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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  Couldnt be happier! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By kyle28 - June 8 - 2:35 pm

  I bought a 2013 Fusion Titanium with 2.0L Ecoboost engine. I drove it against the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and VW Passat. The Fusion felt much more solid than the Altima and Passat and competitive with the Accord, A4 and 3-Series. It is incredibly refined, quiet with great ride and handling, second to none of the above cars mentioned. I chose the Fusion over the BMW and Audi because it was just as nice for far less money. I have owned the car for 9 months now and still marvel at how great it looks and how much car it is for the money!

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  buried her today - 1993 Ford F-150
  By robertreid40 - June 8 - 4:16 am

  I bought mine as a leftover in January of 94. Ive had 462,742 pleasure filled miles. Never once did she ever leave me stranded. By far the best Ive ever owned. Going to look for another one today. Thats why I was here.

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  Totally Unexpected! - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By shalabylaw - June 7 - 11:39 pm

  I would never have even thought to look at a Taurus. I HATED them!...That is based on my recollection of those older junk ones of yester-year. Nevertheless, my other two cars broke down, and I rented one for six weeks. I was totally surprised. I loved it! Then Hertz took away my Taurus, and I immediately felt the loss. I had no choice but to go straight to the dealer down the street and buy one. I got mine 3/13, and what a dream of a car! Already have 8,000 miles on it. Its just like the top reviews say. Its super quiet, super comfortable, has the best interior dash and seat design Ive seen in years, and gets AMAZING gas mileage. I drove round-trip Berkeley to Big Sur, 31 MPG!!

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  2013 Fusion SE 1.6 - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By fozcat - June 7 - 1:37 pm

  I purchased a 13 Fusion SE 1.6 Auto 1 week ago. It has Luxury, Technology with My Ford Touch, Sunroof Packages and Park Assist. I spent many hours researching this site and reading the reviews. Here are my initial thoughts about the car. The build quality inside and out are outstanding. The car is very comfortable, rides and handles exceptionally well. Only driven 200 miles but averaging 29MPG city/hwy combined. Did see 37 highway driving the posted speed limit. Only issue is I have had to do a Hard Reset twice on the My Ford Touch because it fails to connect to my iPhone. This seems to happen after I drive it without the phone and it won connect next trip. Software update coming Im told.

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  2008 Expedition - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By adams_w - June 7 - 8:49 am

  Bought this used Expy with 48K. Driven additional 50K in the last 16 mos. Beautiful! Quiet interstate cruiser that is safe and fun to drive. One of few vehicles you can drive 500-600 miles in a day and still feel decent. Gas mileage @ 65 mph has been a consistent 20-21. Highway cruising range is great at 500 miles.

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  Just bought my Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By lexan1965 - June 6 - 9:16 pm

  I went to take a test drive with my wife as the Escape was the only small SUV I had not test driven yet. I test drove the Equinox, Terrain, and the new RAV4. After the drive in the new Escape, I was sold! I got the SEL trim level, a two thousand dollar rebate, plus the X-plan for being employed as a Ford supplier. The make-over for 2013 is a big improvement inside and out for the Escape. Ford has done a good job redesigning the 2013 model. Im 6-4" and 238lbs. and fit very comfortably in the Escape. Love everything about it so far. I dont understand all the negative reviews and I hope I dont experience any of the problems described by others. Average of 28.5 mpg 70hwy/30city.

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  2014 Mustang Convertible - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By ray626 - June 6 - 12:59 am

  Wow ! Driving a 2014 V6 Convertible around Central Florida is FUN ! There are compromises - V6 for regular gas, automatic tranny more practical when I4 is a parking lot. BUT - this car hugs the road, loves curves, accelerates & brakes smoothly. I enjoy the handling as much as my wife appreciates the smooth ride. Still learning to use the SYNC, but Im getting there.

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  Very Loud Knocking! After Cold Start. - 2013 Ford Escape
  By maniac4 - June 5 - 11:06 pm

  I got a 2.5 liter S model, I do believe it has engine damage. It has 700 miles on it. Extremely loud lifters as well as lower end knocks. cold But after about 20 minutes of driving it gets somewhat less noisy. I think I might have low oil pressure. But of course the dealer says its normal. Without even listening or checking.. But other than that is ok I guess. No other complaints, I got synch but why bother. I dont use it. I just hope this motor smoothes out or blows. I stayed away from the turbo cause I figured Id be keeping it for a long time. Aint much for high tech. But the motor worries me a bit. but hey. A motor can be replaced. I hope it smoothes out though . Anyone have any input?

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  Repairs Already - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By gm771 - June 5 - 9:48 pm

  My Fusion was purchased new a year ago and I took it in for an oil change and tire rotation. I was told by the service department I need four new tires and an alignment at $1000 even though the car is only at 22,000 miles. I was told it was my fault I have to replace the tires because I drive "too hard". When I told the dealer this was my third Ford vehicle (all purchased new) and I never had to replace the tires this early I was told again it was my fault and not faulty tires. I will never buy a Ford again. They dont stand by their products and blame customers even though this is the fourth vehicle I have purchased new and didnt have this problem with the other three.

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  Disappointing - 2012 Ford Focus
  By larry209 - June 4 - 2:10 pm

  From the beginning I notice a transmission flaw but had to wait for the recall to have it repaired free of cost. The painting is falling apart each day, no one will do or say anything about it. The trunk was getting wet when it rain, it took a couple of months but Ford fixed that free of cost as well. It has been a nightmare, I bought a Suzuki in 2002 and I never had bad experiences until I got to 36,000 miles, with this Ford however Im up to 10,000 miles and have visited the dealer complaining like 8 times already.