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:

• 

  Royal blue Bronco - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By broncoman21 - February 21 - 11:55 pm

  I got this bronco because of a family member passed away sadley. Im glad they chose this bronco. Its been a great bronco after I replaced the entire rear axle because the spyder gears were chewed up but so far its been good. Ive got the normal rust issues on both rear fenders but luckily havent seen any on the bottom of the tailgate yet. Now im just adding accessories to it, and itll be one heck of a good truck for huntin season.

• 

  2013 Fusion SE 1.6 MANUAL/Clutch - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By danlvegas - February 21 - 9:51 pm

  Ive had the car for two months and am VERY happy with it. The car is very impressive: 1. Handling is fantastic, handles really well: cornering, brakes, acceleration, all great, and the 1.6 EcoBoost is plenty strong. It came with Michelins. 2. It is wisper quiet, easy to use the InSync car phone feature. 3. Styling I love - looks sharp. Ordered it Titanium White (extra). 4. I am getting the mileage advertised, but I have the manual transmition SE. Im probably one of a handful of owners who have the Fusion with a stick. 5. Came fully operational - perfect - from the factory. Nothing was wrong/broken. Maybe I was lucky hearing some reports, but not a thing was out of place.

• 

  Good performance, but QUIRKY and has issues - 2011 Ford Edge
  By stxedge - February 21 - 3:33 pm

  Happy with vehicles performance, comfort, and styling. SYNC and MyFordTouch are quirky and are hit or miss whether or not theyll work correctly any given day. Ive had to get tips of forums on how to get the system working correctly again and have even had to do some hard resets. Annoying, but not worrisome. What is disconcerting, though, is the recurring smoke producing transmission leak from the PTU (power transfer unit) that is well documented in numerous online forums. Ive been fighting that one with the dealer for the better part of a year and a half and only have 27K miles on it.

• 

  Fusion 1.6 not 2.5 - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By beargrowl - February 21 - 1:00 pm

  Bought Fusion just before February trip from Michigan to Florida and back. Mileage was 30.08 and the computer said 30.1 over 3400 miles. Trunk was loaded with luggage and after break-in cruised at 75-78. 250 miles of stop and go included in senior land. So far very happy. The 1.6 was built post recall and is adequate. Specifically did not get Ford Touch so no problems there. Traded in a Lucerne with 100k -times are a changing-so far culture shock is ok.

• 

  Disaster in the making - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By archer12 - February 21 - 6:17 am

  I bought my 2013 Titanium in Detroit. Within 6 hours of purchase, the car had to be towed to the dealer with a problem that was diagnosed as a starter module. Things have gone downhill from there. The highway mileage...even in 70 degree weather, NEVER exceeds 28 mpg, nothing close to the advertised 33. The mytouch system is finicky and unreliable. Remote start terrible. The electronic lane change chimes go off for no reason. Voice activated controls are useless the noise levels in the car are so high and people cannot hear you on the speaker phone. Sych will NOT work with many phone brands. Car is a train wreck. 2010 Fusion with V6 was more powerful with much better mileage.

• 

  Excellent commuter car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bencheerios - February 20 - 11:40 pm

  Good looks coupled with plenty of power for passing and fun, and enough comfort and build quality to keep you from thinking that youre driving a compact car. The hatchback looks better than the sedan, but the blind spots are more cumbersome. I drove the car for last 4 months of winter 2012/2013, averaging 2900 miles a month. The car averaged 35MPG with a best of 41.6 MPG. If the weather stayed warm, the fuel economy would pick up a couple of points.

• 

  Still a few design flaws - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By ashburner - February 19 - 6:11 am

  Im a huge car fan, and I get a new car every 10 months or so. I decided to give Ford a try, as I have never owned one before. The car drives very nicely. Super quiet inside, at least as quiet as my 2011 Infiniti M37s. The interior is comfortable, but takes a little getting used to. Rear seat leg room is not the greatest. 2.0T engine is good. Definitely torque steer and turbo boost delay if you step on it but not a problem day to day. Love the Sync system and the LCDs. Driving anything else seems almost archaic. Stereo is great, especially the quality from the HD radio. Gas mileage is still up for debate but seems good. Did a 50 mile trip at 65mph and averaged 34.2.

• 

  Ford Taurus SEL Ecoboost I4 2013 - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By biggestcat - February 18 - 10:17 pm

  I had to order my Taurus with I4 Ecoboost, it was not available anywhere in my area. If you are looking for V6 then think again. Yes, with V6 it will be a little bit quicker. But I4 Ecoboost engine is very responsive with practically zero hesitation at any speed. My previous Taurus V6 2011 was not quicker and it wanted to think sometimes before acceleration. Not anymore. City driving with I4 Ecoboost and my heavy foot: 22.5 MPG after 2,000 miles total. I hope it should be even better. Highway: 32-36 MPG at 55-60 MPH but 26-29 MPG at 75 MPH. Electric steering wheel is just right: not too heavy and not too light. Very useful large mirrors.

• 

  2012 Flex Limited - 2012 Ford Flex
  By 2012_flex - February 18 - 7:01 pm

  My work takes me all over the southern half of Florida, averaging about 500 miles per week... I needed good gas mileage! I have three children (one who is over six feet tall) and we like to take road trips... I needed comfort and "real" seating space. I wanted quality and unique style... I did not want every other look-alike "euro-bubble" design. After very exhaustively researching all of the brands that met my requirements, I arrived at the Ford Flex - Limited. The drive is smooth with plenty of power, the ride is quiet and somewhat firm, the seats are very well designed and comfortable, and the fit and finish of the interior (and exterior) is excellent. Driving American and proud of it!

• 

  Do not Buy a Ford Explorer 2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 1auto4auser - February 18 - 5:19 pm

  Previously owned ford explorer earlier year. Did not have any signifcant issues for the most part. This model major transmission problems. Not built to last more than 100,000 mi. heard clicking noise dealer could not find problem. paint on roof and hood is chipping off. Poor paint job Dealer rebuilt front bearings at 30,000mi Transmission now has to be replaced. Transmission, bearings and transfer case poor quality. Ford should recall this vehicle I wish I had read the reviews on this vehicle