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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  2 1/2 years of trouble-free dependability - 2010 Ford F-150
  By ford4sure - September 22 - 3:31 pm

  I was the 2nd owner of this 2010 F150 Lariat. It had 33,000 on it and 3000 miles remaining on the warranty (of which expired 2 years ago) when I got it. Now it has 53,500 on it. I HAVE NOT done a thing to it except maintenance oil changes, rotate tires and put gas in it. Great dependability, good riding truck and a pleasure to drive. I occasionally pull a trailer but the truck does not even know it is back there. Very happy and very pleased with the truck and its quality. No issues what-so-ever. Good job Ford. Great Truck.

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  FIRST REPORT - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By mntdl - September 20 - 3:06 pm

  Just purchased a 2014 Fusion SE with the 1.5 Ecoboost, 201A PKG, Navigation and Technology PKG. In searching for a sedan for work, to replace an Impala, I was looking for something stylish, good performance, fun & comfortable to drive while maintaining some economy. Sounds like a lot to ask for, and all of that for under $30,000. The Fusion with the all of the options fit the bill. I only have 250 miles, and so I really cant tell you much yet, but the first 250 miles have been awesome. I will follow up at around 15,000 miles, and that should not take long, as I average about 20,000-30,000 per year.

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  What a great all around vehicle - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By jllevere - September 18 - 3:30 pm

  Purchased my 2013 Explorer Sport after 10 years of driving BMW X-5s and based on this one I will be with Ford for a while. Ecoboost is a fantastic motor. I have 18,500 miles and vehicle has been in the shop for 2 services and thats it. Not one problem even with the highly disparaged SYNC. Maybe I just got lucky but my just plain works great! Did I mention how good the Ecoboost motor is! Over 20MPG on the highway and 15-17 in stop and go city driving. Really a lot of pickup for getting on freeways or passing.

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  Surprisingly efficient and fun - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By edp5 - September 15 - 11:56 am

  We just drove our 2015 Ford Explorer XLT on an 800 mile trip. The ride is very comfortable for a 6 foot tall 200 pound driver. Lots of room and support in the seat. The touch controls took a little getting used to the sensitivity but once that was accomplished they are intuitive and easy to operate. Without studying the owners manual in detail I was able to operate everything except the windshield washer button which I found after reading the manual. The car rides and handles very well at highway speeds and on twisting roads. The gas mileage averaged 23.4 mpg for the trip. The ride was quiet and conversations were easily conducted at all times.

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  Only negative is you cant rent a trailer. - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By bethdriver - September 14 - 9:04 am

  I love my 1995. I bought it ten years ago and paid $3,000 for it. In ten years Ive replaced brakes, tires, driver window electric motor. The only problem Ive had is with the dash lights (the lower half wont light up and even though I took it to a dealership and they "fixed" them...a month later they quit working again and the dealership would not fix them for free so I said screw it. The only other issue is that at about 180,000 miles, the OD light started blinking and it would not go into reverse, and it was chunking hard into lower gears. I was told new transmission was needed. Nope. Just a new VSS and clear the codes, and another 40,000 miles later, still going strong!

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  Best of the best - 2012 Ford F-150
  By honda007gb - September 13 - 8:39 am

  This truck is amazing in all ways you would need a truck. I have owned or driven just about all the different brands and let me tell you nothing beats this F-150. I have had 90,000 trouble free miles out of my ecoboost. Most people that complain about mpgs do not understand the point of this engine. It pulls like no other 1/2 ton on the road today. There are many compairson videos avalible. The hemi,chevy 6.2 are no match to the low end at a lower rpm. If driven right you can get above the mpg listed with an empty truck and not towing. No other crew cab has near the room this truck does. With the flat floor and the rear seats up, you have a very large space to haul inside the cab. Awesome

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  2.5L I-4 2,000 Miles sp far, liking my ride - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By 03tbext - September 12 - 2:30 pm

  Wife did not like seats in the 14 Focus SE, so we bought the basic Fusion S. Very quiet, smooth ride, great gas mileage. How great? 40.2 MPG on a 200 mile trip today (actual, computer said it was 38.2). Like the room can comfort very much, a huge step up from my 2006 Focus ZX4-SES, 2.0L automatic. And, the fuel economy is about 2 to 3 MPG better! Always used to be a GM man, till Obama Motors taking them out of the running. Ford sure has improved.

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  Great car !!! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By andy908 - September 7 - 4:58 am

  This is a very good car. With the low price and age, it still runs like a beast. I bought it for $1500 about 6 months ago, runs great. The handling is great, maneuvering is easy, and drives smooth. Mileage is great. I drive about 25 miles a day, have to fill it up every two weeks!!!, about $70/month I use for gas. The red color sure makes it look sporty! In my opinion its a good looking car (contrary to what other people are saying). Make sure to maintain it well regularly. Aged cars need regular care. The only downside I can think of is its acceleration. Acceleration is not so quick or smooth as other newer cars.

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  Love my SUV - 2013 Ford Escape
  By rgtstylist - September 2 - 9:05 pm

  I have owned my Escape SEL almost a year. Yes I have had recalls, 4 in fact. But recalls are not unusual in the industry. Toyota Honda GM Hyundai etc have all had recalls. I love my SUV and the service Department at my Ford dealership is fantastic. Most of the gas mileage complaints seem to be coming from AWD models as I have read thru the reviews. My SUV is FWD and I have gotten over 30mpg with cruise control set on a highway ride. for the price of my SEL model that is really loaded I think it is a great choice for a smaller SUV. Power and handling with exceptional style.

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  Great Ride! - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By dagnab - August 30 - 5:21 pm

  We traded 2009 Fusion SEL for 2014 SE and love it. It is the Ecoboost model and get great mileage and power plus the great ride!!