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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  Not your Fathers station wagon - 2012 Ford Flex
  By dogbettor - November 28 - 12:09 pm

  I bought my new 2012 Flex SEL three months ago. My last two cars were Lincoln Towncars. I was shopping for a Minivan Crossover SUV station wagon or a reasonable facsimile. While at an Infinity dealer I spotted and drove a used Flex that they had on their lot. The ride was the best I had driven including the Infinity and Lexus models. So I went to the Ford dealer. The inventory of Flex models numbered 3, while the Edge offerings were more than 30, the Explorer more than 20. The sales rep said the Flex isnt advertised much and is not a great seller. After driving the Explorer and the Edge I was determined to buy a Flex. I wanted a ride close to that of my Towncar.

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  Great truck! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By moose72690 - November 26 - 1:58 pm

  Great truck, very realiable and powerful. I never got stuck in the mud or snow. I put about 50,000 miles on this truck with no problems other than needing a tune up. Only bad thing about this truck is poor MPG.

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  Fusion SE with Ecoboost FWD - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By allcarlover - November 25 - 9:28 pm

  This car is the best car I have had so far. Had the car for two weeks and the MPG is so good. I average about 28 mpg, mostly city driving, some highway. I will say I drive like a race car driver some times and I still get the 28mpg. The comfort is great, and the power is more amazing. This care is fun, great room for my family, with 2 kids that sit in the back, and trunk space is more than I need. I would recommend anyone to buy this car, Ford has really done a great job and I know this car will get better in time. Thanks Ford! Hope this helps.

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  Edge was the right choice - 2012 Ford Edge
  By stokepotters - November 25 - 5:00 pm

  Now have appr. 6,000 miles on 2012 Edge Limited with 2.0 ecoboost and can say with confidence, this was a good buy. This vehicle offers all of the features I was looking for, with little compromise. It is a great commuter vehicle, getting 27-29 mpg, mostly highway. The 2.0 l turbo offers performance and power when needed. Technology - MyFordTouch latest version works very well and is very capable. Roominess - plenty of room for 5 adults. Camping with the family proved very doable - with use of hitch mounted carrier. Towing - pulls my medium sized boat with no problem. Smooth, quiet ride that gets high compliments from Lexus, Audi, Cadillac owners.

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  Expected Better MPG, but is fun to drive. - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By willyd65 - November 25 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had this car about 3 weeks now, and im pretty happy overall. The suspension system allows for nice handling, and it seems more agile than the car size implies. The power is decent, but seems like it could use another 20 horses or so. I expected some turbo lag, but its really not as bad as some of the other turbos ive driven. The car looks and feels as if it should be in the luxury class and seems much better than the Altima 3.5, Camry, and Jetta that i drove. In the few 3 hour road trips ive taken (90% thruway and highway), i averaged about 24 mpg - much lower than expected. I used regular gas and drove 74 and 64 mph. This car is too fun to drive making it tough to milk for mpg.

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  1995 escort wagon Automatic - 1995 Ford Escort
  By r0b2012 - November 25 - 12:25 pm

  Bought it used with 240000 km for $900 replaced inner tie rod because previos owner hit the curb. replaced exhaust pipe because I lent it to a friend and he went over a railroad track to hard. heater core leaked , so I cut a hole in the firewall and replaced it in an hour. Had trasmission filter changed without flushing just because its never been done. had to tighten up rocker box covers by puting in shorter bolts to stop oil leakage. I think the timing belt was replaced at 200000 kms Always starts on cold days -30 not plugged in. 30+ mpg or 25 city. everything else is original including spark plugs regular oil changes every 5000 km We have 2 kids in boosters Still going at 300000km.

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  Excellent Low-Cost Crossover - 2013 Ford Edge
  By twelchdriver - November 25 - 11:41 am

  I purchased this Edge with the 302A package and only 5 miles on it. Ive now completed 1000 miles. The ride has softened a bit with the mileage which I prefer. Its not significant, but it is noticeable to me. In our previous vehicles, we had trouble having someone sit in the front seat when a rear-facing car seat was behind them. Not a problem in this vehicle. Took a 5 hour trip from Dallas to Little Rock (almost 0 elevation change) - 22.1 mpg going 22.3 mpg coming Trip speeds were about 75 mph avg, dry roads, little/no wind. I noticed significant mpg gain when dropping from 80 to 75 mph, so its believable that you can achieve 26 mpg at 60 mph once the engine is broken in more.

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  2012 XLT Ecoboost - 2012 Ford F-150
  By spanky17 - November 23 - 6:44 am

  Almost have 8000 trouble free miles on it so far. Have used it to pull skid steer, building materials, and snowmobiles. The power this motor has is incredible, much better to drive then most V-8s pulls like a diesel. Interior is very comfortable. Mileage is 16-19 mixed driving. If you drive nice Im sure it would easily get low 20s. Mine has 3:31 gears. Had a 06 hemi and a 05 5.3 chevy before and this pickup puts both of those to complete shame in every department.

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  Terrific Car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By topcat20 - November 22 - 2:32 am

  After being an early fan of the Leaf, this was clearly a better decision. Better acceleration, better 40-60, and a "gas" to drive. Continue to drive past gas stations and smile. The cost of switching from the old truck to the car, makes the car payments for me. The car is super quiet, fast, and a dream to drive. Take one out for a test drive, you will be so glad that you did. No more tuneups, oil, gas, time, and energy wasters. It is a great car, the only other consideration was the Tesla S. Honestly, quite driving your grandfathers cars, and evolve to an electric. After driving one for 6 months, you look at the gas cars as all antiquated and pat thier time. There is no reason...

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  Horrible Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By laurenglamtm - November 21 - 11:19 pm

  I bought this care used at 85,00 miles for $5000 and I guess you get what you paid for. Within the first few months I had to get the transmission replaced and from there it has been down hill. I havent even had the car for 4 years and I have had to get a new alternator, spark plugs, coolant resivor, vacuum pump, two thermostats, a plastic piece that connects my coolant resivor to my radiator, and two window pullys that broke. Id say by now I could have gotten a brand new car....Thats how expensive all the repairs cost. Now it makes a weird rattle noise when I idle and the ford dealership cant figure out what it is....and let me tell you it is a really LOUD rattle. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!