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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  A very impressive automobile - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By mrfreeze57 - July 11 - 8:47 pm

  Have had the 2011 I4 sel for one month, 1000 miles, it is a fantastic automobile. The 4 cyl. has plenty of power and all 3 times refueling, all 30 mpg or better with combined driving, and while I have read of complaints of the 6F35 transmission (this is the first automatic I have owned) so far have had not one irratic shift and it shifts so smooth one cant hardly tell when it does unless looking at the tach, and also it shifts out of the lower gears very quickly helping it get such good gas mileage. The fusion drives nice and the electric steering feels fine to me, the engine does make a bit of a snarl at high rpm (as most all 4 cyl do) but normal driving it is very quiet.

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  Great suprise. - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By joe400 - July 11 - 10:26 am

  I have 6 weeks of ownership, 1755 miles and have been very impressed with the Fusion SEL! The four cylinder engine has more than adequate power but economy that exceeds what has been advertised. In five tanks of gas, three have been intown driving and I have averaged 27.2 mpg. On two road trips I have averaged 36.7 and 37.8 mpg! This is driving at speed limits! The car handles very well, the seats are very comfortable and the Nav and sync systems function without a glitch! I am also quite suprised at the quietness of the four cylinder engine. The Ginger leather interior is a great improvement over black, tan and stone! Safe to say I am very impressed at the beginning!

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  Thrilled with my choice of vehicle PartII - 2008 Ford Focus
  By itzmynz2 - July 9 - 5:04 pm

  I wrote a review 20AUG2008, I am writing part two today. I am still very thrilled with the decision I made to purchase my brand new 2008 Ford Focus S. I do wish at the time I was not in desperate need to get out of my Land Rover, because I would have placed more time and attention into the details of an S versus the other upgraded models. I have not had any major deficiencies. I have only had to change tires and purchase new battery. I am at approx. 56k miles now and my Focus has never failed me. I have been itching to purchase another SUV however, I read reviews and see how much it cost to fuel it I immediately get settled back into my Focus.

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  great value - 2003 Ford Escape
  By northerngirl1 - July 5 - 12:08 pm

  My 2003 Ford Excape LXT has been a great, reliable vehicle. It doesnt handle as well as my Jeep Cherokee in the Minnesota Winters but it isnt as heavy either. No complaints. I change the oil evert 3000 and rotate the tires every 6000 like clockwork. At 95,000 miles....other than routine maintenance like brakes, replaced tie rod ends once, I havent done anything major to it. Looks like new!

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  2nd Expedition - 2011 Ford Expedition
  By yblockv8 - July 4 - 5:27 pm

  Our 2001 Expedition bought new was such a difference from having all pickup trucks and lasted us 139,000 miles and was GREAT. This 2011 model is far and away a diffferent animal stronger, way more powerful and quiet combined some features of the old Eddie Bauer. We added and K&N air filter. The truck now has 9,000 miles on it, gets 15.5 around town and from our home in Vegas to Phoenix netted 22 MPG! Trailer towing...the 6-speed gets you going faster in 1-2-3, 4th gear is about the same and it seems to like 5th for towing 65 MPH nets 2,200 RPMs. Mileage is 10.5 overall, besting the 2001 truck by 1.5 MPG. DO NOT TOW with SRC engaged! In crosswinds it does strange things.

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  Buying at end of lease - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By lga2 - July 2 - 12:07 pm

  I did alot of research when I leased the fusion and the reviews were great. Now I am here for research after driving the car for 3 years and 54,000 miles. It has a new battery and now needs tires but other than that it has not been in the shop except for routine maintenance. It looks and drives like it did when it was new and the gas miliage is still in the high 20s to low 30s. Based on the reviews I read today I understand why my residual value is far below wholesale and retail value. There dont seem to be many used fusions on the lot so I guess most people are keeping them after the lease is done. Kudos Ford, I have never fealt the need to review a car before.

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  Tale of Two Mustangs - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By chask7 - June 28 - 7:03 am

  In fall of 2010 I bought a 2011 GT with the Brembo package and 3.73 gears. This spring I traded that car for one with standard 18" wheels and 3.31 rear. What a difference! The suspension on the Brembo package handled well, but the ride beat you up. Plus, the summer-only tires had to be taken off for the winter, even in NC. The 3.73 gears gave great acceleration, but made for too much noise on the highway first gear was superfluous. The newer car rides nicely, and still handles well. With the 3.31 gears you give up some acceleration but get a relaxed cruiser, up to 30 mpg. So, consider your options carefully before you buy.

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  Nice truck but..... - 2010 Ford F-150
  By gs1150adv - June 27 - 7:00 pm

  Its been 7 month and 13k miles and so far the truck is like new. Fit and finish is well done, but for a premium truck the Ford engineers left out some basics.

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  The Real Deal! - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By nicw1 - June 27 - 3:52 pm

  Here’s a Real review. I use to be a big fan of foreign cars until the 2012 Mustang effect “happened”. Im a 32 year old, trendy, female who not only wants style and class but speed and stability. The mustang just feels and looks great!! Heads will turn with this car and cops will be waiting at night to see if your going to push on the gas. I will admit that sometimes I get frustrated bc I really want to open this baby up…everytime I pump on the gas, there’s an undercover cop on the highway or traffic. Yuk! If you live in the city, forget it! Go on the open road! The only complaint is that my car is black, therefore I find myself washing it a lot! But thats the price youll pay!

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  Great Summer Car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By mikeonbass - June 26 - 10:07 pm

  First - let my inform you readers Im very car knowlegeable. I am quite skilled in the field of automotive engines and electronics. I deal with driveability issues every day. Having said that -this is my first Ford in 17 years. Its my middle-age-crisis toy. Im a guy who has owned scores of GM vehicles - some good and some lousy. I went with Ford this time because this is a company that doesnt appear to do alot of the dumb engineering things I have witnessed lately on either GM or Mopar. Having said all that lets talk about the car itself. I purchased this winter with only 4300 miles on it. I now have over 16000 miles on it after a few long distance trips the last couple months.