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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  Wow! - 2015 Ford Expedition
  By Eric Oleson - September 7 - 6:25 pm

  Wow, what a vehicle! This is our fourth Expedition. The first three were great but we decided to scale down to an Explorer, which was a great vehicle but just not the same! So we got another Expedition and what a Wow it is! Ford has taken an already great vehicle and has made it better. Yes we love the comfort, the fact that you can see forever, that physics is always on your side should there be a crash, handling is impeccable (it will walk through anything) but now it has a power plant that puts the old one to shame. It has so much more power that I actually have to be careful when accelerating or Ill invariably leave precious tread on the road from peeling out. Look, this is not a GT by any means but it sure is fun when I experience that feeling of the head being thrown back at the changing of the light! And oh, did I happen to mention that our mileage has increased by well over 20%? Our recent trek to Chicago gave us 18.3 M/G - not bad for a behemoth!

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  Perfect! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By Eric Oleson - September 7 - 6:08 pm

  We wanted a reliable, safe car for our 17 year old and I know we have found it. The all wheel drive will keep her on the road and IF something happens to run her off the road she will be in one of the safest vehicles in its class. Amazingly it is comfortable even for my 6 2" frame - Wow! And the panoramic sun roof almost makes you feel like you are in a convertible. My only humble issues with the Escape is that the Nav is not as intuitive as a Garmin Device and the Climate controls are a bit too complicated. But these are small matters compared to the overall Five Star nature of this great car!

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  Fun to drive! - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Matthew - September 7 - 2:35 pm

  I love driving my focus. It grips the road nicely and its light frame makes for easy lane changes and highway entries. This car has some ZIP to it. I would feel comfortable driving this across country due to its reliability and comfort. The interior doesnt feel cheap. I expected a little better fuel economy, but its ok. For a small car, I dont feel low to the ground.

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  Former European car owner - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Mike - September 7 - 11:24 am

  I went to the VW dealership in my GTI to look at the new Golf R. I noticed a new GT sitting in the used lot for a few thousand less than the R. I fell in love with the looks of the car, and after spending some time driving it decided that it was for me. Why? Ive never liked the design of the previous GT, but the updated exterior is one of the best designs out there right now - not a bad angle on the car. The interior is vastly improved. I actually enjoy being in the space instead of feeling like Im compromising. The premium interior is, in my mind, the way to go. Air conditioned seats are one of mankinds greatest inventions. I found all of the electronics intuitive and mastered the system within a couple of days (Ive had some cars that I never figured out after 3 years). Many cool customization features on the interior. My car came with the performance package. I also think that this is a must have. The mustang feels like a proper grand tourer. The suspension is firm but not jarring, and the steering feel is among the best Ive experienced on a new car (and better than the new GTI). It is not a sports car, but it is always fun to drive. The solid handling, amazing engine note and acceleration, and the outstanding shifter and steering make for a car that I always look forward to driving. After driving it for a while, I realize that Ive reached the age where driving a grand tourer makes me happier than a frantic adrenaline machine. If you havent test driven one and dont see yourself as a Mustang type, go test drive a new 5-series and then try the Mustang - its cheaper, better looking, better to drive, and generally mullet free.

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  Good Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Chad Hutchinson - September 6 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had my car for 7 years bought new, longest lasting car Ive owned. Being a home owner I have the same demands for maintenance, so I bought a 5x8 enclosed trailer put a hitch on the focus. Ive pulled 50 sheets of drywall, lumber, ATV up north hunting, Ice fishing, car handles it just fine. Without the trailer Ive drive through 4 inches of fresh snow fall, on federal land. My brother owned one, a guy who was blinded by the evening sun pulled out in front him, he hit him at 60, and walked away! The only reason Im writing this review is because Im looking at buying a newer model, but still keeping the 08 and putting snow tires on it

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  was skeptical wow it made me a Ford man - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By oleander - September 5 - 4:25 pm

  Best car Ive owned in a long time. Last great car that I owned that just was a great driving car kwas a Mazda 323 in 89 . Friend of mine who manages a dealership helped me get out of a bad BMW 325i horrible problems with that car was probably a previous owner didnt take care of it anyway he said take the fusion it will treat you right wow....... it Handels great is super easy to keep interior looking good and clean. Ive put 100,000 on it only replaced a water pump and it Handels better than a few others of driven my son in law has a Honda civic and it was cheaper than his and compared to the way it drives mine is a luxury car

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  Crazy NOT to own one!!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Josh - September 4 - 8:22 pm

  This is absolutely the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Great handling in the snow, slush and rain. Fuel economy 15 driving in city and 25 on Highway using adaptive cruise control. Drive conservative and fuel economy is great. Heavy on the gas and watch the fuel gauge drop.

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  Great car - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - September 4 - 3:55 pm

  We bought this car to replace our 2011 Mercury Milan. That car was too small for me. There was no room in the drivers seat. I was looking to replace it with anything I could find bigger. I stumbled across the Fusion test drove it and was sold. Power was great for the 4 cylinder. Gas mileage is better than the Milan and comfort is much more impressive. Glad I found this car. I have driven Fords or Mercurys for the last 40 years and with the redesigned Fusion, I see no reason to change now.

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  Shocked is all I can say... - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Brian Yelton - September 2 - 8:07 pm

  My wife and I had been looking for her a new midsized vehicle for the last three months. We literally drove every competitor car in the class. Camry - Price was good, power and handling adequate but in typical Toyota fashion wanting in the features department. Accord- Price was an issue for a feature rich car but the engine noise... Good God the engine noise! Regal- Good car and actually our 2nd choice. Great power and handling but the Buick exterior colors couldnt get any more bland. The interiors color combinations are a visual assault on the senses and their Premium packages are just goofy if you ask me. Mazda 6- Good car also but the front seat I am almost certain uses granite for seat padding. Pricing was just a bit of concern with the Mazda as well. But not a bad choice if you are numb from the waist down. Also just a smidge weak in the power department with no engine upgrades available. Altima- Not a bad choice either, very comparable to the Mazda with slightly better seats but the same slightly lackluster performance with no upgrades available. Optima- A little floaty in the suspension. Good power from the turbo model. (on par with the Buick and Fusion) But despite claims of 20mpg on in the city, my 50 mile test drive was nowhere near that. I suspect the way that car is tuned you could realistically expect 14-15 in the city. Tons of features, but found most of them completely useless for our purposes. Sonata- Was a solid competitor across all measures with one exception. The lumbar support in the seats I am pretty sure were designed with a 2ft tall person in mind. For a non-homunculus it should be named pelvic/tail bone torture device. Malibu- Just off a little by every measure. Mostly quality of materials. The car felt cheap when compared to others on the list. Audi A3 & A4- Both good cars all around. A bit too pricey and the premium fuel requirement stinks. Not to mention dealerships are sparse. Passat- Just generally an uncomfortable vehicle and blasé on almost every count. If I forgot a car in the same class then I apologize but if you ask what about...? Then the fact I forgot it should tell you it was forgettable. I assure you we test drove all of them. Hands down the Fusion reigns supreme in this class of cars.

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  Great car - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Trevon - September 2 - 7:05 pm

  I was born in 97. My mom got this car when I was born she drove it everyday as a family car it was just me, her and my brother. Once she got a new car my brother drove it now Im driving it and the only thing thats really wrong with it is that it needs a paint job. Now I drive it and even though I love mustang this is still one of my favorite cars. I love speed the only thing I wish this car had was more speed but anyway Ill never get rid of this car for any other car.