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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  The stang replacement - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By pointandfigure - July 5 - 9:46 pm

  I traded in my 08 Gt convertible for the SHO and was having having a little remorse till we took the SHO on a 5 hour road trip. Passing cars in the SHO is awesome. I would go from 70 to 95 ok 100 mph before I got in front of the car I was passing. It doesnt have the low end power of te stang but after 60 this car rocks. Great comfort and the gadgets / stereo made me a believer in the SHO.

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  Love my new 2012 Ford Escape Limited! - 2012 Ford Escape
  By swp2012 - July 5 - 5:46 pm

  I am a twenty something single woman and wanted a small SUV without that "mom car" look and something small enough to not feel like Im driving a bus. The Fors Escape was perfect! I have the limited version which was a little more expensive but I dont regret getting it at all! The black/charcoal/grey interior is beautiful and I get so many compliments. The ride is fairly smooth and I get pretty good gas mileage- about 22 mpg city, 24 hwy which is better than expected considering I have the V6 engine. I feel very secure in the car and definitely feel if Im in an accident- I will have the advantage. Its an all around great car and worth the price!

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  Loved this car until now - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By amumm1384 - July 5 - 10:45 am

  I do not even have 70k miles on my 2006 Fusion and my transmission went out as well. Drove fine unless you needed to get on the interstate or get into Overdrive gear - would then jolt, rpms up to 5 and 6 without accelerating one bit. Now Im having to pay over $2400 to replace it. With as many reviews as Ive read since this happened to me (more than I thought with this same issue!) this definitely needs to be a Recall from Ford or at least some kind of compensation when they are aware there is an issue with these models!! Before this happened I absolutely LOVED this car, now I am a little leary about the Fusion models in general.

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  You guessed it.... radiator issues - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By ddau - July 4 - 10:21 pm

  Bought my 2006 XLT used in 2006 with 7K miles. Still have it and now have 87K. I replaced the radiator at 25K, 49K, and 69K. All were covered by factory or extended warranties. I live in CO and when I am up in the mountains going up hill with the car full of family, the transmission will literally shake the car when up shifting into 3rd or 4th gear. Its one of those problems you cant replicate for the dealership though. The drivers side stablizer link just broke and will be replacing this weekend. Outside of the radiator and stabilizer link, I have had no other problems with it.

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  Not perfect but still 5 Stars - 2013 Ford Edge
  By sjoiii - July 3 - 7:51 pm

  This is a very smooth quiet riding Crossover which I like better than the Explorer that I traded. I get about 19 mph around town and about 25.5 mph on a trip with the standard 285 HP engine. The seats have good support and it gives me plenty of power on the Western PA hills. I have just driven this about 3,000 miles and my only criticism is that the automatic six speed transmission is rough on occasion. Fortunately my SE does not have the busy MY Ford screen of which everyone complains.

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  Nice Features Car But... - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By goldmanf - July 1 - 8:00 pm

  The 2013 Taurus SEL is a very nice car with loaded features. This car came a long way from several years ago.

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  Good,basic work truck! - 2011 Ford F-150
  By hurren - June 30 - 7:56 pm

  #1. Bought this truck for my property services business and never looked back.Great gas mileage,good size,always starts,air blows cold.I had to beef up the rear springs to carry the loads.

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  First day and issues - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By greenshield - June 28 - 11:27 pm

  We traded in our 09 Odyssey that was starting to have Tranny issues at 31,000 miles. Honda stone walled us so we went looking. Almost got the Highlander limited but tested the Explorer, liked it more, and got a good deal. About an hour after getting home I couldnt get the Navigation the Salesman said was on the vehicle to load up (like on a different explorer we test drove to get the feel, got a different color one). I called the dealer and they said I didnt have the voice touch screen Navi, just the Sync one. POd is all I have to say, Sync is horrible and my now "deal" looked normal to overpriced.There is also a high pitched chirp/whistle from the engine 3.5 V6 Returning it tomorrow!!!

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  I love this car more the longer I drive it. - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By nubile - June 28 - 10:07 am

  I bought the Fiesta new and the longer I own it the more I love it. I really appreciate the solid body feel and the handling. This car goes where you steer it and can turn on dime. A make or break issue with me was going to be the 5-speed manual. Several years ago I owned a 2001 Focus and I hated the 5-speed manual because it felt so clunky and cheap. The FiestaÂ’s 5-speed is smooth and has an un-American feel that reminds me of an old 89 Acura Inegra I used to love driving. The Fiesta is not as powerful but it feels to be of equal quality. My only real complaints are some of the minor interior parts have a very cheap plastic feel that take away from a plush interior.

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  Its an economy car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By pyzik - June 27 - 2:31 pm

  I bought this car back in 2009, it had 60k on it at the time. I jumped into this car from a 2002 Mercury Sable Premier that had an engine electrical problem I didnt want to pay to fix. Going from a Premier with all the bells and whistles to this is really what made this car seem less than it is. I am at 120k miles now with the only issue being shocks. All four are bad. Other than that brakes were the only other things that have needed changing. MPG for me has been 25 city and 34 highway. The car has road noise and isnt very comfortable but as I said its an economy car. Its a little slow but handles great.