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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  Very Happy Owner - 2009 Ford Flex
  By TJHahn - May 28 - 2:20 am

  We were not completely sold on the Flex because of the boxy design. The test drive sold us within the first minute! This car is incredibly comfortable, offers outstanding build and material quality and even with AWD, still delivers a combined mpg of 19. Ford has proven that they can still build a great American car with attributes beyond the foreign offerings. At only 5 days old, someone hit our Flex while my wife was driving, she didnt even feel the impact. She only knew that someone hit her because she saw the other car (a Camry) literally bounce off the Flex. Wed drive through a hurricane in this thing!

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  2009 SEL V-6 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - May 27 - 4:58 pm

  I was advised to buy the V-6 vs the V-4 for more power. This vehicle gets up to speed very quickly. Steering and handling is very good. Other reviews disliked the turn indicator position (high on column) and height of seat head rests. I do not find this a negative. A great car and my wife loves it.

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  I like it - 2009 Ford Escape
  By edm - May 26 - 8:27 pm

  Replaced my old F150 with this. I was surprised at how smooth it drives. The clutch does take some getting used to. Been getting 29.5 mpg on highway. Goes up the mountain roads pretty good. Full coverage insurance was cheap, so must be safe? Ive only driven it about 1500 miles but everything works great.

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  My personal Limo - 2009 Ford Flex
  By JA - May 26 - 7:12 pm

  This vehicle drives like a charm. My Wife and Kids love it. So far we have averaged 22.2 MPG combined.

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  Get it! And have some fun! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By brent labeau - May 26 - 5:57 pm

  What a great car. If ford had been making these cars 10 years ago they wouldnt be in the trouble there in. Every one needs a convertible, this is a great one. wish it had a little more horse power, but if it did, I wish it had even more.

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  Oh I love this Car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Marilyn - May 26 - 5:40 pm

  I test drove Honda Accord, Toyota Camary, Ford Fusion and even a Lexus. I couldnt seem to find one that I felt like driving. The 500 did it. At first it didnt turn my head for looks but oh my, I drove it and was in love. I do prefer the understated but rich look of the interior and exterior. I am just so happy that when stop at a light there isnt 10 other cars just like mine. I didnt think about that at the time I was looking for a car. I am getting 18 MPG in town. No long trips yet. Everyone loves the huge trunk. I love the comfort and style.

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  Best wagon I have owned - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Rondo - May 26 - 3:58 pm

  Bought this wagon new and would buy the same wagon new today. This vehicle has really been super. Dislike selling it at this time with only 73k on it, but bought a new Mecury Sable. Gets great gas mileage, rides and drives very well, and has lots of room for people or various items. The grandkids love the rear seat. Love the color too, silver, which doesnt show the dirt. All in all, Ford built this wagon exceptionally. Someone is going to get s super wagon in this area....

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  MPG Learning curve - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By khamiam - May 26 - 2:31 pm

  I have had my fusion hybrid for about a month --and MPG is a learned behavior. First about my driving --right now I am commuting out of state 250 miles from home and then 40 miles round trip from the hotel to work. I drive with the traffic in 55&65 zone. The first week I got 39-41 MPG --which is what I expected and was totally ok with. The second week, I got 43.5 and the third week 45.3 and the 4th 47.1 -- You have to change the way you drive. Easy on the accelerator, to keep it in EV mode.I wait to speed up when the gas engine kicks in. Yes, 47 MPG (for 500+ miles) is possible -- and if you are getting mid-thirties, your driving style doesnt fit ANY hybrid. Use eco-cruise for better mpg.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Florida - May 26 - 1:25 pm

  Wow! What a great car. At first, it took a while to get used to the looks, but now we love it. Were looking at Tahoes/Traverses/Acadias/and Suburbans. You get a lot more for your money with the flex. A fully loaded flex is about the cost of a stripped version of the above listed. Its amazing, the dealers that are strong, Ford, are willing to work harder for your business than those not doing so well?? Maybe thats why they are staying in business.

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  1ST full size truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By me - May 26 - 9:50 am

  This is my first full size truck and I love it. I drove all of the other tucks before I bought this awesome 150. This truck is super comfortable, drives like a dream, and looks great. This is the time to buy a truck, I got a great price(with some fighting) I highly recommend test driving this truck before you buy anything else.