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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  Just picked up my new 2012 Taurus SE today! - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By macmovieman - September 21 - 7:08 pm

  I just got out of a 2010 Taurus with about 71,000 miles and into this 2012 and there is very little noticeable change. I even have it in the same color? The good news is there was little wrong with the 2010 model and I am hoping to have the same luck with this car. The position of the power outlets allow me to use the rear one for my inverter that powers my laptop, the one in the center console powers my iPhone so I can listen to my music, and the one up front powers my Zumo 660 GPS unit so I do not gt lost during the day. The car rides great, the music system sounds great, plenty of room in the trunk, and excellent power. I will be back in 2014 or 2015 if they continue to be this nice.

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  Great Truck all around - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By vand - September 20 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this truck in 2001 with 60K on it. It was an excellent, excellent truck. I replaced the alternator around 100K and did normal maintenence on it other than that. It started up every time, fun to drive (although the rear-wheel drive could be a little tricky if the roads were slick), used and abused it. The light bulbs behind the display went out slowly over the years--no big deal. I loaded all kinds of things in this truck over the years. It got great gas mileage. I had owned it for 10 years and put 90K on it when I was rear-ended and the truck was totalled. It could have been a much more serious accident, but the solid construction of this little truck saved me.

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  2011 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By patrick66 - September 19 - 9:53 am

  Bought my Explorer in April to replace our 2008 Toyota Highlander. The Explorer is a major upgrade. We have driven over 10,000 miles including an across country trip this summer. The Explorer is much nicer to drive than the Toyota. Much better handling, and the manual mode on the transmission was great driving through mountains. Gas mileage is generally 19-20 mpg in our normal mixed driving. But we were getting up to 27 mpg on our vacation. We have not had any mechanical problems - perfect for my family of 5.

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  SE Automatic 6-speed (review didnt have that option) - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By groksurf - September 17 - 4:42 pm

  Have owned the SE for three weeks. The Transmission prefers a very light touch when starting from a stop. It shifts 1-2-3 rapidly up to about 25 mph if you do it that way, very smoothly and quietly. Then you can push the accelerator more for nice quiet power. It will switch awkwardly if you give it heavy foot at low speed. You definitely need to learn how it wants to be driven once you do its a pleasure to drive. At higher speeds very quiet engine (although at 70 the rpms almost reach 3K--Id prefer 2300 at that speed), and minimal road/wind noise. If you do push the rpms, the engine sound is throaty and not at all unpleasant. Great mileage so far, about 33mpg at 60% city/40% highway

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  Best Truck on the Market! - 2011 Ford F-150
  By autoterry - September 17 - 8:28 am

  The below is ranked from the bottom up. I looked at all the Trucks out there. Toyota was plain and not worth the value, there high marks are over rated. The Nissan was pretty cool but the model has not been update since 2004 so it seemed dated. The GM line was very nice but a tad plain in styling on the Exterior and Interior, but a great truck! The Dodge was a close second and the ride was awesome, great exterior and interior. But the Ford came out on top. Hot styling, great interior, High Technology in a truck package! Overall the best Truck on the Road with a very high quality of fit and finish! Quiet and a decent ride quality. Plenty of power and proving to be great on mileage .

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  crap!!! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By sm448669 - September 16 - 1:08 am

  I have a 06 se at focus,and this is the 3rd!!!! tranny i have put in it...the original crapped out on me at 60,000 miles replaced it and the 2nd one crapped out on my after only 30,000...i will never ever ever again buy another ford car!!!!!!!!

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  170000k and still going - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By powemicj - September 15 - 8:46 pm

  Title says it all

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  2012 SE V6. Much better than my 06 Fusion, in some areas. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By robhlittle - September 15 - 9:05 am

  My first Ford Fusion was a 2006 SEL V6, which I got in the summer of 09 with 60k miles. Let me say, it had an amazing ride, sound system, nice leather and decent fuel economy. I did not have one problem with it at all until 108k miles when it died in the middle of rush hour. Engine coils went out, causing many other things to go wrong. Short story, traded out. Got 5 grand for it (amazing because of the body work it needed from an accident i didnt fix and 2600 worth of engine repairs). Traded for a 2012 SE V6 with the Sun & Sync package and Monochrome appearance package. Amazing drive feel and ride. Very satisfied so far. I do miss my 06 though, it had leather and a much better audio system

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  1st Boss Review!! - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By cammer - September 14 - 6:11 pm

  Just got a performance white Boss, used with 4k miles and no trac key or Recaro seat option. really wanted those options but I refused to pay the stupid 10k markup that the dealers currently insist on. Now on to the car. In a word WOW! the handling and power of this Stang is remarkable! I cant wipe the grin off my face every time I hit an on ramp or a corner that I can accelerate through. I am driving the car daily and it is quitecivilized below 4500 rpm then all bets are off! I have been amazed as to how mant people have come to talk to me about the car or give a big thumbs up!

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  Laundry List of Problems!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By rlsid21 - September 14 - 10:33 am

  My 2003 Ford Focus SE (Automatic) was my first car I ever purchased, little did I know that I should have done my homework before making the commitment. I bought it pre-owned through the Ford Dealership. I should have inspected it at first sight. It had two torn tires, the roof interior was covered completely in ketchup! I let that one go. Over the years, the ignition locked up, had to get that replaced, the engine gasket broke, the transmission went out completely, got that replaced $4,000 later (in March 2011), the sway bar started squeaking, now the having engine problems, the timing belt broke off, and valves need to be replaced (Sept. 2011) Mechanics quoted $2,000 for repairs.