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:

• 

  FLEX a great value - 2014 Ford Flex
  By dranoel - September 18 - 4:17 pm

  Ive owned this 2014 FLEX SEL for 2 months and have driven over 2600 miles. It continues to be what I expected, a solid, good handling, reliable vehicle that carries 7 people for short trips or 4 and too much luggage for longer trips. We average over 22 MPG on the road. Its more comfortable, handles better, and carries more than its GM competitors, Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse.

• 

  Sure beats the Impala - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By jverhoef - September 17 - 9:41 am

  I have had Chevys for the past 21 years. Absolutely Love this Taurus. Comfort, dual air, great sound, good mph. Love it

• 

  2014 SE 2.0 Turbo w/sport pkg - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By 2014se20turbo - September 9 - 4:34 pm

  Owned the car for almost 2 weeks now, nothing but good to say about it. Has the 2.0 with the Sport Appearance Pkg. While test driving the car, was surprised at the power this engine has. Quiet inside & very comfortable. Excellent visibility all around & controls placed good. Has over 800 miles on it already, mpg via the dashboard around town has been from 26.5 to 28.0, highway from 31 mpg to 33 mpg with a/c on driving easy. I know the dashboard reads higher from what I have read on the Forums, will write an update at a later time as times goes on regarding gas mileage. BTW, using premium fuel. Have owned 2 Fords before this one, have put well over 100K on each one, sure this one will also.

• 

  Second car overall, First car bought. - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By choridrex - September 9 - 1:45 am

  Im a 19 year old kid, this is my second car, first one I bought tho, off an 03 Sunfire. Paid 25k for a 2010 SHO with 48000 miles on it. First off, I must say that this car was my hearthrob when I started looking to by myself something. I went to try it and totally fell in love. The word for this car is VALUE. It is LOADED for cheap when you get it used, great american ballsy look and comfy ride, comfy luxurious interior, yet is quick and agile, with that awesome engine sound.. Its truly the best of both worlds.. Ford is coming back. This is better than any similar priced car and even pricier cars. Get german luxury and performance for cheap and bonus reliability.

• 

  2014 ford escape SE - 2014 Ford Escape
  By ervdawg1986 - September 8 - 7:13 pm

  Bought 2014 SE model two months ago after testing 2014 Mazda CX 5 and 2013 Toyota Rav 4 as contenders. Although it was a difficult decision we decided with the escape after receiving several thousand off and more options then the other two. I have the 1.6 liter engine and has been great accelerating then expected from expert reviews. Although common by many other consumers reviews from the 2013 it has not yet unfortunately lived up to EPA estimates of 22/30 MPG. Highest has been 25.2 on highway after only 900 miles though. We shall see if break in period makes a difference soon enough. As for the talked about My Ford Touch, well I couldnt be any happier! Escape is quiet and handles great.

• 

  2013 Ford Taurus Limited - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By 88vette69 - September 7 - 11:33 pm

  Wonderful car. I just traded in my 2012 Ford Focus SEL on a dealer demo 2013 Ford Taurus Limited. Sticker price was 39,900 and I picked it up for 30,800. It had almost all of the options including the 20" chrome wheels, the massaging seats, and just about everything else you could think of. I absolutely love everything about this car. Yes, I have read all of the reviews about it being outdated, small interior, ect... but personally I just love the looks and feel of this car. I have owned a couple of corvettes, mustangs, and other sport cars, but now that I am older with 2 kids, I needed a larger car. This car has plenty of power, is very luxurious, and is fun to drive.

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By kotch80 - September 7 - 10:25 am

  I have 30k on my SHO so far and its been great. I had to take it in once for a TSB relating to a front axle noise and a loose B pillar panel but other than that its been problem free. Im kind of shocked at the low ratings Edmunds gave the SHO.

• 

  Solid and fun car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mattv9 - September 2 - 2:09 pm

  I have a 2.0 SEL AWD Escape bought last May. Ive put on 5000 miles so far and Im really pleased with it for many reasons. First of all, its is really well made. The interior is high quality and really comfortable (Im 62"... not all cars work for me). I liked the build quality much more than the CX-5. Its a blast to drive, it puts a grin on my face every day. It tracks true and is very sure on all sorts of conditions. I hardly can wait to try it in the snow! My gas milage averages around high 26mpg in mixed driving and 29 highway. With 2 kayaks this drops way down to 23-24mpg.

• 

  Wow. - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By jdesmond - August 30 - 6:43 am

  I have never been a big car fan. They have always simply provided transportation. Something however happened when I looked at the Ford Fusion. When I got in it for a test drive, I was amazed by the comfort. When I put my foot on the gas, I was impressed with the performance. The features - that make it fun to drive as well knocked my socks off. Add to this a dealership (Paul Cerame, St Louis) and salesman (Tony L.) who did not mess with me and I couldnt be happier.

• 

  Great Experience with Leased 2013 Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By dmckay395 - August 29 - 3:36 pm

  I have had my Fusion for 5 months and it has been great. Drives well, good fit and finish, quiet, great sound system and electronics. Exterior styling is excellent and gas mileage is good (averaging 25.4 miles driving mostly city). MySync is good but has had a couple of hiccups that required taking it to the dealer to get a newer version of the software installed. Dealer did the job quickly and threw in a free oil change so I was happy. Highly recommend the vehicle.