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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  Fantastically Fusion - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Braeden Pinquertyn - December 20 - 10:29 am

  Well, I got the car as an early birthday/ Christmas gift... GORGEOUS CAR! The 2.0 liter ecoboost engine is so much for the rather small displacement, which leads me to the bad part... I am literally getting 17.8 mpg in city and 26 mpg on the highway going 67 mph, when the EPA says it should get 21 mpg city and 31 highway... My former 2009 Camry with a 2.5 liter I-4 and 5 spd automatic got much better fule economy... Highly disappointed in that regard... But the style and the build quality is basically that of my fathers Infiniti G37 (which is a luxury sports sedan)! It is truly impeccable! The continental tires are quiet and have fantastic grip! It truly is an ambiguous car when it comes to the drive characteristics, it can be a calm, compliant riding car when needed and a sporty, agile half back when needed! Truly a good car!

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  Awesome Muscle Car! - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Chris Conner - December 19 - 8:07 pm

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  My 33rd car and the best - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Chavis Bauer - December 18 - 1:34 pm

  This car is perfect for my life, but not a family car. The interior fits like a glove and the back seats are somewhat functional for small people. Car has excellent take off and control, its a blast to drive. I LOVE this car!!

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  6 years and still like new - 2010 Ford F-150
  By David Little - December 18 - 11:49 am

  I have had my F-150 supercrew since January 2010. One issue-at 30,000 miles the torque converter would leak fluid once every 3 days (weird). Ford fixed it under warranty. Otherwise, absolutely perfect in all areas. This truck saved me from an Alabama snowageddon last year. It tool 10 hours to go 20 miles but the 2 of us made it. 75000 miles and the brakes are still 80% pads. The truck is so quiet on the road. Yesterday I got 22 miles per gallon going 65 mph on the interstate. If you have kids the back seat area is like a large sitting room. If you can find a 2010 with good mileage buy it. I am 65 years old and have had lots and lots and lots of vehicles. Best of the bunch! Just keep it serviced and clean and you will have a winner. It is a truck but Ford F-150s are the best selling truck for a reason!

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  Better than any Toyota I have owned - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Jim - December 16 - 9:41 pm

  The Edge is absolutely awesome! I have owned three Toyotas (Sienna, Rav4, and Camry). After one month ownership of my Toyotas, they were just cars. The Edge impresses me more every day. I just love the Edge. It is easy to get in and out. The Edge handles great and you always feel in control. The workmanship is first class. On another note, my sons wanted me to buy a BMW X3 or X5. I am so happy I bought the Edge instead of either of those!

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  WHAT I EXPECT FROM AN EXPLORER - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin B - December 16 - 9:24 pm

  I have owned a lot of Ford Explorers over the years from a 76 Ford Explorer Truck to a Camper Special to even owning a 92 Ford Explorer SUV with all them having accept for the camper special having V6 or inline 6 cylinder engines, but my latest is the AWD V8 which is a work of art to me. This truck in dependable and reliable. Of course I know it is not used to go rock climbing and is for normal to mid off road use, unlike most try to think it should be. In my opinion this SUV is what it should do an average to above average SUV

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  when they say ford tough they mean it! - 1995 Ford F-150
  By gee - December 16 - 6:17 pm

  i drive 1995 f150 automatic 302ci small block ford AKA 5.0 with 226,000 miles. The shifting is hard if you stomp it but other then that it smooth.i have the Eddie Bauer edition body style its nice i just wish i would know what color it is because in different lights its different colors.the engine is one of fords best engine they have ever built no problems had to replace the radiator couple pulls brakes and change oil.i like how it sits cause the back end way higher then the front but i think ford made them like that back then for towing and load capacity . the interior is nice its hard to find one without have the dash cracked but luckily mine wasnt the seats are really comfortable however it had a couple coffee stains but other then that it is a tough rugged truck to bad they dont make them like they use too.

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  Great Little Workhorse of a Car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By G.C. Cantor - December 15 - 3:40 pm

  My parents purchased this car new in 2007 for about $17,500. I received it from them in February 2013 w/18,400 miles on it. Today it has just under 50,000 miles. I cant say enough good things about it. The interior headroom is excellent as are the sight lines based on the fact that the front seats are mounted on an elevated platform, unlike the newer Focus model, whose seats are mounted very low. I must transport my elderly mother to frequent doctor appointments and she has no difficulty getting in or out of the car. The car accelerates well, particularly on freeway ramps and corners remarkably well for a smaller vehicle. Gas mileage could be a little better, but I probably average 26-27 mpg in city and 30 or so on the highway. Still operating with its original belts and hoses. I particularly love the hatch and the voluminous trunk storage, which has more cubic feet than on many larger models. Some rattles and noises, particularly when the weather is cold, but nothing major. The heated seats are wonderful during the long Ohio winters as are the heated mirrors. In short, a great car for little money.

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  Fun, Fun, fun - 2015 Ford Edge
  By alampur - December 14 - 7:20 pm

  I have had Ford Edge Sport for the past 2 months. These words come to my mind: Solid, Fun, Sporty and a delight to drive. Blind spot monitoring, Lane Departure Warning and gentle nudge back to the lane, excellent blue tooth are all technological pluses. Steering, handling are top class. Very quiet inside, very little road noise. Quite roomy especially the second row and adequate cargo. Overall, quite impressive.

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  #explorergang - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By faatimah ishmael - December 10 - 7:09 pm

  I love my explorer! I love everything about it. It is definitely built Ford tough. The materials are superb and of good quality. The interior has a classy look to it and the seats are ridiculously comfortable. I do wish the entertainment screen was a big more interactive and big. Otherwise its the perfect car. Has lots of cargo/trunk space which is a bonus because I have young ones and need to carry a stroller and other goodies.