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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  Navigation is unusable - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By explorerdriver - September 18 - 10:19 pm

  I have used different navigation systems for years, but the voice-activated navigation in this vehicle is so frustrating to use that it is unusable. Nothing about it seems to work - it does not recognize what you are saying, even when you enunciate carefully. It does not allow a passenger to manually enter information, so you must always use voice activation. Could not get it to recognize numbered routes. Would not "hear" my address which is a one digit address - kept repeating its prompt. Prompts are not helpful. There are so many bugs that I think I will need to purchase a portable Garmin unit to use in the car insead of the expensive navigation. Do not waste money on purchasing this

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  Big comfy haul anything land Yacht - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By connemara - September 18 - 6:56 pm

  Just turned 200,000 Kms and love this car. Big, comfortable for long trips, reliable and can pack in as much as most half tons. Other than a prematurely rusted weld in the gas tank neck I only do regular maintenance to this car. I look after it, keep the rustproofing going, fix anything like paint chips etc. After I do a total clean-up and wax it it looks, runs and drives like new. Just changed the left ball joint and did a complete brake job (only the 3rd since new- hyway miles only). Tried the new Taurus and it felt claustraphobic due to the small windows and I dont like the way it and the new Focus are high in the rear. Vulcan engine is a Will keep mine until it is done - 6 more years???

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  As good as the Japanese - 2003 Ford Focus
  By connemara - September 18 - 6:45 pm

  I have a 2003 focus that just passed 160 kilometers and other than regular maintenance like tires, brakes, oil changes I have only had to replace the trunk opening latch ($150). It has the smallest engine (2.0 twin port), manual trans and I put 16 inch wheels and a hogher aspect than stock tires on it to maximize mileage. Even with this high gearing it still has reasonable torque to pass in high gear. Best steering and handing in a North American car and you sit up high not like sitting in a hole like a Honda. Styling is still fresh after all these years, going to keep for at least another 5 years. Hey it long been paid for

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  After almost 30000 miles - 2012 Ford Focus
  By con2er - September 18 - 6:26 am

  Im 81 years of age and my wife is 76 years of youth, and we have been married for 53+ years. Our 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback, which we bought in August of 2011 is almost what we hoped for, except for tire wear and poor radio reception. 40+ mpg on trips of 400+ miles, and overall mpg for 29827 miles is an amazing 37.9 mpg. After owning Mustangs, Torinos and a Pantera, which is still in the family, speed has gotten out of my system. Excellent handling is still required and present in this car, so I now drive for max mpg. A new radio module will be replaced in 2013, which leaves me with one problem, that being cupping of all 4 tires, now being remedied, with a tighter realignment & new tire

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  This is a great car all-around, and a great value. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By petezxr - September 17 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased this car a few weeks ago as a commuter car, although it is larger than I wanted but I got a great price, way below MSRP. Ive been driving it to work every day and Ive avg 32 mpg in 50% traffic, that is AWESOME for a car of this size. The satellite radio is great and the sound quality is awesome. My ride to work is a dream, I really enjoy driving this car to - everywhere and my other car is a JAGUAR!

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  DO NOT BUY... - 2012 Ford Focus
  By spill100 - September 17 - 8:59 pm

  Multiple issues: 1.Presets on MyTouch screen disappear, the Sat Radio stations are still prgrammed just do not show up on screen, i see empty boxes, this has happened five seperate times. 2.While backing out of a parking space the Focus shuddered heavily and then stoped moving (as in vehicle would not continue to move), the vehicle had to be turned off and back on to correct issue, this happened twice. 3. From a standstill like a stoplight or stop sign, the vehicle lightly shudders when accelerating, this happens constantly. 4.Numerous lights inside the vehicle have malfunctioned but have been switched out as per warranty. 5. Vehicle also "stalled" out in traffic nearly causing an accident!

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  2012 Ford Fiesta - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By ryans93 - September 17 - 1:22 pm

  Ive had my 2012 Fiesta hatchback 5-spd manual for about 15k and overall I am very pleased with the car. It has lots of technology features, and is a lot of fun to drive. The Fiesta feels solid and like a larger car when youre driving it, it does not feel cheap and insubstantial. The little 1.6 provides decent performance, it is not fast but does okay. The trade off for that is superb fuel economy. The 5-speed manual shifts great and the clutch is perfect. The interior is full of high quality, soft-touch materials and a great design. It is quiet and comfortable as well. The Fiesta makes you feel like you got more than what you paid.

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  waited too long - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By hfusion - September 16 - 11:06 pm

  Ive driven a Grand Prix GT for 6 years and realized it was getting tired. I looked at a new Kia Optima SX and Regal GS. I happened to try a Fusion Sport and thought it was great. Its one of those experiences that grows as you continue to drive. I do miss the supercharger of the Pontiac, but the 3.5 really comes into its own the more you drive it. Besides no premium fuel required! So glad I didnt go the KIA route. I was looking for another 6 year vehicle and think I found one in this. The KIA had some nice bells and whistles but dont think it will stand the test of time after driving it a couple of times

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  Would have been better off with a real horse.. - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By themanindbox - September 15 - 5:13 pm

  I purchased a brand new 427R Roush. It was a Beautiful looking car, and a rocket.. But looks fade faster then fords relaibility does. This was my first New american car.. after owning a variety of Honda, Toyota, and Subaru based cars, i figured i would do the American thing and buy an american car.. Well the fact is, it is a Mexican and Canadian car.. Where as my toyotas are more american. At 56K out the door it was a huge disappointment.

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  2010 Ford F-150 FX2 V8 5.4L - 2010 Ford F-150
  By horse4shoe - September 15 - 5:52 am

  I love driving my truck, its a fun to drive, nice smooth ride, not to bad on gas. I comes with great interior features, for example: a sport sonny sound system with a 700 watt amp in the rear and integrated sub.