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 SEL - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By brachmw - April 3 - 6:38 pm

  I have had my SEL for 6 months now. Cant say enough about it with the possible exception that big and tall drivers will be a little cramped on the drivers side. I am used to spacing my legs out side to side, but it is difficult in this one.

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  Great Car for Reasonable price. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By lilkk - April 3 - 1:13 pm

  Ive owned my 2003 Ford Focus ZX3-5 speed manual since July of 2003. For being a lower priced vehicle I couldnt have asked for a better more reliable vehicle. Ive only had two problems over the last, almost, 8 years. The first full summer I owned the vehicle the A/C went out, but was covered under warranty-no hassles. Recently I had to replace the alternator, otherwise besides routine maintenace it has been a fantastic reliable vehicle I couldnt be happier. When I bought the vehicle I was just going to college. The storage in the back of the vehicle is amazing for the size. For being a small vehicle it handled Wisconsin winters very very well. Definitely recommend Focus.

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  2011 Yellow Ford Fiesta Hatchback SES Automatic - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By ceg1001 - April 2 - 12:16 pm

  I traded in my 08 Ford Mustang, to save some money on car payments and Gas. I have not been dissapointed. This car has the best MPG I have seen in any car. I do 40 mpg in the highway and 33 mgp in the city, versus 19 mpg with the Mustang. The car came with SYNC, Ambience Lighting, Sirius radio, and Cruise Control. The car handles rather well on the highway, you get the feeling that you are driving a midsize sedan. As far as interior space, I can fit two car seats in the back and drive comfortably in the front. The trunk space is decent. I would recommend that the add an armrest on the drivers side. I was aprehensive with giving up my Mustang, but I am now certain that I did the right choice

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  All around good car - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By robert172 - March 30 - 8:27 pm

  This car has everything a person could want for under $25,000. I dont understand why the 3.0 engine is considered to be "down on power" considering it goes 0 to 60 in just over 7 seconds. The 3.0 engine is just what is needed to avoid an engine that is noisy and underpowered, but easier on gas than the 3.5 engine.

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  Big problem with manual transmission - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By mike18040 - March 28 - 7:54 am

  The previous review I wrote about problems with the manual transmission have been resolved. Ever since I got the car back from the dealer it drives fine. They did not replace the entire transmission, but said that something in the transmission was not machined correctly at the plant and had a small lip on it, causing the shifting problem. They replaced the part and so far, so good. Overall, great car for the money.

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  7500 Miles in my Fiesta Hatchback w/automatic - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By haulsalot - March 27 - 5:22 pm

  I purchased the Fiesta Hatchback new in November as an around town and commuting car. My drive is 38 miles each way with a mix of two lane road, suburban traffic, and I-95. On any given day, the 18 miles on 1-95 can be wide open or grinding traffic. After 4 months, I couldnt be happier with the Fiesta. It is fun to drive, quiet, full of cool features, very comfortable. So far I have had no issues of any sort with the car and pretty much everything about it is better than expected. The Sync system with Sirius is terrific, working flawlessly over Bluetooth with my Blackberry. I have owned quite a few new cars and the Fiesta compares favorably with my Honda Fit and Toyota/Pont Vibe.

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  Smiles on your face! - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By jsm10 - March 27 - 11:11 am

  2012 GT Coupe . . . perfect blend for an easy daily driver plus everything youd want to put a smile on your face. First, the smile factors . . . satisfying growl, neck-snapping torque, smooth clutch and tight 6 speed, balanced handling (youll look for curvy two-lane roads) and appreciative looks. And, this comes in an easy-to-drive commuter. The engine is powerful enough so that you dont have to "row" yourself down the street. Gas mileage is 16/26 . . . you can get over 20 combined, but youll want to put your foot into when you get a chance. Did I mention the growl? LOTS of bells and whistles with SYNC, bluetooth and the optional NAV system (recommended if you like music).

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  Great Car, Amazing deal, Ford is Great!!! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By crnadaney - March 26 - 9:34 pm

  Just got the fusion sport and have and it for a week, its amazing. Its totally loaded, all the options, from AWD, to Nav. The seats are very comfy and all the controls are in easy reach. The take off power is great, and the exhaust sound great when you take off. BLIS is great to have for those blind spots and reverse camera is great on the nav screen. The black color looks so nice in the sun with the sparkles, and the black seat w/ the white stitching makes the inside look great to me. All around great car, I had a VW Jetta wolfsberg 2.0T, which I really like until I got this. I recommend this to anyone, but I really thing the sport is the way to go for better performance, handling & fun.

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  2011 Ford Edge Limited - Loaded - 2011 Ford Edge
  By cafunmom - March 26 - 7:50 pm

  I am really enjoying my new Ford Edge. It is a very comfortable car (I have back issues as times), and it is also roomy enough for my tall family. The car has great safety features and performs well on the road. I love the new MyFord Touch and Synch. I received very good training on the system from my salesman when I picked up the car. I highly recommend taking the time to understand the features it really is a great system and worth taking the time to learn it! Some people said they had glitches or found it confusing. So far, I have not found that to be an issue. The car handles very well, but the suspension is a little firm.

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  Well worth the money for a first car! - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By pat126 - March 24 - 2:41 am

  I bought this car several months back with about 87k on it, and Im already pushing 99k. Other than an issue with the electrical system due to chewed up battery terminals (a $6 fix), it has been one hell of a ride. I checked out camaros and a charger or two while I was searching, but every mustang I sat in just felt more comfortable, and even better I could actually see out of it. After a few bolt-on modifications it can turn some heads. Im hard-pressed to say that Ill probably have at least a mustang in my garage at all times from now on. You only get one chance at a first car, and this nasty pony did the job!