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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  my favorite car in years - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Doug Kuyers - July 11 - 4:26 am

  Easy and fun to drive.This car turns heads.

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  Great middle-of-the-road car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By templedf - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Taurus with 30k miles, and at 110k, Im only just starting to have some mechanical problems. For price/performance, a slightly used Taurus is really a great deal.

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  Ford - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By dsheets - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had great luck with my Ford Ranger. While it is not new. I have had 3 rangers This is the best one. I have wanted a ranger with a V6 before. My others have all had I4s. This vehicle is great. The one thing that I wish is that it would tow more than the 2200lbs that it is rated for. It seems a little low for such a powerful little truck.

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  Baby steps - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Garyweed - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This was my first truck...I did what every first time buyer does and I bought based on looks alone. The 150 step is a great looking truck! 2 years and 30k miles later I have no problems to report. As a loyal Ford convert, in the next week Im going to upgrade to a 250 ext cab...A little more room, power and utility. An added bonus is the money for fuel is going to New Texas (formerly Iraq) and not OPEC.

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  Huge Power & 21MPG! - 1995 Ford F-250
  By egdiltrac - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The 7.3 Powerstroke Turbo Diesel is an incredible workhorse. I commute 50+ miles a day and wanted the better mileage of a diesel. Im getting 21+ MPG driving 70mph with AC on full blast most of the time. But this pleasing mileage is not at the expense of power. This truck will flat out move! The neck- snapping power puts a big grin on my face every single day I drive it. Ford builds the toughest truck on the road as well. The F250 is an extremely stout vehicle yet comfortable to drive. Seating, steering and braking are outstanding, suspension is fairly stiff but not back-breaking. Doors shut with the slightest push. I would buy again without hesitation.

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  Probe GL 90 - 1990 Ford Probe
  By DaveB - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall a ok value, insuffient room under the hood, recurring electrical problems (pop up headlight problems, needs to much current to start).

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  Love driving it...when it starts - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Byron Hazard - July 10 - 1:13 pm

  I have the SE 1.5 Ecoboost. In terms of the engine, it is either eco or boost, never both. I have achieved as high as 45 MPG when doing mostly highway driving in good weather. Driving in colder weather and/or with a heavy foot will bring you down to around 27 MPG. My car says my average is just north of 33 MPG. Acceleration is good once the turbo kicks in when in sport mode as long as you pick the correct gear. While the 1.5 is not much faster than the 2.5, it feels faster and more spirited; it is absolutely worth the extra $800. The drawback to the small displacement motor is that added weight decreases acceleration dramatically, but since I drive solo most of the time, its not a big deal. In regards to the select shift, it is not instantaneous, but shifting .5-1.0 seconds before you want it to shift fixes that issue. The ESC on this car is amazing. The traction control is good, but not so good that you cant easily spin your tires if you step on it (unlike my previous 2014 Mustang that couldnt spin ever). While being easier on the throttle, the TC works great in the winter. Overall, the handling is superb. In the comfort department, I have zero complaints, and I am 6 4". I have taken this car on 14 hour trips and it is amazing compared to other vehicles, especially Ford Super Dutys. The overall design and technology that this car has is wonderful. Now onto the bad. I have had at least on of my windows frozen shut almost every day this month with no visible ice on them. Also, the trunk likes to freeze up as well. I have never had a car so prone to freezing up, but the temperature has fluctuated higher and lower than the freezing point a fair amount this month in WI. The largest issue that my car has is a parasitic draw on the battery. It has been dead five times in the 21 months that I have owned it, once in as short as 12 hours. Ford cannot diagnose the problem, so they extended my warranty, but will not give me any real incentive to get me in a new car. That being said, I am going to cut my losses (resale value sucks, trade-in is half of MSRP in less than two years) and get a 2017 as soon as the normal rebates are higher because when I buy a car, I want something that starts up every time. The Fusion is a wonderful car, and there are plenty of perfectly functioning ones out there, and I hope for better luck next time.

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  Super Fun Car - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By nrjones - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 14,000 miles and it has been perfect to 62,000. Amazing handling with power. It sits much nicer than the GM cars, and is more economical as well. I can get 29 mpg on straight highway driving. Town is not nearly as good (around 18). Sweet car, looks great, and insurance is not that bad - just get married and turn 25! However I have the automatic and would suggest a manual!

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  good car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By schmidts - July 10 - 2:00 am

  its a good car coulda been faster and with a turbo but im gonna do that. its a good daily driver but if it is driven hard little things have to be fixed but overall i love the car

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  Fun To Drive - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By maxm - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I have heard a lot of negative things when I first purchased this car, but ALL have proved false. The car has been flawless and I have had nothing but fun with it. I drive VERY hard so the car does get used. Driven in winter also with NO problems due to the new features of traction control and anti lock brakes. I will buy this car again as a newer version.