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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  What I needed - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jorge - November 16 - 11:48 pm

  Bought 2010 Ford fusion in 2011 with 12K miles. It is now 2015 and vehicleh has 160,262 miles on it running strong no check engine light. Oil changes every 7,000 miles (save $) spark plugs not required to be changed until 90K miles (saved $) break pads not changed until 130K yes! 130,000 miles still had plenty of life to them only changed them because I had bought everything already. Getting 29 avg mpg and 32 on the highway. Not all is perfect 1 tire air pressure sensor went out at 80k chose not to fix it. Valve cover seal replaced at 120k cost me $60 and 45 minutes of my time. 87 octane fuel (cheapest $) my Ford fusion is what I need. I also drained&filled transmission fluid at 100K &150k. A/C still perfectly cold for this Texas heat. I forgot to mention the "check fuel inlet" message common problem fixed it by cleaning area and placing a $15 gasoline locking cap.

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  Good Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Samantha - November 16 - 9:11 am

  I purchased my 2006 ford fusion about 5 years ago with 60,000 miles on it. The car got me there and back a few places in Michigan. The only thing I have replaced on my car is tires, breaking, window regulator and oil changes. My check engine light comes on but i never had any problems with the car. The shifting in the car when it takes off fast because not coming to a complete stop it jumps or when it is cold. I have noticed that the 1st gear RPMs go to about 4 or 5 before shifting to 2nd. I have one slow oil leak that i have been putting Pennzoil high mileage oil in it to keep the leak slow. I changed the transmission fluid and it still seems to run the same. With Michigan weather good tires would be good to have but it gets through snow alright with cheap tires. The door handles are cheap and break and peal. My mileage now on my car is 135,000 and it still brings me there and back to different places in Michigan. It is a very good car that doesnt need much maintenance besides oil changes, tires and breaks. Very good car.

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  2009 Ford focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Kristi - November 14 - 11:31 pm

  Bought this car with 47,000 miles in it in 2012. Needed it for gas mileage because I commute 50 miles one way. Its been a great car. Have 150,000 now. Still gets great gas mileage. I average 34 mpg around town and 38 on the road. Ive taken it all over the United states and keep up maintenance. The most Ive done is replace gasket seals.

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  Powerful Titanium 2L - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Gerry Partida - November 14 - 10:58 pm

  We bought our Edge 4 weeks ago and we have enjoyed the car immensely. Today I drove our Edge up to Big Bear Mountain which is 30 miles and an elevation climb from 1500 feet to 7200 feet. I was concerned about the power of the turbo 2L engine, but I am happy to report that our Edge powered up the mountain equal our better than my V6 Acura TL. We have been able to get 30+MPG on the freeway and average about 24 MPG combined. Love the remote engine start this evening with the outside temperature at 20°F. Looking forward to our next trip in 2 weeks on Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Morro Bay. We will update on the car after that trip.

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  Best Ford in the world - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Juan - November 14 - 10:16 pm

  We purchase the F-150 with 140,000 miles an know is over 220,000 miles an never rely had a problem only part we had to replace was an alternator, tires, and wiper blades. The F-150 still very original even has the original battery. The 4WD was amazing she could pass through the snow, and mud with no problem. Got amazing gas millage for a pickup, we could over 8 hours of driving without having to think were to stop for gas. Has the strong running 5.4(330) which is fun to drive around if you get what I mean. The box is pretty good size not to short or to long there is more space then some of the newer replacement. The F-150 was decent at towing you just may loose the good mpg other than that you will pull just find. We still have the F-150 but after 9 years of running strong she blew a sparkplug coil. We took it to get fix with our local mechanic and he end up making a big hole on the engine head so we now looking for an engine head to get it up an running.

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  Love my Flex - 2012 Ford Flex
  By Flex Girl - November 14 - 8:13 pm

  Purchased a pre-owned Flex 2012 with 29,000 miles. I have had a lot of cars and this by far is my favorite! Prior to this I was driving a full size suburban. The transition to the Flex was easy! It drives smooth the leather seats are like butter and so comfortable. The only thing I wish they had changed was the very back seats need to fold all the way forward and down.. its kind of strange how the cargo space is on top of the seats. I would have preferred more room. Still I would totally by another Flex. Plenty of passenger leg room. We have the flex with captain seats in the 2nd roll and I love that. Great stereo with plenty of Sony speakers great rear air! The gas mileage is around 19.5 around town which is better then my burb. The highway is around 23..........no complaints!

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  Nightmare fleet - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Thomas Z - November 14 - 3:06 pm

  I repair and maintain the fleet of a large utility company, this is one of the fleet cars, the worst, most unreliable cars in the fleet. Transmission problems galore! all of the transmissions slip, stall, shudder and clunk, 30% have rebuilt transmissions (one within 15K miles most around 50K) the rest have been flashed (works for 6k miles), a few had damaged harnesses, which the dealer refused to repair under warranty (2 yr old 30K miles) Almost all have been towed at one point due to not going into gear, now some of them crank themselves and dont start. But thats not all! All the interior door handles break, the trim around the door and on the roof gutter fall off, the seats are down to rags and springs already, brakes wear super fast, CV shafts snap and support bearings make noise, ball joints go fast, body cracks where door hinge connects due to paper thin steel. To add insult to injury when they are running, they are slow, noisy, uncomfortable and feel cheap going down the road. The absolute worse car you can buy today (or ever) I understand what DCT is, how it works and how it should feel, we have others in the fleet with them (not ford) and these are not right. You could literally buy any other car and have better luck.

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  A little silver lemon! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By Teresa Dillard - November 14 - 2:50 pm

  Bought the car in February 2012. Fifteen months later the stereo started "crackling" from a lose wire. Another 4 months later (150 miles past the warranty) the A/C stopped working. Ford repaired the A/C at no cost only after I told them what was wrong with it and how much I KNEW it would cost them for the part. The part was less than $100 and they wanted over $900 to repair it! It took them approximately 40 minutes to repair it while I waited. Ive had the car for 3 years and 9 months. The window handle has fallen off, have had A/C and stereo issues, and now there is clutch fluid leaking onto my floor mat! This car just proves that when you buy cheap, you get cheap! I will NEVER AGAIN buy another Ford!!! Im going back to a Toyota Camry next time. They are most definitely worth the higher car note every month.

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  Registers miles whIle being towed - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Antoinette Smalley - November 13 - 4:24 pm

  Our new 2015 Ford F-150 crew cab Lariat 3.5L Eco-boost registers mileage when it is being towed behind our motorhome. Thats a deal breaker! Too bad. Otherwise it is a great vehicle.

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  Really like this vehicle - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Richard - November 13 - 3:49 pm

  We bought the SE and there are two things that I dont care for. If you leave the fob in the Edge and lock the doors with the lock on the door they will lock, the same as locking the keys in your old car. With the electronics they should be able to prevent this or give a warning when the fob is left in the Edge. My Edge has no keypad entry. They give you a key but that is probably at home. I do not have the auto stop/start feature. Wish that I had gotten the auto start/stop feature.