends. I havent been disappointed. The V6 Mustang Premium automatic is a very comfortable car. You can drive it for performance or economy. In my commute I usually get 28-31 MPG. If I turn on the AC or hit the gas hard, mileage will drop to the mid 20s. Ergonomics are good. I have no issues reaching any controls from the driverÂ’s seat. The car has some nice touches, too, like rear seat headrests that fold down to improve visibility. For the wrench turners, you can get to all parts of the engine without busting a knuckle. It makes up for the missing spare tire and slow downshifts.

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  Very nice car! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By jsnick - July 29 - 12:23 pm

  I was in a 2003 Altima SL that had 85,000 miles on it and ordered a 2011 fusion SEL 2.5 liter in January and took delivery of it March 5th. Fusion now approaching 6k miles and very impressed with the quality, ride & design of car. Also I get outstanding gas mileage 32 +/- for town and 37 +/- on the highway (remember this is what I get and can vary by driver). Quality, ride & workmanship is far superior to the 2003 Altima. Although I donÂ’t know if the 2011 Altima has improved in these areas, doubt it though, itÂ’s the same platform (reason I didnt look at Altima). I will say Altima overall was very reliable, time will tell on Fusion.

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  No Complaints after 6500 miles - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By derickd81 - July 28 - 8:59 am

  Contemplated many cars before going with the Fiesta. Hondas Fit was a close second, but the Fiesta was much quieter at highway speed and gets better mileage. Took the Fiesta on a roadtrip from VA to ME last week, 2500 miles total mixed driving and got 39.3 mpg overall, A/C was almost always on too! Great mileage on backroads were I have gotten close to 50mpg! Front seats are comfortable even on 16hr trips! Back seats are fine for an hour or two, Im 61" and dont mind. The auto trans is weird at slow speeds, but it is really a manual trans and shifts better than most people can shift a manual at low speeds, so with that perspective in mind it is fine, cant expect a slushbox-like shift!

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  love it! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By h2hummer679 - July 27 - 7:51 pm

  i own a limited 08 escape and i am very pleased with it so far. It is surprisingly more roomy than you would think. the ride is a little rough but thats understandable with a suv. navigation works waaay better than any tomtom or garmin ive used. havent tested it out in the snow with the 4wd but im expecting great things from it. the gas milage is great for a vehicle this size and with a v6.

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  Great Truck, Great Price, GREAT MPG! - 2011 Ford Ranger
  By trophyf1 - July 27 - 12:54 am

  Bought the truck 6 months ago XLT 2x4 Extra Cab with the Duratec 2.3L I4, 5 speed Manual trans, & 4.10 rearend gears. So far the truck has been fantastic and surpassed expectations! The Ranger has not changed in years which is a good thing because it still has a great feel when you drive it. Its smooth on the highway, has a convenient interior, and the trucks size allows it to be parked nearly anywhere. Will it win a drag race? NO... but it has all the power it needs. I am happy to start my Ranger every morning... the 5 speed manual is fun to drive and has all the pep it needs with the 2.3. My first ranger was an 02 and was the best vehicle I have ever owned, thus I bought another!!!!!