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:

• 

  A lot of car for the money - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By shaunt - April 20 - 9:08 am

  I hadnt actually considered such a small car, but the gas mileage enticed me. It looks small from the outside, but driving it is a whole different experience. Im 63, 200lbs, and its perfectly comfortable to drive. The adjustable wheel and multiple seat adjustments are a huge plus. More importantly, it drives like a dream. I test drove other subcompacts(Honda Fit, Nissan Versa) and they dont even come close in terms of ride quality and handling. The Fiesta has plenty of power, with precise steering, a smooth ride, and a wonderfully smooth clutch and manual shifter. The engine accelerates smoothly and rapidly, yet remains quiet. The road noise is also notably less than in the others.

• 

  Great car....except - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By smartaspaint - April 19 - 9:56 am

  So, there seems to be a common issue with this particular model of car. Sometimes, the car will simply die while youre driving it. I took it into an auto parts store, they tested the battery and couldnt find anything wrong with it. I took it into the Ford Service center, they tested the alternator, battery, fuel injector, the onboard computer, looked for updates to any of the programming, and everything tested out fine. Couldnt find a thing. Im taking it to an electronics specialist incase somethings wrong with the ECU but I saw the "10/10" reliability ranking and had to write something since complete failure randomly while youre driving is kind of a bad thing.

• 

  Nothing but problems - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By hconsalvi - April 18 - 6:46 pm

  I bought this car for $5000 and have owned it since 2007. In the time Ive owned it Ive had to replace the fuel pump, rack and pinion, PCM (main computer) all the censors, gas cap, the ac has gone out, and now the car is randomly dying while driving it. Ive been told that the PCM has to be replaced again to fix the issue. This is the most unreliable car Ive ever owned!

• 

  Quiet, powerful and loaded - 2012 Ford Edge
  By mtnarch - April 17 - 11:56 pm

  Very solid build, no rattles, squeaks or sounds. Lots of power with the V6! Sync with MyFordTouch is really nice - spend time learning it and realize that the touch screen is not instantaneous. V6 will eat up the gas - watch how far you press the peddle down to pass or accelerate - but the power thats there when you do is nothing short of amazing!

• 

  My First Car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By rockintheford - April 17 - 1:55 pm

  This was my first new car. Ive always bought used cars from toyotas to porsches but none of them impressed me until my ford aspire with 200,000 miles on it. Ford dealers were AWESOME every need met and got a great price for my Fiesta S 5speed manual trans under $10,000. Ive been driving this vehicle for over a year now. 16,000 miles on it and I still gloat over it. Handles great in any weather, gets the same fuel economy as my motorcycle (38-43mpg) and surprisingly comfortable. Ford built a great car here. No regrets or complaints.

• 

  up date HAPPY DUDE - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By bluefalcon - April 16 - 8:55 pm

  29700 miles and still happy. still love styling sport blue outside and blue insert seats. The 3.5 V6 still pulls strong, a sleeper but dont expect to take Corvette. Average about 22 mpg and need to replace first set of tires and will not go with the Good Year RS A tires again. Ok tire but not great.

• 

  Classic American Muscle Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By cason234 - April 16 - 12:59 pm

  Ive owned my 2000 Mustang GT for only 9 months, and Ive already put it for sale..... how can I write a favorable review of it if I dont even wish to keep it? Yet, the car really is terrific - it just doesnt stir my soul! Mine has 75,000 miles on it (bought it with 65,000), and it has been nothing but pleasure to own. I bought it and immediately lowered it with H&R springs (the wheel gap on 99-04 Mustangs is HIDEOUS), and put a Pro5.0 shifter in it. If I was keeping it, Id put a set of Flowmasters and 4.10 gears on it. I love the fact that you have a bread and butter V8 in here that anyone can repair (if needed) that still has performance thatll whollop many cars on the road.

• 

  Great car - 2008 Ford Escape
  By colin_88 - April 15 - 7:55 pm

  This is my moms car and I love it. We have had it for 5 months now and it has changed my view of Fords since the demise of my 1995 Escort. I find this more luxurious than my plain 2002 Toyota Camry. The ride is very smooth. The 4WD comes in handy on the snowy Philly winters and our yearly Xmas trip to Maine.

• 

  2010 Fusion SE Auto Sun+Sync - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By thom1486 - April 15 - 11:46 am

  Bought mine used with 22,500 miles in August 2010 now has 27,500. I love the car. The ride is comfortable, yet athletic. The stereo is awesome no mechanical issues, still a very solid vehicle. Easy to attain EPA fuel economy ratings. Have not had any of the transmission issues I have heard much about, hopefully they dont pop up. Great car, Id recommend to anybody. I chose it over the Civic, Camry, Cruze, and Malibu

• 

  2011 Ford Flex California Review - 2011 Ford Flex
  By califdreamn - April 13 - 6:24 pm

  With our 2001 Honda Odyssey mini van approaching 130K and on its third transmission, we set out to see what sort of new vehicle might fit our fancy. I have had my eye on the Flex for some time but we also looked hard at the Mazda CX9. For us, the Flex has the larger more comfortable cabin, a ridiculous amount of leg room in the second row, and the look of a poor mans Range Rover. The CX9 has super supportive seating as well as a sporty ride and engine. But the Flex has a uniqueness about it that nothing else compares to. And, if you can still secure a 2011 with the hefty rebates, you will have a vehicle that pound for pound surpasses anything else.