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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  AC STINKS AND FORD KNOWS IT!!!!! NICE BUT PLASTICY INTERIOR - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Dorothy Burns - March 12 - 6:59 pm

  Have had Our 09 EDGE SEL WITH VISTA ROOF for 2+ years and love most of it. This car has been great except for the air conditioning. If the temp outside is over 75 degrees...FORGET ABOUT IT! AC STINKS ARSE. Have had it recharged and tested.Have cleaned filter screen behind glove box.Weak as water!IthinkFORDshould be ashamed of themselves they know this AC system sucks and should be responsible and RECALL all EDGES 2007-2010. Have heard they know it is a manufacture defect that causes some of the refrigerant to bypass the condenser! Everyone I know who has an EDGE says the same thing...The AC STINKS!!!!!!!!!! IF you are looking to buy one test drive it on a very hot day with salesman.

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  5 Speed Manual is a champ!! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By John Walton - March 6 - 11:07 am

  Hearing a lot of bad reviews about the automatic not being a good choice. Duh, its a 4 cylinder! What were you expecting the automatic version to be like? When has a four cylinder with an automatic ever been a good, reliable, engaging choice? [non-permissible content removed]. I leased this car with 90 miles, it now has 21,000 trouble free miles on it and Im seriously considering buying out when the lease is up. The My Touch sucks and has been the only glaring deficiency. When an aftermarket system is available best believe the annoying Ford voice is gone. Drove this 1,600 miles across the country with out a hiccup. It was a very comfortable ride too.

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  2015 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L EcoBoost - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By big_al_62 - March 3 - 1:42 am

  Bought an SE in December last year with the following: 1.5L EcoBoost, Equipment Group 201A, Moonroof with garage opener, MyFord Touch, and 6-speed auto transmission. Now the car has 1,750 miles. Two major issues. First, the fit and finish are not as good as they should be. For example, the trunk lid and tail lights do not flush or lineup properly. The door handles also do not fit seamlessly. Second, the actual mixed mileage was far less than the EPA mixed one, i.e. 23 vs. 28. None of my family members drive harshly, as we are very light-footed. Otherwise, the car is fun to drive, comfortable to ride in, and nice to look at.

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  Great truck - 2013 Ford F-150
  By Steven - February 27 - 7:15 pm

  I did read all of the reviews. Some were good, some not so much. I bought my 2013 F-150 XLT Crew Cab Eco Boost 4x4 in October 2013. It is now late February 2015. The truck as been amazing. Power is incredible. Reliability is second to none. I have just shy of 25k on it, and it has been dealer maintained. The only drawbacks (my opinion) are 1. The driver seat - Wish it was more comfortable. 2. Steering wheel - Why not telescoping? Besides that, it is amazing. If I give it too much gas below 25 mph, tires burn out (early lesson learned). Fuel economy in pure city around 17mpg. Interstate long trips, 20/21mpg. Way more inside room (especially backseat leg room) than wifes

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  Im going to miss my Penny :( - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Tyler Morris - February 26 - 3:49 pm

  I bought this car in August of 2013. I loved the car. I moved from STL to Seattle and drove her all the way without a single hiccup. The car itself remained probably free I kept it maintained and she proved to be a really awesome first car. Sadly I was t-boned a few weeks ago and shes gone :( but i will definitely be looking for a new mustang!

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  Drives good. Dash set-up sux. Synch Sux. Forced loss of privacy really sux.. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By dez88 - February 25 - 12:59 pm

  Handles great. Stops ok. Has been reliable. Shifting is good once you learn to let it shift like a manual. Gets nowhere near the mileage it claims. Synch absolutely sucks eggs. Controls for blinkers /wipers /doorlocks /windows/ sound system/phone....it all is really bad...comical in some cases. Ford FORCES agreement to sharing your info with their "marketing partners". It is really BAD BUSINESS! I get sleazy, liar, cold callers saying things like "I am with the warranty department for your Ford Focus" when they are not...trying to sell me an aftermarket warranty. I have Fords extended warranty. Ford does not allow you to opt-out. You will need new phone number if you buy a Ford.

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  Good to go - 2004 Ford Escape
  By David M Decker - February 23 - 8:34 pm

  Bought this sweet heart with 120k and have put another 50K on in the last 18 months. 4x4 easy to handle and shift. We live in Alaska and have some pretty icy roads and rough weather. I can leave town and trust my bride will be safe in our trusted little rig. Tracks and climbs like one of the big boys but just sips the fuel. Plenty of power and a delight to drive. No problems thus far, but keep those fluids changed ! Very strange way to change the front turn signals.

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  Poor Build Quality On the Cosmetic Parts But Fun To Drive! - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By maczs007 - February 19 - 9:39 pm

  I ordered mine from the factory, a 2013 GT Premium with 6-speed manual transmission and extra premium interior. No problems with the engine and trans as that is the main thing Ford got right (except for the occasional missed shifts in 2nd and third). One the other hand and under warranty Ford has replaced the following due to defects: left rear tail light ( visual quality issue), speaker grill (broken at factory), rear end bearings (noisy), front bumper cover (warped), rear view mirror (vibrating) and drivers leather seat cover (premature wear on welting). You would think these things would be caught in the factory is Quality was Job #1?

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  2011 Fusion SEL - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By james892 - February 19 - 2:42 pm

  I bought my Fusion back in September of 2011 and would have to say that overall I am happy with my purchase. Although, I have had some unfortunate tire luck, nothing else major has happened to me in terms of problems. When it comes to actually driving the Fusion, it is a good commuter, but not fun to drive. I would recommend the V6/new Turbo 4s, along with AWD. Fuel economy for me has been subpar to say the least, seeing as how it is a 4-cyl. I was hoping for better fuel economy than a combined 22 mpg. No, I dont race around in it. My other complaint, which Ive seen a few times is that the Fusion can sometimes slip on slick, and even dry, road conditions. This can be annoying.

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  Cant See Out - 2014 Ford Edge
  By agc51 - February 18 - 9:11 pm

  Right rear axle seal leaked immediately, three days for dealer repair. 14 degrees this morning, windows fogging and defrost sadly can not clear side view of even the mirrors. Embarrassing to have this when showing off our new car. Fuel consumption worse than my V8 pickup.