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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  I Love my Fusion ! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion Lover - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our fusion in 2009 and we LOVE it. Ours has sunroof, power everything. So far we have never had a minutes trouble. It drives great, very smooth ride. Gas mileage is pretty good for V6, I can usually get about 30 MPH highway and around 22-26 town.

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  Way Better Than a Camaro... - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Quik GT - December 2 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is WOW! I had a 2010 Camaro RS for about 450 miles before realizing Id made a mistake. I saw my Grabber Blue GT sitting on the lot at a huge discount and thats all she wrote. This is my first new Ford out of 76 cars in my life. I really love the way it drives and handles. I can only imagine what the 5.0 GT must be like. Ill be fine with my tried and true 4.6 for now, but who knows down the road...

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  Not quite there yet - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Forestpark - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Car Drives and handles well, its very quiet and smooth. The dual clutch automatic helps with mileage buts gets "jerky" sometimes in stop and go traffic. Acceleration is not awful but it sometimes lags, a few more horses would be welcome. Also rpm are way too high on the highway. this car MUST rev a lot to accelerate. it loves 5000 rpm under moderate acceleration.

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  Cute Car, Needs some things addressed. - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By warrenpowell - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I test drove this car and have decided to put off my purchase till they get some things fixed, see below and I drove the automatic (dual clutch). The car handles well and is very quiet. 1. Please use some heavier moldings where the windshield meets the hood, those on each should be molded plastic instead of soft rubber. 2. Eliminate the crazy/strange striping (piping) on the cloth seat options. 3. Cruise and a nicer (more wattage please) radio should come standard on the SE. 4. Please fix the random jerking of the dual clutch trans and the sometimes unwillingness of the car to downshift. Also 3200-3300 RPM at 70 mph is a bit high. (the trans needs a better warranty)/Needs armrest.

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  Worth the wait! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Realtor4 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Came from a Honda 1998 CR-V bought new and sold at 210,000 miles, very few problems. Was worried about changing, but just love my Edge. I have it fully loaded with nav, sunroof and towing. The car fits like a glove, when driving or riding. The push start is really nice and the adaptive cruise is great. Its really neat when your car starts to slow down because the car in front of you has slowed down and you havent even done anything. It makes you feel safer knowing that if you look away, your still not going to hit the car in front of you. My insurance was only $41 more every 6 months than my 1998 Honda because of all the safety features. I love the heated seats. Good Job Ford!

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  2011 Ford Fusion SEL 6 cyl - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Bill - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car, very sporty and comfortable, but the transmission is not right. 1st and 2nd are geared really low and close, and the it wants to shift at 4k rpm even if youre accelerating slowly. Sometimes going from 4th to 5th the tranny gets confused and jumps back and forth, very annoying. I only have 1,000 miles on the car.

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  Great First Car - 2001 Ford Escort
  By RDP - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car I bought while in college. I bought it with 95,000 miles, and I am almost at 200,000 miles. It has been very reliable, and I have only had to replace a fuel filter and alternator. The clutch and transmission seem to still be going strong. A lot of things are starting to need work, so I will probably be buying a new car. My only problem while owning this car has been the gas mileage. I only seem to get about 25 MPG.

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  Love it - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By paula - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The Expedition Limited has been a great vehicle for our family of 5. We havent had any mechanical issues and it drives like a dream. The gas mileage isnt too bad for this type of vehicle. I have considered downsizing but I have a hard time giving up the luxury. I really like the look and comfort.

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  Gas Tank - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jerod - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I recently switched from a 2003 Explorer to the 05 Escape and although I really loved and miss the Explorer, I think the Escape is great. The only thing that really pisses me off every time is when the gas hose shuts off. I should be able to start the gas and walk away. I live in Wisconsin. Its cold. Come on! Other than that I love it :)

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  First New Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Steve - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Sadly I dont have this car anymore, but I wanted to write a review anyway. It was the first car I ever bought brand spanking new (with only 9 miles on it). It was sharp looking, unbelievably reliable, surprisingly good in the snow, and served me well for the 5 years I owned it. I traded it in for my current car, 2005 Volvo S40 turbo, but still miss it and sometimes wish I still had it.