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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  Bigger and Better - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Beowulf - June 28 - 6:31 pm

  As with another reviewer, this is my second Ex (also had an 01). Replaced after transmission had repeated problems ending in new transmission (fortunately it was still under warranty). I actually liked the 7.0 engine better, but this one does have better mileage and I can carry my entire extended family and tow a boat when we go on vacation. Towing and carrying full load, can cross Snoqualmie Pass in worst winter conditions with just winter tires, no problems. I love this car and am glad I got one of the last ones - will care for it and probably replace the engine if it ever fails. Oh, and by the way - runs great on Biodiesel - Ive had it up to B100 but B5-B20 is best for coldest winter weather.

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  Seat belt comfort sub par - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Wiggin - June 28 - 2:33 pm

  My wife and I bought this car in may 2010. The car drives nicely. We bought the sel model fwd with charcoal black leather interior and sport blue metallic paint. We purchased the car with the blis system and the upgraded Sony stereo. The blind spot monitoring system is nice. A little sensitive but nice. The 3.0 v6 has good pickup and is quiet. I have two issues with this car. First, the fuel economy in city driving is abysmal. I only get 13 mpg in the city. The car only has 1100 miles on it though. The other issue I have is that the seat belt pinches my side when I buckle it. This makes for an uncomfortable ride. It is hard find a comfortable seating position.

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  Excellent Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By mike - June 28 - 12:39 pm

  I looked around and did a lot of research looking at Chevy, Dodge, Toyota and Ford. I needed a truck that my wife would love to ride in and that would get the job done. We needed a half ton truck to pull a travel trailer and for everyday use. We didnt want or need a 3/4 or one ton truck. I wanted the max towing that any half ton could offer and Ford won hands down. Got the max tow package with the 3.73 rear end, trailer brake, etc. It will tow 11,200 as a half ton. Incredible.. Its fun to drive, does the job and the interior rivals my wifes Lexus RX-350.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Ford Fan 14 - June 28 - 11:59 am

  I love this car. I wanted an Escape, but test drove this because it was the color I wanted and immediately fell in love with it. It handles well in the curves, is a smooth, quiet ride, has a great sound system, and a very roomy interior without being a huge car. The Sync technology is great too. Gas mileage on the highway is awesome as well and for a 4-cylinder, I was impressed by its power. The only thing I dont like is that it has hubcaps instead of rims, but even the hubcaps are stylish.

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  luvthiscar! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By wrdrn - June 28 - 8:36 am

  Just purchased on 6/23, and first tank of gas got 27.15 mpg. With an almost 130 mile round trip 2-3 times a week, I am saving the payment just in gas, when compared to my 04 Ranger or my wifes 2002 Accord. Wind and road noise is at a minimum, especially for a base-model car. Steering is tight and handles curves well. 5 spd takes a little getting used to, esp when the short throw is compared to aforementioned Ranger. Very well-equipped for a base car stereo can be deafening! MPG reads higher by about 2 mpg on computer than calculated @ fill-up this is not problematic to me, as the difference is likely due to the real-time calculation of the on-board computer. All around great car!

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  Boring is good - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By richard risatti - June 28 - 7:42 am

  This is my second Taurus and its even more reliable than my 98 was. It has 114k on it and only problem was a starter at about 110k. The wagon is not as comfortable for a tall person as the sedan. Seems as though they had to move the seats up a little for more room in the back. Was the perfect car for servicing copiers, lots of room and easy access for parts, plus the door handles and locks have held up well on the job.

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  Mixed - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bill - June 27 - 9:58 am

  Before 36K ran out Ford fixed trans three times and put in a new one, finally. Replaced total rear end after Differential gears went NG twice. Ford than replaced bearings in their new rear end. Brakes are typical Ford truck and dont last. I have had Fords for 40 years. Mileage is terrible, 15 mpg. Electric sensors are typical made in China junk and have failures galore. This is my last Ford. Too bad, Ford just buys crappy parts from the lowest bidder and the consumer pays the price. I hear their new small cars are decent. Stick with Toyota or if you like Ford explorer stick with the V8 Eddie Bauer It is a better all around quality version of the other explorers but you pay or that.

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  Best bang for the buck! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Rich - June 27 - 1:06 am

  This car was not even on my list when I set out shopping. But after incentives it was almost half price of anything else I was looking at. I really like the dash, sequential turn signals, the retro look, and the lack of a fuel cap. Its fun to drive the mileage is decent and varies according to how you drive it. as low as 18 and as high as 23. No long open freeway driving yet. For a sports car it is comfortable and very stable on the road it corners very well. The ride is stiff but still refined. Im surprised and pleased with this car!

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  Great little wagon - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Rod - June 26 - 8:33 pm

  Bought this car new in 1998. As of June 2011, it has 193,000 miles on it. Only failing were the rear springs at 150K in 2005. Regular maintenance and regular (3K interval) oil changes. Starting to show its age (some rust), but still gets 29-32 mpg to/from work in mixed highway city driving.

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  Ford is now a global force - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By bill davis - June 26 - 2:25 pm

  I traded in my 2006 (Pony Package) Mustang on this new one. There is no comparison between the two cars. The stiffness of the frame, the handling the BlueTooth Sync, the peppiness and the quality of fit and finish all say Alan Mullali and his crew have made the turn. They can compete Globally without apology. It is as if the two cars were made by different companies. Ford engineers have taken the best from Asia, Silicon Valley, Germany, Italy and Aerospace and incorporated them into Ford products- especially this Mustang. Bill Ford put Alan Mullali in charge and gets high praise for his choice.