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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  Elect steering - 2013 Ford Escape
  By dlth - April 1 - 9:44 am

  We love everything about the Escape except the steering. When traveling on the hwy it is impossible to make small adjustments without having everyone feel the movement. The dealer says it is due to the new electric steering. We use the vehicle for around town driving and take my truck for long trips. As much as I like the car I will not buy another.

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  Best car so far - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jagder - April 1 - 12:28 am

  I bought the car in 2003 with 70000. I now has 282000 miles on it and still runs good. Original clutch and no major repairs of any kind. The only problems was front spring which was recall and some electrical harness issues due to salt spray. Other than this just wear and tear items normal with putting lots of miles on a car. I have looked at and rented the 2nd and 3rd Gen Focus and they just do not compare to how good the 1st Gen is.

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  Luv my 2013 Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By gary_l - March 31 - 12:23 pm

  I have the 1.6L Ecoboost. MPG is 33-35 hwy, as advertised. Have zero complaints. Fun to drive, quiet, comfortable, and damn it looks good. Would recommend a new Fusion to anybody looking big bang for the buck in a midsized sedan. There was no choice on this review for the 1.6L Ecoboost engine so, I wrote the review here.

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  2013 Fusion Titanium 2.0L ecoboost - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By ak2va - March 31 - 1:49 am

  Have had this car for a few weeks. Amazing ride, fun to drive, comfortable, quiet, full of useful technology. Average 26 MPG with mixed driving (which is right in line with EPA averages). Im a young-ish LEO with a heavy foot but find no problems with the MPG as others have complained about. The Sync works flawlessly Ford offers unlimited classes to help master it for those who are apprehensive about it. This is the first car Ive ever bought where Ive had zero buyers remorse.

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  First and Last Ford forever - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By fordhater224 - March 30 - 9:09 pm

  Hadnt owned a Ford in years. Liked the 2010 Fusion v6 SEL AWD. In past 6 months, replaced throttle body (scary to have no acceleration suddenly in 65 mph traffic). Drivers side seat warmer went, and last week wife was 60 miles away on business and it wouldnt start. Towed to dealer for new battery (??) Traded in that piece of junk today for a 2013 Accord. We had owned Hondas for over 15 years and other than normal wear and tear, had 1 oxygen sensor replaced in 4 year old car and muffler and exhaust system in my now 14 yr old civic. I feel sorry for whomever buys my trade in!

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  Too many breakdowns! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By nthernlgts - March 30 - 7:49 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in the summer of 2009. About a month later the Transmission failed. It took a month and a half to repair because of back ordered parts. After the rebuild, the shift pattern was messed up and had to go back for reprogramming. This was all within 15,000 miles and covered by warranty. After warranty, the a/c condenser failed. $900 there. Then the power steering unit failed. This isnt a standard power steering unit either. In other words, $1400 more. Ive also had some sort of an mid shaft axle support bearing fail. $400 more. All in all, I have put nearly $3000 in repairs into a 3-1/2 year old vehicle. Way too many mechanical failures. Im done with Escapes

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  IM IN LOVE WITH THIS CAR!!!! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By chylemc - March 29 - 6:38 pm

  I recently purchased brand new Oxford White 2013 Ford Fusion SE dune interior w/1.6 ecoboost & moonroof...I love driving it it feels kinda like an expensive sports car. Got a great deal on it! Shout out to Team Ford in Marietta, GA! I get stares everywhere I go. The SYNC works great...easy to use. I got the GAP & Extended warranty just in case. *My 1st American car! But I have a feeling that Ford has made a car that will shake up the world.

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  great car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By fordman62702 - March 29 - 2:52 pm

  I had one of these for 4 years and 35,000 miles until someone hit me and tore the front end off, spinning me around and deploying the airbags. I walked away unscathed, The car surprised me by taking a hit that well. Tough little car. Was fun to drive, cheap to maintain, great MPG. Interior held up well. Not the most comfortable for highway cruises, to be expected. The car only left me stranded twice, a tie rod end broke at 100,000 miles (that could have been bad) and a loose grounding block on the negative battery cable kept it from starting (thought it was the fuel pump at first, phew) Lots of good forums and info out there on these cars, take advantage.

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  I HATE THIS CAR! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mhelling1985 - March 27 - 8:03 pm

  I come on here to see if the problems Im having were just my bad luck. It turns out that Im not.I bought a Fusion SE 2.5 auto used in 2011 with 10000 miles on it two weeks after I bought it the master cylinder went out. Then two months later the trans went out the control unit and valve body were the problem. A month after that the power steering hose blew. Three weeks after that the ac quit. About a week ago the alternator went out. All this and the car only has 35000 miles on it. trust me this car is a crappy car. I hope my review will keep at least one person for buying this car.

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  Great little car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By mlhunt1 - March 27 - 4:48 pm

  I bought this 2009 Focus with 21k on the clock when i found out that my soon to be wife was expecting our first child. I found this black on black focus SE 2.0L Auto trans. I get 30mpg cursing down the highway at 80mph. My wife gets 36mpg driving 70mph. I have had very little issues with the vehicle We have since put over 20k on the car driving all over New England. The car drove great in the two snow storms of 20plus inches. Now is the car not made to have 4 6ft people in it. Do they fit yes. I would say that if i were to buy again for the purpose that i bought it for i would have bought a larger car. But for a single person a commuter car, or for just cheap transportation ITS GREAT.