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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  A small, sporty car with a higher purpose - 1995 Ford Probe
  By moderntorque - November 29 - 1:48 am

  The 2nd Generation Ford Probe GT CAN BE a very fun car. Lets remember they are all in various states of repair, YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. It pays to spend a little more for your 17 year old car. The Probe has a GT a revvy, V6s with the ability to push as hard into a corner as you would like. It isnt a Vette but 110 miles an hour is no sweat. Like a few other Fords of this generation (namely the SHO of which I have 2) It makes all its torque over 4,000 rpm. So getting on the freeway is somewhat interesting. Have your mechanic look at this car before you buy it. You WILL NOT REGRET IT! In spite of what teenagers have posted here, there IS A WAY to buy a used car of this age. #ijs

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  Not your Fathers station wagon - 2012 Ford Flex
  By dogbettor - November 28 - 12:09 pm

  I bought my new 2012 Flex SEL three months ago. My last two cars were Lincoln Towncars. I was shopping for a Minivan Crossover SUV station wagon or a reasonable facsimile. While at an Infinity dealer I spotted and drove a used Flex that they had on their lot. The ride was the best I had driven including the Infinity and Lexus models. So I went to the Ford dealer. The inventory of Flex models numbered 3, while the Edge offerings were more than 30, the Explorer more than 20. The sales rep said the Flex isnt advertised much and is not a great seller. After driving the Explorer and the Edge I was determined to buy a Flex. I wanted a ride close to that of my Towncar.

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  Edge was the right choice - 2012 Ford Edge
  By stokepotters - November 25 - 5:00 pm

  Now have appr. 6,000 miles on 2012 Edge Limited with 2.0 ecoboost and can say with confidence, this was a good buy. This vehicle offers all of the features I was looking for, with little compromise. It is a great commuter vehicle, getting 27-29 mpg, mostly highway. The 2.0 l turbo offers performance and power when needed. Technology - MyFordTouch latest version works very well and is very capable. Roominess - plenty of room for 5 adults. Camping with the family proved very doable - with use of hitch mounted carrier. Towing - pulls my medium sized boat with no problem. Smooth, quiet ride that gets high compliments from Lexus, Audi, Cadillac owners.

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  Expected Better MPG, but is fun to drive. - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By willyd65 - November 25 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had this car about 3 weeks now, and im pretty happy overall. The suspension system allows for nice handling, and it seems more agile than the car size implies. The power is decent, but seems like it could use another 20 horses or so. I expected some turbo lag, but its really not as bad as some of the other turbos ive driven. The car looks and feels as if it should be in the luxury class and seems much better than the Altima 3.5, Camry, and Jetta that i drove. In the few 3 hour road trips ive taken (90% thruway and highway), i averaged about 24 mpg - much lower than expected. I used regular gas and drove 74 and 64 mph. This car is too fun to drive making it tough to milk for mpg.

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  1995 escort wagon Automatic - 1995 Ford Escort
  By r0b2012 - November 25 - 12:25 pm

  Bought it used with 240000 km for $900 replaced inner tie rod because previos owner hit the curb. replaced exhaust pipe because I lent it to a friend and he went over a railroad track to hard. heater core leaked , so I cut a hole in the firewall and replaced it in an hour. Had trasmission filter changed without flushing just because its never been done. had to tighten up rocker box covers by puting in shorter bolts to stop oil leakage. I think the timing belt was replaced at 200000 kms Always starts on cold days -30 not plugged in. 30+ mpg or 25 city. everything else is original including spark plugs regular oil changes every 5000 km We have 2 kids in boosters Still going at 300000km.

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  Great Vehicle for the Money - 2013 Ford Edge
  By screenname14 - November 20 - 10:30 am

  Almost didnt buy because of negative reviews of Ford My Touch glad we didnt listen to them. My Touch is the easiest system we have encountered. Our Mercedes 350 GLK had a terribly awkward Nav & Communication system and the Cadillac SRX we had before that was just as bad. My Touch is extremely user friendly and the center stack with multiple information is excellent. Vehicle exceeds our expectations for quietness and fuel economy. Seats are a bit stiff, and even with the 10-way option dont tilt enough to get really comfy on a trip. Unlike our Benz, this car actually has a rear seat that adults can use. Best bang for the buck that weve had. Would definitely recommend.

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  A Nice car but has flaws - 2013 Ford Escape
  By fpconlult - November 19 - 2:23 pm

  Pros: The first impression is this is a good looking car. The interior is well laid out and includes what all back seat passengers want, rear air vents. Acceleration is good and the car handles well. Cons: Steering over compensates in panic situations. The Air/Heat controls not easy to use, unles using the display screen. The entertainment system starts with music on low then suddenly blasts you. Entertainment system changes mode when car starts(radio, MP3, Satelite). Only get 310 miles per tank of gas. Driver seat occasionally adjusts full forward when engine turned off. Too many controls on steering column is distracting and confusing.

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  NOT LOVING IT! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By bren77 - November 15 - 6:57 pm

  I bought my 2013 Focus SE a month ago. I cried for two days over the crazy transmission. I now have 500 miles and it is driving better. The drivers seat is uncomfortable and lots of road noise. Not enough cup holders or storage space.If I could do it again, I would not buy this car! I am not trying to be negative, just stating what I feel about the car. I talked to the dealership about the road noise and the seat and they acted as though they have never heard any complaints, but I have read several. I do like some of the features and like the way it doesnt feel like a small car. Anyway, I am trying to love it because I have to pay for it for six years :(

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  Great Truck, Bad MPG - 2012 Ford F-150
  By trophyf1 - November 15 - 5:55 pm

  I purchased my 2012 F150 XLT S-Crew 2x4 with the 3.7 V6 in February and already got rid of it. First off, I love F150s and FORD. Great value, look great, have nice build quality, etc. They have proven reliable in the past as all I have owned is FORDs. This 2012 with the 3.7 dropped the ball big time on MPG. I drive like a grampa and the EPA estimates are way off. I was able to get 22mpg highway with cruise control at 65 for the whole tank on a long trip once. Around town MPG dropped to 13.5 which is unacceptable. The 3.7 is fast though... faster than my old 5.4 v8. Traded the truck for a 4 cyl Tacoma that actually gets EPA estimates.

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  Performance and Tire Wear - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By rjpii - November 12 - 1:04 am

  I am shopping ahead of time for new tires for my 2010 Ford Fusion Sport. In doing so I ran across this site and other with a variety of comments and ratings. I bought my car in Jan of 2010 and have 45,500 miles on it. My tires are good for another 5000 - 7500 miles. And they have at times been put to the test. Rotated every 7000 miles along with oil service. This car kills every other 3.5 I have run against. The average mileage up and down my 27 mile communte is between 24 and 26 MPG. I am surprised that it has been 100% reliable with no additional service needs. I have owned 3 BMWs and this car is more fun to drive. Not as "secure" in high speed turns but good enough. Love it.