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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  SE manual trans - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By yogurt - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I have to agree with the previous reviewer. My biggest complaint, and it aint much, is the gear spacing. At 65 Im turning 2500 RPM, where an automatic turns about 2000. Ford must have bought the trans from a different car company, and stuck it in the Fusion, with no engineering changes, other than fitment.Its a shame. Otherwise the car is quiet, rides really nice, and is very comfortable. Im very happy with the car, but with a gear change, I could be ecstatic. I can easily drive at 40 MPH in 6th with no problem. Should not be the case. Average 26 mpg around town (suburban) and have hit 36 mpg at 65 mph. Going on a 2400 mile trip next week. Will see then what it does.

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  Big Improvement - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By ibtd - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2005 and this is a whole different car. Performance and handling are excellent and gas mileage, considering performance, is excellent too. With 4000 miles on it now I average 20.5 locally and 30 highway (manual transmission). I also have the MCA package, heated seats, and rear view camera (surprisingly convenient). One thing I would change would be to get the 3.31 axle. With the standard gearing it isnt turning high enough rpm to easily maintain speed on hills in 6th gear and legal highway speeds. 6th is pretty useless below 70 mph.

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  Great small car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By howard - November 1 - 2:00 am

  It has been a great small car. Fun to drive, great gas mileage and well made. We have the manual transmission and it is very smooth. The only thing I miss is another way to open the trunk aside from the key fob. We had no problems and just change the oil. We would buy another one.

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  Best in Class! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Audrey - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a car with fuel economy and ended up with the Fiesta. Its fun to drive, well built, and the MPG are nice! Its better than a hybrid, in my book, because of the easier maintenance and less effect on the environment (you read that right). Batteries in hybrids are very toxic to manufacture and depose of. I love the handling, features, and design of my Fiesta!

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  Great so far - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Rob - October 31 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 2 months now, I am pleased with it. Bought it with 32,000 miles, it is in excellent condition, it is an xlt but has several "sport" options, has the audiophile 6 cd changer with the 7 speakers. Mileage seems better than the van I had, the ride of course is a little stiffer though, the moonroof is neat, Continental "conti trac tires are noisy, will chg at 50k, my wife and I are both glad to be back in a Ford, Ford took the "high road", no bailout, and it has sure paid off.

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  Customer Satisfaction - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Carole Mailander - October 31 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Ford Focus SEL in Arlington Heights. I was very impressed with the knowledge and expertise of the sales department. My first trip to the service department to install the environmental package was also handled in a timely professional manner at my convenience. I was treated like one of the family. I look forward to an ongoing satisfying customer relationship. I love my new car! It has wonderful gas mileage and is very comfortable. I am enjoying all the nice features.

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  Baby Mustang - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Marvin Proehl - October 30 - 2:00 am

  We really enjoy the car! Our best gas mileage on a long trip 41 mpg with an average off 38 mpg. We have 205/55/r16 tires. The work that had to be done on was all done at the dealership. We had to replace the motor at 200,000 with a broken valve seat. I will say nothing bad about the car.

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  Perfect for the small family - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Texan stuck in Pa - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Second Explorer we have owned, first was a 2004 Explorer Police edition ( police engine, was retired from a small town P.D. fleet). Was so Impressed with first one, had to get a second one. This one isnt a police package, but I dont mind one bit. Perfect vehicle for my small family, has a plug in the back for my daughter (4 yrs old) to plug in her portable DVD player, plus the air vents she dont have to wait for the heat/air.Took 3 trips to Texas-Pa in the 04,(1735 miles one way) and was a great ride. This one is super smooth, rides great on highway, fuel mileage goes over 19 mpg longer we drive on highway, so might make it over 22 by Texas. lots of room in the back for all my wifes luggage.

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  Awsum 11 - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By nite creature - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This pony pak, V6 is one awesome Mustang, Every where I go, People stop and stare, or shout WOW, handles and rides great, and great power, this is the best ride I ever bought, and I have bought lots of them over the years, the interior is pure quality, and the paint ,candy red is flawless. I have a 67 Mustang also, The 11 is so retro, not like a Camaro, Buy one you wont be disappointed.

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  My return to Ford - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Brian - October 30 - 2:00 am

  First Ford since 2002, and I am very happy to be back thanks to this 2011 Ford Edge. I was shocked at the high class interior, whisper quiet ride, and great fuel economy for a vehicle of this size! More features and gadgets than a techie could ever want! I drove the previous MY2010 and this is so much nicer! The interior has been completely overhauled, 20 more HP, and better MPG!