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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  Impressed - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By jrhd97 - November 30 - 1:19 pm

  We traded an 04 Chevy Impala on this in July 09. What a great decision. The Impala was a rolling malfunction. We bought this car with 50,000 miles on it. It rode and handled great then. After replacing the tires with a much better tire the ride quality and noise level both became significantly better. Now with 130,000 miles on it she still runs like new. The only repair transmission oil cooler at 80,000 miles. The drivers side heated seat went out ( normal ) and havent bothered to fix.

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  Excellent for the Value - 2013 Ford Edge
  By rickymo - November 29 - 3:37 am

  This is one of the best SUVs I have ever owned. I have had it for about 10 months now- no complaints! I enjoy driving it! Many complain about the Ford MY Touch/SYNC - it is cumbersome at first (so was the IPhone for me) but once I got the hang of it works well! I am very pleased and I will get another one in 2016!

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  Best Value in America! - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By richsolar - November 27 - 4:21 pm

  My 22 year old son and I needed a car after a lady wrecked his new scooter. We went after the least expensive safe new car we could find and the Ford Fiesta came thru big time. We cant believe what a great value this fun to drive car is. No complaints, just Love!

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  2013 Fusion 1.6L Echoboost W/Sync Leather etc - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By markwiz - November 25 - 1:46 pm

  I picked up the Blue fusion with the tech package that included backup sensors and camera and the sync system. I really like the sync system. I am a technical guy so it did not intimidate me. Actually I found it very intuitive once you understand the lay out. The only issue I have is the backup sensors are flaky. They only work around 20% of the time. I will be bringing it back the the dealer to be fixed. Otherwise I really like the car. It handles great. The 2.0L engine was really nice but was out of my price range. The gas mileage is around the same as my little 2004 Pontiac Vibe. The car is very quiet on the highway. So far so good.

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  Nice American Sedan - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By kingkole02 - November 25 - 1:19 pm

  The overseas market is going to lose its edge if the American car manufacturers keep building models like these. I trade a bad Japanese model for this one and made my life much better. The Fusion has power, great handling, comfort, and a great sound system. Very pleasing to drive all around car. The only downside is the ridiculous headrest system which does not work well and failed and the passenger side. I would see replacing these headrests over time if frequent adjustment is required.

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  First Ford in 24 Years - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By bigcush - November 23 - 5:04 pm

  We were Accord drivers for a long time but I wanted to buy American for our new car. We liked the Fusions styling, quiet ride, and features. After driving for 3 months we absolutely love it. Not only is it quick, but the ride is so quiet it enhances the fun of driving. The car handles great and I actually like the My Ford touch system - I can easily navigate from one screen to the next no problem. Regarding fuel economy, we drive up and down a mountain everyday so Ive lost track. We bought it because it has a sleek new look and really affordable. From now on, Im a happy Fusion driver.

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  Fun to Drive 2014 Escape Titanium 2.0T 4WD - 2014 Ford Escape
  By escapeman2 - November 22 - 5:38 pm

  I like driving it, I was leasing a Mercedes E350 when I bought the Escape, and I really dont regret buying it, I feel just as comfortable as I was in the E Class, The Touch screen is more complicated than it should be, but it works. Everybody that see the car praises it for the looks, the drive, handling, built quality, etc. I think for the $33K 4WD and 401A package its a good value, its quiet which I like and the stereo is great comparable to the E Class. I really cant wait to drive it every day, its fun, and spacious, Im not a tall person! Even the kids like it better than the E Class, I owned before the ML and R Class but love this one the best

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  150K+ miles and It was WONDERFUL! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By buldog60 - November 21 - 9:47 am

  I got my 99 Ranger with 11K miles on it. I drove it till it was totaled with ~150,000 miles on it. I was ever so sad to loose my truck. It was fun to drive, got decent enough gas mileage, was super reliable. It never had a hard time starting, AC was still ice cold, and never had anything more than oil changes done to it. It is also VERY safe. My mom and 2 year old niece were in the truck when it was totaled, it slid over 200 on the roof after a tire blew on the HWY. Both my mom and niece walked away with out injury. If you are considering a Ranger, GET IT! You will not be disappointed.

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  I trust over any new car. - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By mommame - November 19 - 5:59 pm

  I had a new car and had so many problems. Hard to work and picture it being a throw away car like some. I decided to go backwards to a 2002 V6 that reminds me more of the days a person could work on a car..HAHAHA There are some people who have these cars and they are over 200,000 miles. When you buy something at this age remember it may need a couple things. Dont gripe about it. Do your homework. Some people beat the Hell out of them. I happen to get mine from an older man in his 60s who took care of it.

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  Very impresssive - 2014 Ford Focus
  By rasm - November 17 - 1:47 pm

  Very sporty and good looking car,1100 miles driven and loving every minute of it.