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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  King ranch - 2010 Ford F-150
  By king ranch - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. I traded in an escalade esv on the king ranch and love it

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  Review update - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By yogurt - November 17 - 2:00 am

  After driving 2200 miles to and from Oklahoma, I can safely say the car is great. Traveling at 75, I averaged 29.6 mpg, using gas with 10% corn squeezing. Was 32 with real gas. Slowing down to 65-70, I got up to 33.5 mpg. That is based on the computer readout, not calculated by me. On the way home, we drove 1100 miles with only a couple of stops at rest areas for catnaps. The seats were always comfortable. I like the power seat back in the 2011 model. At 75 am turning about 3100 RPM, about the same as a Harley-Davidson. The car needs a taller 6th gear. But overall, I could not be happier with the Fusion. All the trunk space is usable. Luggage for 3 for a week was no problem.

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  Fords keep getting better - 2011 Ford Flex
  By Lathamw - November 16 - 2:00 am

  i have either driven trucks or SUVs for the last 18 years, all Fords, and this is the best of the bunch. Spacious, comfortable, fairly fast, the kids love it, the wife loves it, I love it! Handles like a much smaller car, with luxury car quietness and ride. I can safely say that this car was more than I expected.

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  It can be trust. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Willy - November 16 - 2:00 am

  After 47k miles I can say it, it is a very good car for the money, still original tires, no problems whatsoever, no recalls.

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  I am very Happy even with some problems - 2011 Ford Edge
  By marlandj53 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I came from a 2007 Sport Trac Limited. This was the first vehicle that grabbed me. I love how it drives MT did not like the brakes, but that is one of the best things about the Edge. The interior is perfect. The touch screen and voice commands takes some practice but now works very well for me. I have had son problems with the system. The voice stopped working and memory seat would not come forward after easy exit. The dealer fixed voice but memory seat is still a problem. I really love driving this vehicle. I drive about 90 miles a day.

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  Love my Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By javacup1 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my Taurus completely dependable I have 173k mi. only cost i had was regular service changing plugs gas filter etc as specified in manual the only part that needed replacement more then once was the from stabilizer bar other than that it rides like a gem and i am proud to own a ford and its American and i came from the saabs Nissans volvos.

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  Great car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jon - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Fusion last week and I was greatly surprised to find that I got 34 MPG on the highway traveling about 65 MPH. Im getting about 25 MPG in the city. The car is comfortable and reliable, its fun to drive. So far no problems!

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  Still running strong at 125,000 miles - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By smt6979 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Fusion brand new w/300 miles. The car was great, never had a problem with it until it hit 65k miles. Then the transmission started to shift really hard. I had a couple of mechanics look at it and none of them could promise the transmission would last another 30k miles. I just hit 125k miles this week and the transmission still shifts hard. I do change the transmission fluid every 30k so I am sure that helps. Other than that brakes, tires, a new battery and oil changes is all it has needed. One major warning I will give is that I have not been able to get a set of tires to last more than 40k miles. Every set cups and my car is in perfect alignment according to my mechanic.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Mike d - November 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car for three years and still love it. Just did the breaks and tires all around after 45,000 miles. The car handles and performs very well. Was going to get a Taurus again but glad we didnt. Much better gas mileage! Has lots of power. Love to Punch It on the highway! One problem to date dealt with the sunroof. Leaks through the sunglass holder in the headliner after an extreme rain when the car is tilted downward to the front in my driveway.

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  My Best car yet! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Winger - November 15 - 2:00 am

  First I would like to say that this is my 2nd Fusion- my 1st was a 08 SEL with the 3.0L. I traded that in for a 10 Mazda3. Long story short, I eventually traded that in for this Fusion. Nothing against the Mazda3, it was a good car. The biggest flaw was the interior room- too small. I just couldnt over come it. So I leased another Fusion. This time I went with the Sport trim package, Navigation, Sony system, Platinum white metallic tri-coat, just about every option less the AWD. This car is seriously fun to drive and quick! MPG is somewhat decent when considering the larger more performance inspired 3.5L. The Select-shift adds to the fun. Very comfortable and solid ride!