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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  So Far So Good - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By alphadog731 - November 17 - 11:54 am

  I traded in a base model BMW 328i for this Titanium Fusion because I wanted a longer wheel base and a better ride with more amenities. I have driven the car on one road trip that used to kill my body in the harsh riding BMW. There was no comparing the ride quality. Im not comparing vehicles here just how my body reacts to the different road feel. All I can say is I have no regrets on the switch despite the odd looks from my neighbors and the dealership staff. This car drives every bit as well as my BMW and my VW CC prior to that. Its a bit more substantial than both of them which is exactly what I was after. The handling is tight but not harsh and I love the increased size of the car.

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  I totalled out my first one - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By johnw489 - November 15 - 9:56 pm

  i bought my first 97 and on the way home with it a fool ran a stop sign at about 50mph and t boned me. i woke up to smoke from the aiar bags but i was alive. i hurt my neck a bit from the air bag impact but i was fine. i went ahead and ordered me another one with 17 miles on it. i got the sports appearance package, the mach 460 sound system (SWEET) and an alarm system with a motion sensor. the company statement was if my baby was stolen and i still had the two fobs they would give me 5k!! i still have it and at 113k it still runs great. ive replace the suspension system but can still take those turns at 60mph easy.

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  Mixed emotions - 2012 Ford Focus
  By isellthem1 - November 15 - 6:20 pm

  I am very impressed with the overall tightness of the platform and build quality is good. It is one of the best looking hatchbacks out there and I love the handling characteristics of this car but I am so pissed off at Ford for making such a fantastic vehicle and equipping it with an absolute joke of an automatic transmission. I love the concept of feeling the direct drive this torque converter-less transmission provides but the shifting dynamics are sub par. This unit should have never been introduced to the public in its current state. Opt for the 5 speed!

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  V6 Auto base model - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By hawkeye22 - November 13 - 7:28 pm

  One reviewer said he was looking at Ford because they didnt take government money. I admit that was a consideration for me. I went looking for a Fusion but found they were pricey. I will have to drive the mini van in the snow but thats a necessary compromise in the Midwest. I have 1500 miles on my Mustang now, Im getting 23 mpg so far (the same as my 08 Grand Prix) and this car makes me smile every time I look at it. You can modify a stang but I think mine looks great as is. Im glad I didnt get a boring car. Bucket List! PS-I do have the auto tran but that wasnt an option for the review. Cost-under 22K. I get the feeling you can get an even better deal if you bargain better than me.

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  Awesome driving car - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By lshn629 - November 12 - 4:00 pm

  Ive had all kinds of BMWs, high performance muscle cars, and this car far and away is the nicest of the bunch! Performance is incredible for as big and heavy a vehicle as it is. Both on the low end and at highway speeds the competition does not come close. Compared to a Lexus 460 this car blows it away! Size wise its got as much space in the interior as that car has and is every bit as comfortable. Electronics and features are far and away better then the Lexuss.

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  Go kart handling, go kart fit and finish. - 2010 Ford Focus
  By mitsu3kgto - November 12 - 9:06 am

  I bought this car for a cheap fuel savvy commuter and it was just that. Ive had the car from new and now have 70,000 miles on it. It has never broken down and I have averaged 30mpg during my ownership. I drive this car extremely rough and demand a lot more out of it than it can really put up with, so for that it wins some points. I bought this car knowing I wouldnt have it for life, I changed the oil every 10,000 miles. The original brakes were terrible and vibrated from the beginning so I swapped them out, as with the tires that wore out at 20k and were god awful in the rain. I slapped some expensive tires on and it made the car much better overall.

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  What a great car - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By adienoel1 - November 10 - 3:43 pm

  I traded my 2006 focus for the Fiesta. I love it! I want to drive all day long.

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  FUN ALERT FUN ALERT! Auto Transmission only people need not apply! - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By bewarethemare - November 10 - 1:21 pm

  Okay will be putting nearly 500 miles per week on this car. I will wait while you do the math. I did go for the 100k 7 yr. warranty. I wouldnt have bought it if I didnt have that option. I have learned that over 80% of the population cannot drive a stick. Well that is bad for them and awesome for me. If you know how to drive one. Oh you will fall in love with the zippy feisty fiesta! have yet to meet a car that wasnt fun with an auto trans. In fact most cars I test drove didnt have a manny available. I do a lot of traveling and commuting. My morning coffee smells better and my ride is awesome. Its a fun commuter car that will brighten your mornings! Dont pass this one up!!

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  My car constantly overheats - 2014 Ford Escape
  By jerseygirl77 - November 8 - 11:53 am

  Ford never fixed the 1.6L engine problems. My car is always in the shop.

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  Still Loving it after 25k - 2013 Ford Edge
  By bobinjax - November 6 - 8:32 pm

  Bought my 2013 Edge Ltd in June of 2012. Just bumped over 25k. Ive read all the worst reviews to see if anything sounds familiar. Thankfully no. Love my Edge. I dont disbelieve that people have bad experiences, after all humans put these cars together (for the most part). My experience is opposite. No issues with my Mid Life Crisis on Wheels. I found fault w/ software compatibility (WMA files) but no longer an issue. The MPG is off Im not an average driver. I love power and agility in this car. Sync & MyFord Touch work great, now that I understand it. Read the manual when all else failed. My recommendation is a "Buy". Read all Bad and Good reviews too.