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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  Good Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Chad Hutchinson - September 6 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had my car for 7 years bought new, longest lasting car Ive owned. Being a home owner I have the same demands for maintenance, so I bought a 5x8 enclosed trailer put a hitch on the focus. Ive pulled 50 sheets of drywall, lumber, ATV up north hunting, Ice fishing, car handles it just fine. Without the trailer Ive drive through 4 inches of fresh snow fall, on federal land. My brother owned one, a guy who was blinded by the evening sun pulled out in front him, he hit him at 60, and walked away! The only reason Im writing this review is because Im looking at buying a newer model, but still keeping the 08 and putting snow tires on it

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  Great car so far. - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Matt - September 6 - 12:44 am

  The thing about the transmission this is not your typical automatic transmission. If you let off the gas at low speeds in between gears, it will shift. Once you get past 2nd gear, it acts more like an automatic. Keep this in mind when you buy this car. Treat it like a you would a manual with no clutch petal at low speeds because that is what this is. It took some getting used to but I am willing to deal with it for awesome fuel economy that it gets. Comfort is great up front. Gadgets are really nice to have. Steering is like second nature. Maybe Ford should explain that the transmission is brand new technology and there is a technique to making it shift more smoothly at lower speeds.

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  was skeptical wow it made me a Ford man - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By oleander - September 5 - 4:25 pm

  Best car Ive owned in a long time. Last great car that I owned that just was a great driving car kwas a Mazda 323 in 89 . Friend of mine who manages a dealership helped me get out of a bad BMW 325i horrible problems with that car was probably a previous owner didnt take care of it anyway he said take the fusion it will treat you right wow....... it Handels great is super easy to keep interior looking good and clean. Ive put 100,000 on it only replaced a water pump and it Handels better than a few others of driven my son in law has a Honda civic and it was cheaper than his and compared to the way it drives mine is a luxury car

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  Had problems since day one, Ford needs to buy back - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By Rose - September 5 - 9:57 am

  We have had transmission problems since day 1, they always tell us it is fixed and it never is. It has spend so much time in the garage that Ford should be making some of my payments for me. I dont complain often about vehicles because I know things can go wrong with anything mechanical but please listen when i say dont buy an automatic transmission fiesta from 2012. This vehicle has had so many recalls and they are still attempting to repair the transmission after the 30th time at the garage. Just got it back a week ago and back it goes again next week for the SAME issue. I can say it is very economical on gas when we do have it to drive. The other upside is that i have never been stranded with the vehicle, the transmission just doesnt work right.

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  Crazy NOT to own one!!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Josh - September 4 - 8:22 pm

  This is absolutely the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Great handling in the snow, slush and rain. Fuel economy 15 driving in city and 25 on Highway using adaptive cruise control. Drive conservative and fuel economy is great. Heavy on the gas and watch the fuel gauge drop.

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  Great car - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - September 4 - 3:55 pm

  We bought this car to replace our 2011 Mercury Milan. That car was too small for me. There was no room in the drivers seat. I was looking to replace it with anything I could find bigger. I stumbled across the Fusion test drove it and was sold. Power was great for the 4 cylinder. Gas mileage is better than the Milan and comfort is much more impressive. Glad I found this car. I have driven Fords or Mercurys for the last 40 years and with the redesigned Fusion, I see no reason to change now.

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  What Ford calls normal is dangerous - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Americas guest - September 4 - 3:47 pm

  Afraid to pull out. The car lurches between gears in the low gears. I hate it. Worst car I have EVER driven. Lots of bells and whistles but...the seats are too small for my 6.2 husband. The noise and rattles are numerous. Water pools in the ridges of the trunk and hood. And the gas mileage for the size is only fair. I wish I had purchased the corolla instead for the same price. BIG mistake.

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  STAY CLEAR OF FORD FOCUS, ALL HAVE TRANNY PROBLEMS - 2014 Ford Focus
  By GRD123@YAHOO.COM - September 3 - 7:14 pm

  Research complaints, shifting transmission, dangerous

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  238,000 miles and going strong - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Steven - September 3 - 3:27 am

  My parents gave me this vehicle for free when they got a new lincoln mxX, ive had zero issues with it other than A/C and a rear door lock, other than that no engine troubles whatsoever theyre was an accident with someone standing still and me hitting them 10-15 mph and the bumper bar saved the radiator, otherwise zero damage other than bumper cover, this car is 11-12 years old of constant transportation whether its a 2 hour trip or to work everyday, i love this car and am gonna use it till it rots.

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  Shocked is all I can say... - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Brian Yelton - September 2 - 8:07 pm

  My wife and I had been looking for her a new midsized vehicle for the last three months. We literally drove every competitor car in the class. Camry - Price was good, power and handling adequate but in typical Toyota fashion wanting in the features department. Accord- Price was an issue for a feature rich car but the engine noise... Good God the engine noise! Regal- Good car and actually our 2nd choice. Great power and handling but the Buick exterior colors couldnt get any more bland. The interiors color combinations are a visual assault on the senses and their Premium packages are just goofy if you ask me. Mazda 6- Good car also but the front seat I am almost certain uses granite for seat padding. Pricing was just a bit of concern with the Mazda as well. But not a bad choice if you are numb from the waist down. Also just a smidge weak in the power department with no engine upgrades available. Altima- Not a bad choice either, very comparable to the Mazda with slightly better seats but the same slightly lackluster performance with no upgrades available. Optima- A little floaty in the suspension. Good power from the turbo model. (on par with the Buick and Fusion) But despite claims of 20mpg on in the city, my 50 mile test drive was nowhere near that. I suspect the way that car is tuned you could realistically expect 14-15 in the city. Tons of features, but found most of them completely useless for our purposes. Sonata- Was a solid competitor across all measures with one exception. The lumbar support in the seats I am pretty sure were designed with a 2ft tall person in mind. For a non-homunculus it should be named pelvic/tail bone torture device. Malibu- Just off a little by every measure. Mostly quality of materials. The car felt cheap when compared to others on the list. Audi A3 & A4- Both good cars all around. A bit too pricey and the premium fuel requirement stinks. Not to mention dealerships are sparse. Passat- Just generally an uncomfortable vehicle and blasé on almost every count. If I forgot a car in the same class then I apologize but if you ask what about...? Then the fact I forgot it should tell you it was forgettable. I assure you we test drove all of them. Hands down the Fusion reigns supreme in this class of cars.