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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  Transmission Silliness - 2012 Ford Focus
  By backindasaddle - May 15 - 7:16 pm

  Just got a 2012 Focus Hatchback SE. Company car, no choice in the matter. No options except for the 6 speed automatic tranny. I like the car and think build quality is very good. Ive now got about 2 weeks driving and 1300 miles or so on it. There is one thing that I really dont like. The 6 speed auto transmission. Its not that its bad. It actually shifts nice and firm and I like the idea of 6 gears. The problem is the shift point programing. It just shifts to higher gears so quickly and wont drop a gear to accelerate unless you mash the gas pedal. The programers set it up to maximize gas mileage but ridiculously at the expense of drivability. Absolute foolishness.

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  I love this car! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Lori B - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive waited 6 months to write a review on my new Fusion Hybrid, to see how its been going. I must say I made the right choice for me. 95% of my driving is in the city and I am overall averaging between 43-44 mpg - better than what Ford lists. I cannot believe the great mpg, the car is so far very solid, fun to drive, and definitely an eye catcher. Everyone I know told me to "but a real car" - now all the nay-sayers are telling me what a great choice I made and that they love this car. I really dont care what they thought anyway, but it is nice to hear. Time will tell if the mpg holds up and I am hoping it will. If you do mostly city driving - this is the car for you!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Vietvet - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I stopped by a dealer to take another look at the Fusion Hybrid. I wanted to make sure this was the car I wanted even though I had thoroughly researched the vehicle on Edmunds. The car in stock had just rolled off the transporter and happened to be exactly what I intended to eventually buy. After test driving the car I decided to buy it on the spot. I was expecting to get 30/38 city/highway. Ive had the car about three weeks now and have been getting 41 city and 40 highway. This is outstanding for a car this comfortable and quiet. Recently drove a new BMW 3 series turbo diesel and believe the Fusion is more comfortable and handles about 98% as well as the BMW. Its the best car Ive owned.

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  Should changed no gas cap problem free!!! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By marc - May 14 - 6:52 pm

  I live in a state that requires a yearly inspection to renew my tag. Every year I have to spray WD 40 and clean and clean and clean out the no gas cap area to get the service engine light to turn off so it can pass inspection. It was a useless idea of Ford to design a gas tank with no gas cap! For what purpose? All kinds of dirt n crap can get in the gas tank! This year I had to buy a gas tank plug with a key and the service engine light went off and it passed inspection. One week later the service engine light reappeared. I am good til next year but what will I do then??? Its a 2012 Ford Fusion SE other than that I love the car. But Ford needs to own up to their mistake and recall and fix it for free!!!!

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  Built to last! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Rotondi - May 14 - 4:10 pm

  Pro: * 4 cylinder engine feels like a V6 * Fit and finish are excellent * Very smooth shifting 5 speed manual transmission * Great factory radio * Good MPG (25.3 average over 4 fill-ups) * ABS standard * No rattles or squeaks * Very easy DIY oil change. Con: * Rear drum brakes * No dual trip odometer * Privacy glass not standard on FWD models * Front discs generate a lot of brake dust. Overall Im 100% satisfied. This is one SUV that truly earns the "Sport" in "Sport Utility Vehicle". I also enjoy the fact that it hold lots of stuff (33 cubic feet with the seats up and 69.2 with the rear seats down).

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  The Beast - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mandy - May 14 - 8:13 am

  This car is the best one I have ever driven. To feel such power is GREAT! I love this car and I will never get rid of it. Great for comfort if there is 2 people. Not so much if there is 4 though.

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  Safety! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By fordcrap1 - May 14 - 7:38 am

  I am the original owner. I got a powersteering failure when it reached 38000 miles, immediately after 3 year/36000 miles warranty.I had it fixed with $850 from Ford Dealer with OEM parts. Six months later, power steering failed again with the exact same problem. Not recommended.

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  Re-flash - 2012 Ford Focus
  By capte - May 13 - 10:25 pm

  Your Ford dealers can "re-flash" or update your computer program that controls shift points, pressure settings, etc. to correct the issues you might be having. I dropped mine off at the dealer this morning so I will let you know how it works after I drive it a few days with the updated tranny program.

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  Fast Ford - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Mac - May 13 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this car for my wife and traded in a 2004 350Z. All in all the Z was easier as a daily driver but we really dont drive this car often. Mash the gas and smile all the time. A fun car to drive but as others point out the interior needs more distinguishing characteristics compared to a GT. The dealer tried to add 15K to the MSRP based on it being a Shelby; dont pay it! It is an extremely nice car but please know folks that this is a suped up Cobra and the only thing common to Vegas modified Shelbys is the Shelby label on the back and badge.

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  Just a Great Car! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Dave Roberts - May 13 - 11:01 am

  This is a great practical sports car. I have always loved cars and I have owned many. This new Mustang isnt the fastest car I have owned, but to me it is very quick, agile and very comfortable. The car handles very well and feels very solid and planted cornering and traveling across those ruff country railroad crossings we have here in the South. On a country lane road trip last weekend my best average fuel mileage was 34mpg. It is still at 28.8mpg after driving all week in the city. For me, the fully adjustable and comfortable interior as well as the great handling and good fuel mileage stand out as my favorite characteristics of this car. I do agree with some of the other comments that the climate/entertainment controls/menus can be a bit complicated while driving. However after driving it a little over 9000 miles I have gotten used to the buttons and touchscreen layout. I actually think it adds a lot of styling personality to the car at a little expense of convenience. Its just the wife and I so our Mustang has plenty of room for us. We both realy enjoy owning driving our little orange Mustang!