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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  so far so good - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By spbonus - April 1 - 4:01 pm

  I bought my mustang premium v6 with the MCA package new. I have had it for 15 months (15,000 miles). So far no issues. The car runs perfectly smooth and powerful. This is my second new mustang and this one is a huge improvement over the last one. Much more fun to drive, 305hp is sweet, brake and handling is a lot better also. On the highway I can get 30mpg. The 6th gear is a little weak so I rarely get to 6th gear unless I am coasting on the highway. Ford sync works really well with my iPhone. I have the manual and the cup holder is useless since I need the room to shift gear. I would recommend this car to anyone who enjoy driving (fast and fun) but doesn’t need a lot of room since

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  Best car so far - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jagder - April 1 - 12:28 am

  I bought the car in 2003 with 70000. I now has 282000 miles on it and still runs good. Original clutch and no major repairs of any kind. The only problems was front spring which was recall and some electrical harness issues due to salt spray. Other than this just wear and tear items normal with putting lots of miles on a car. I have looked at and rented the 2nd and 3rd Gen Focus and they just do not compare to how good the 1st Gen is.

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  Luv my 2013 Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By gary_l - March 31 - 12:23 pm

  I have the 1.6L Ecoboost. MPG is 33-35 hwy, as advertised. Have zero complaints. Fun to drive, quiet, comfortable, and damn it looks good. Would recommend a new Fusion to anybody looking big bang for the buck in a midsized sedan. There was no choice on this review for the 1.6L Ecoboost engine so, I wrote the review here.

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  2013 Fusion Titanium 2.0L ecoboost - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By ak2va - March 31 - 1:49 am

  Have had this car for a few weeks. Amazing ride, fun to drive, comfortable, quiet, full of useful technology. Average 26 MPG with mixed driving (which is right in line with EPA averages). Im a young-ish LEO with a heavy foot but find no problems with the MPG as others have complained about. The Sync works flawlessly Ford offers unlimited classes to help master it for those who are apprehensive about it. This is the first car Ive ever bought where Ive had zero buyers remorse.

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  IM IN LOVE WITH THIS CAR!!!! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By chylemc - March 29 - 6:38 pm

  I recently purchased brand new Oxford White 2013 Ford Fusion SE dune interior w/1.6 ecoboost & moonroof...I love driving it it feels kinda like an expensive sports car. Got a great deal on it! Shout out to Team Ford in Marietta, GA! I get stares everywhere I go. The SYNC works great...easy to use. I got the GAP & Extended warranty just in case. *My 1st American car! But I have a feeling that Ford has made a car that will shake up the world.

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  Fusion SE 2.0T Ecoboost - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By g0west - March 26 - 10:11 pm

  The Fusion has a smooth ride and a supremely quiet cabin. I am getting 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg mixed driving with the 2.0L Ecoboost. The leather seats in SE trim are styled differently than those in the Titanium but they are every bit as comfortable. I dont get the complaints about My Ford Touch -- it is logical enough and the Bluetooth works flawlessly. Overall, the 2.0 litre Fusion SE has been a very satisfying, fun car to drive. My last three cars were a Volvo S80, Volvo 960 and Porsche 911SC.

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  Clear sailing - 2003 Ford Focus
  By matthewew - March 26 - 5:59 pm

  I love this car. The only issue is that it is rough on tires. I normally get about 40K out of a 60K tire. I average 26-27mpg in the winter and 29-32mpg the rest of the year. I have 149900 miles on my car. I have not experienced many of the issues that others have, but then I bought mine new and know what it has gone through. If you do the maintenance when the owners manual says to do it then you will have very few problems. Word to drivers the rotors are not the best, but the pads are really good so if you have worn out your brake pads, that is on you. I went 89K before having to change rotors and it was a mountain pass that did in the rear brake pads.

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  2013 Ford Fiesta SE - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By mykey1 - March 22 - 4:05 pm

  Great car to replace our 13 year old ford with. Drives great and has great fuel mileage.

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  planning a long trip - 2005 Ford Escape
  By leavingjersey - March 22 - 1:53 pm

  Purchased my Escape in 2010 from Ford dealership in Mount Holly,New Jersey the minute I took it home I had problems with the censors. Called Dealership and after much heated discussion they repaired it. Mileage is about 21 mpg. Should have inspected the undercarriage better. Found lots of rust. After living in New Jersey and driving in snow and ice, which we have plenty of, Im planning to drive to San Antonio, Texas. Im a little nervous to attempt the trip. Will update after my arrival in Texas.

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  12 1/2 years - first repair! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By islandlife1 - March 20 - 7:28 pm

  Unbelievable, but other than regular maintenance such as oil changes, battery, tire and wiper replacement there has never been one thing wrong with this truck. Just replaced the fuel pump, had it completely checked out, everything in perfect condition. Have loved this truck since the first day. Okay, lousy mileage, but use it for hauling and long distance trips. Purchased 3 days before 9/11 - still own with no intention of replacing. This truck far surpasses the Suburban by having a better turning base, more pick up and much more comfortable. A true Texas truck!!!