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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  So Far So Good. - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By vkmaxima - December 31 - 10:53 am

  My brother went from his 96 Taurus to a 10 Fusion SE. He decided to buy one after I got my 12 SEL. The cars has 85k and its been great so far. Occasionally the cap less fuel door has to be cleaned otherwise it triggers an error. The car is still very solid, but does have an odd rattle from the exhaust. No performance problems though. My brother also likes the SYNC system, and finds it easy to use. The car achieves about 18-22 mpg city, and 24-29 mpg hwy. He has a VERY heavy foot, so he doesnt quite get excellent economy, or close to what this car can get. I however get about 22-24 mpg city, and 27-31 mpg hwy. Were both happy we made the right choice with the Ford Fusion.

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  Have owned a 2004 and now the 2014 Limited - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By 1963f100 - December 25 - 8:40 am

  Really wanted a SUV with at least a reasonable third row seat. With about 12,000 miles on it Im pretty happy. I do miss my old V8 as I just dont feel the acceleration of the eco-boost is as strong. I did buy all but one of the available additional feature packages. Really like that the second row has heated seats. Ironically I think a better salesman couldve talked me in to the final upgrade as it would be nice to have the navigation (vs ford sync which uses your phone) and high-def headlights. My only real criticism is the blind spots, even the hood height makes it a little hard to park. I do like the Blind-Spot systems (mirror blinks).

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  Great Vehicle, But Terrible Customer Service - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By dk10 - December 24 - 8:38 am

  The last (and only) Mustang I have owned was a candy apple red 1968 "289" automatic coupe. It was my first car so of course it was awesome...but wait a minute, this 2015 V-8 GT Premium Automatic Coupe is really AWESOME! The power (very quick/fast), ride quality (firm yet smooth), comfort (very comfortable seats and quality feel interior materials) and handling (you have to drive one) are simply amazing. My wife and I had previously rented a 2014 Camaro and after 1-minute we both agreed that the 2015 Mustang is far superior to the Camaro in every way. The new Mustang is the most fun vehicle I have driven in the last 40-years! I find myself making excuses to run "errands"...fun fun fun.

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  terrible MPG - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By fusion15 - December 18 - 1:06 pm

  Im not a lead foot driver and 22MPG is my average. Note that I drive 70% on highway. Its my first ford and Im terribly disappointed at their faulty advertisement. I got the full options thus its a fun car to ride but I dont see myself keeping the car for a long time especially when as gas price goes back up to $4.

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  Ford Fusion SE 1.5L Eco Boost - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By w1ngs - December 16 - 10:56 pm

  Bought my Fusion about 2 months ago and so far I am not happy with it. Biggest complaint is the gas mileage, according to the sticker was supposed to be 26 city and 35 highway well in city driving I am getting about 21.9 mpg and on the highway about 28....have talked to dealer about and they have no answers....very unhappy for what I paid for car and bad performance....

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  2013 Ford Explorer Limited - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By 2013explorer - December 14 - 7:02 pm

  Love the Explorer. I am starting to dislike Ford. I have a rust spot on the rear lift gate and paint flaking off in the same area just on the other side of the license plate area. Ford refuses to repair because I have 52000 miles and the bumper to bumper warranty has expired. I would think an obvious defect in the paint process would be covered on a 2013 vehicle regardless of warranty status. Three service advisers at my local dealership all agree that Ford should fix this paint defect.

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  Very good - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By johnny127 - December 8 - 3:30 pm

  Have had this car about 5 years and have found it to be very reliable. Corrosion resistance has been very good, as we live in the rust belt and on a dirt road. Car has about 130k on it. One weak point on this car is the rear coil springs. They sag prematurely even with no load in the rear and cause the tires to wear unevenly. Weve had no mechanical problems with the transmission, though I wouldnt consider it a top performer compared to others in its class. Gas mileage is adequate but, again, I think others in its class do better. The styling and road hugging ability is about as exciting as vanilla, but it gets you where you need to go.

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  Not bad but not great - 2004 Ford Escape
  By johnny127 - December 8 - 1:29 pm

  Only have about 98K, but the body is starting to rust out. Ive seen Escapes much newer than mine with similar corrosion problems. Engine has been reliable (aside from several coil packs requiring replacement), but it gulps fuel. Transmission has been reliable and shifts well. If we drove longer distances, we would add a separate transmission cooler due to problems others have reported. Car is peppy and feels sporty. Well weighted steering. Upholstery shows stains like theres no tomorrow. The 4 wheel drive is not the best, even when the part time 4x4 mode is selected.

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  2014 Fusion and the Fog - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By csfusion2014 - December 8 - 12:33 pm

  Purchased 2014 Fusion February 2014 and we absolutely loved the car. Great looks and loved the blacked out rims. Color is Dark Side. Summer was great. Come heating season the windshield constantly fogs up. Starts at the bottom and works all the way to the top. Ford Says this is normal. I tend to disagree. Completely poor answers from ford service advisors and regional service reps. The truth is I love the car but may have make a move to another competitor.

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  Totally worth it love this truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By dangerranger48 - December 4 - 12:20 pm

  i traded a newer car for this truck have to say it was worth yes its had some problems but nothing serious the biggest problem ive had is iac valve going out 40 dollar part and the tailgate handle broke this truck runs great smooth riding i would have another one