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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  Im never buying a Ford again!! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By NTK - April 17 - 9:43 pm

  My 2013 Ford Focus has been in the shop numerous times for the transmission shuddering, which is NOT normal no matter what Ford says. A car should not sound or feel like this when driving normally. Now its in the shop for a broken steering column, which broke 1970 miles after the 36000 warranty, and Ford refused to pay for it or acknowledge that it is a faulty steering mechanism. Now there is another recall for the door latch which opens while driving. Great! This car is the worse car Ive ever had. Ive owned it for 3 years and it has been more work, hassle and headache than my mothers Subaru of the same year, and my 2003 Suzuki, which was not the greatest car, but it was only in the shop once! Now the Suzuki is looking so much better, I should have never turned it in for this terrible Ford Focus!!!

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  Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By woodygap - April 17 - 5:16 pm

  Good Safe Van

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  I love it - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Floci - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I have it for 9 months and all I can say is that the Focus is amazing. After 10000 miles with no problems and with a lot of fun both me and my wife are in love with the car. It has the S2 package.

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  Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ohmz42 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  My Sport Trac is very comfortable and fun to drive. Fuel Mileage is decent at 19 mpg average. Although it has ample pep, considering todays technology, Ford could improve performance and fuel economy just a wee bit better. Before I purchased this vehicle I was undecided between an SUV or pickup, but the Sport Trac has proven to be a nice mix of each. Would recommend! You get plenty of looks too.

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  Love it!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By cindyc97 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I am a first time SUV owner as well, and couldnt be more pleased with my purchase....awesome car!

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  great suv - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By teckpart - April 17 - 10:00 am

  did not set out to by a suv but the new explorer realy caught my eye vast improvement over older models independent rear supension makes this suv i cut above nice driving quiet and smooth on open highway for my use 4.0L engine is fine great dealer prep and no problems since new good looks nice inside with a lot of nice xtras

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  Great Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By bigkast - April 17 - 10:00 am

  6K miles on my 2002 ZX3 and still lovin it! No problems, NO RECALLS!!!!!

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  my mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By krazygurl - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car ive ever driven. it is stylish, and great to drive.i love my mustang

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  Bullit lives up to its name - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By akorna - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Bullitt as an impulse buy, although I had been interested in it since it debuted as a concept car. I got #4942, Dark Highland Green, for a good price w/rebate and 0.9% Financing. The Bullitt is a great driving car - a real attitude adjuster that I take out only in nice weather, once a week or less. I have little to complain about the car. I mostly enjoy the wonderful exhaust note and well spaced transmission ratios. The factory modified 4.6L V8 is underated at 265 HP - published dyno tests suggest 270-280 HP. I have driven the same year regular Mustang GT, and this car is better in almost every category.

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  Solid Whip You Need to Drive to Appreciate - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By J Braun - April 17 - 5:10 am

  The older body style is considerably different that the 13 and newer Fusions and it tends to blend into the crowd. It isnt an eye catcher or memorable to look at in any way. It is however, a very solid whip which has a feel and driving experience of a much more expensive car. The ride is smooth and after getting used to the buttons on the center stack and steering wheel, the whip is a lot of vehicle for the money. Ford vehicles of 15 to 20 or more years ago had a bad reputation for a good reason. American car makers have come a long way in build quality and reliability. This Fusion, even with its "blend into the crowd" look, has a great driving experience. It has plenty of umph when you need to pass and the stopping power is very strong too. Theres a giant trunk for an airport pickup with piles of luggage. The backseat can very comfortably handle two with plenty of head and foot room. Theres the center armrest with cup holders. Up front, theres more of the ample head and foot room plus plenty of controls. After a few tanks of fuel I got used to all the buttons but initially, the ergonomics bothered me. It shouldnt be so hard to find the rear defroster or recirculate button for the A/C but it was. The steering wheel controls arent as bad as the center stack and allow you to control the vehicles sound, media choice, cruise control, and scroll through system information. The Sony sound system in this whip is outstanding. Crisp and clean with all the highs and lows you want. The seals and quality of materials make this a very quiet car as well keeping road noise to almost nothing. I love the transmission. The six-speed automatic shifts when its supposed to under load with no thunking drama on those upshifts. Under modest acceleration the shift seem barely noticeable. Theres also a manual mode allowing you to control the shifting without a clutch by using a slick thumb button on the side of the shift lever. The moon roof is nice with full open position or tilted up in the back allowing for good ventilation. Gas mileage is meh at around 24 or so for me. I do get stuck in a good bit of rush hour traffic which keep MPG low around town but I can get 29 MPG on a highway trip. Thats due to the 240 HP, 6 cylinder at the ready. Speaking of gas, no gas cap is no problem. Your pit stops are faster with some sort of trick valve allowing Ford to eliminate the gas cap. It was not something I found hard to get used too. For a heavy, mid-sided car, the 2011 Fusion SEL has the ability to [almost] feel like a Miata in the twisties and an Audi A8L for highway cruising at 90 in the left lane. If you dont mind your whip looking like a somewhat bland, run of the mill vehicle on the outside but want full blown comfort and accommodations on the inside then this is for you.