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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  What a Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Java - September 5 - 3:27 pm

  I was going to purchase the Mark Lt until I saw this one. 6k cheaper better interior and what a looker. Rides as nice as a Cadillac. Traded a 05 f150 Lariat crew cab what a diffrence. Better acceleration better build quality and remarkable fit and finish. Way to go Ford.

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  Owning the Ford GT - 2005 Ford GT
  By Tim Howard - September 5 - 3:17 am

  I have been restoring and collecting classic cars for over 25 years, and I have never driven anything as exciting and enjoyable as the new Ford GT. Even my Best of Show Winning 1967 Shelby GT350 does not compare to the feel and presence of this Ford Supercar. It is, without question, the most capable and enjoyable car on the market today. Even my Corvette friends are envious of the GTs capabilities and ease of handling. It is simply one of the fastest cars in the world at any price.

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  37 MPG! & Great for Tall Drivers - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By phatcat73 - September 5 - 2:38 am

  I purchase mine used in Nov 2010 and it had 32k miles on it. It was a fleet vehicle which probably means car rental which concerned me a bit, however aside from buying new, used versions are difficult to find. Im 66"and few cars/trucks fit me. For being a compact SUV, this one is just right! At temperatures above 50 deg, Im averaging around 37mpg in mixed driving. To get to the level I learned to maximize the battery when driving under 40mph as the engine can shutoff and drive under all electric power for a short time. You really have to learn the thresholds as to when the engine will kick in driving under 40 then try to maximize the battery. This will yield higher MPGs.

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  Wow! This is one nice truck! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Alan - September 5 - 12:23 am

  After much research, I finally bought my Lariet. Granted Ive only had it for two days, but Ive got to tell you it is an impressive truck. Ive read many reviews and some reviewers complain about a lack of power this certainly is not evident to me and Im used to a 2001 Mustang GT. Its power is consistant and smooth throughout the RPM range. Inside it is amazingly quiet the style and comfort of this truck is down right awesome! So far, I love it! If it holds up like my 1984 Bronco II did, itll prove to be one hell of a truck. Check back in 10 years for an update!

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  Never Buying Ford Again - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By katmitchell94 - September 4 - 9:19 pm

  This is my second Ford, and it is definitely my last. The gas mileage is good, but it is built so cheaply I am embarrassed I bought it. I have had it for 3 months and it is in service for the third time. It has already had an oil leak, the rear passenger door doesnt open due to the entire inner door panel falling repeatedly, and the front passenger window doesnt close completely without many tries and frustration. And as I was taking it in to service, one of the plastic covers in the back seat fell off. I paid way too much for this car, and now Im stuck for years with it, as I cant afford another new car. I do not recommend a C-Max unless you like hanging out at the dealership.

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  Shes All Grown Up - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Thunder1979 - September 4 - 4:58 pm

  I have been driving a 2001 GT convertible for a few years and fell in love with the new model once I saw the design, however, the design is only the tip of the iceberg. This is a much better car than the SN95 version, its faster, the transmission doesnt feel like a pickups, my girlfriend can push down the clutch, and its no longer a rattlebox. The car keeps pulling through 4th gear, and doesnt feel like youre inside of a B-17s nacelle over Germany like the old one did. This is a very comfortable car and no longer feels like the boy racer my 2001 was. That was a very solid car, but the new model is in a new class, its a grown-ups car that makes you feel like youre 16.

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  Great - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Family - September 4 - 2:00 pm

  Purchased my suv in 2003. Love it! I have only had one major problem with it when I blew the spark plug out of the head (kind of costly) but well worth it. Having a big family I will stick with my Expedition for as long as I can.. even with high gas prices it is still a very safe suv for my children.

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  No confusion with my Fusion!! - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Brad W. - September 4 - 12:03 pm

  I read the reviews here before purchasing, so I wanted to come back and give some input too. ~~~~~We recently bought a used, 26k mile, one-owner, 2015 Titanium, Brick Red leather package and 18 inch fancy wheels, with just about all the bells and whistles you can get, and have put a couple thousand miles on it so far. I couldnt believe the low price of the car! I dont understand why people are shying away from it at all. After test driving it (first time I had driven one), I was super impressed. Ive had some other really nice, more luxurious, higher-priced sedans in the past, but felt they had nothing on the Fusion. The ride is super good, with extremely low road noise. At 510 tall and a few extra pounds, the seats are extremely comfortable to me, with every adjustment you could want. Controls are all located nicely, and it has several interior aesthetic adjustments and options for those who like that. The 2.0 240hp turbo engine is more than enough power for the average guy...and I DONT like my vehicles being under powered. Mileage has been pretty average so far. 22-23mpg all around driving, but Im probably a little less aggressive than most. Not alot of pure highway driving with it yet, so I cant comment on that mileage at this point. ~~~~~~I agree with several comments on here about shifting. It is not butter smooth all the time, quite far from it. But for me, if I know its just how the tranny works on this car, and there is no actual problem with it, it doesnt bother me. I dont need to have everything work like a 100k dollar car to feel good about a purchase. Its clunky at times, yes, but plenty good enough for me, and far from annoying. Like someone else said....the trunk opening is a bit small. It has plenty of room, but the opening itself is just a bit short.~~~~So far, there isnt anything I would really complain about with this car. We love it, and would buy another in a heart beat....especially for the price we got it at. :) ~~~~~~~ ****UPDATE 5/26/2017***** Several more months with this vehicle. Still really like it. Its not perfect, but still a very nice car. Have had MANY compliments from people that had never been a Fusion before, on the sharp look of the interior of the car! Gas mileage is not real good for a four cyl., and the cars MPG estimator typically differs from what it actually is when I fill up and calculate it myself. The car pads it by a few MPG....lol. Hmmm. So far everything is going as planned. Id still buy the car again if I was given a do-over. :)

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  Grannies ride - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Diann Eve - September 4 - 9:46 am

  If shopping on line verify color and price before going to test drive. Also, availablity.

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  Solid Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Billy - September 4 - 9:14 am

  Good all around truck for regular folks. The small V8 is sluggish at first but will move down the road very well. Works fine for what most people do. Rides like a truck, not a car. I like that. Get the bigger motor for more serious work. I can get 21mpg highway if I drive reasonably <70. Pulls a small boat well and has plenty of room and comfort. Sides of the truck are high and makes getting stuff in and out a bit tougher than with previous models.