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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  2007 Ford Fusion S 4 Cyl. 2.3 L w/auto 5 Sp. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By automojo - February 27 - 12:27 pm

  Bought my 07 Ford Fusion new (30 miles) at Sunnyvale, CA Ford in late June 07, at way below MSRP and they also included a 24 month maint. service at no charge. Now nearing 57k without a bit of problems other than replacing the battery. It still has the original brakes and Continental tires, and continues to get a combined 30 mpg. Great car, much better than the 3 Series Beemer I owned and cheaper to maintain! The new 2013 Fusion looks great and considering buying one but my 07 still runs and looks new.

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  my 2010 fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By cinwit - February 23 - 10:31 pm

  bought my fusion with 13k on it. had it now a little over a year and has 35k on it. love love love my car. the only issue i have with my car is how the front passenger seat shakes when no one is sitting in it, and how my rims fill with snow and ice and make my car shake so bad i sometimes have to pull over from getting sick. removing hubcaps should take care of that though. over all,

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  Titanium Ford Escape 2013!!!!!!! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By tweetabird - February 23 - 3:58 pm

  ..I absolutely adore my new Ford Escape Titanium!!!! Seriously. its a beautiful, comfortable and oh so quiet ride! I also, love that I can push the hatch button in the car and then see my dog Lilly staring at me to get her out..when we go to the Park. The stereo system is fantastic!! I have NOT had a single problem since I bought it 3 months ago. Only asked out on a date at the gas station! LOL! Sync is working beautifully!! My phone is wonderful to call family and friends! Navigation is beautiful! Dont believe anyone that tells you different the screen is sweet and works beautifully! Drive the Titanium model only I say it is beautiful in the ginger ale(green) color! Worth every dime!

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  Royal blue Bronco - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By broncoman21 - February 21 - 11:55 pm

  I got this bronco because of a family member passed away sadley. Im glad they chose this bronco. Its been a great bronco after I replaced the entire rear axle because the spyder gears were chewed up but so far its been good. Ive got the normal rust issues on both rear fenders but luckily havent seen any on the bottom of the tailgate yet. Now im just adding accessories to it, and itll be one heck of a good truck for huntin season.

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  2013 Fusion SE 1.6 MANUAL/Clutch - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By danlvegas - February 21 - 9:51 pm

  Ive had the car for two months and am VERY happy with it. The car is very impressive: 1. Handling is fantastic, handles really well: cornering, brakes, acceleration, all great, and the 1.6 EcoBoost is plenty strong. It came with Michelins. 2. It is wisper quiet, easy to use the InSync car phone feature. 3. Styling I love - looks sharp. Ordered it Titanium White (extra). 4. I am getting the mileage advertised, but I have the manual transmition SE. Im probably one of a handful of owners who have the Fusion with a stick. 5. Came fully operational - perfect - from the factory. Nothing was wrong/broken. Maybe I was lucky hearing some reports, but not a thing was out of place.

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  Fusion 1.6 not 2.5 - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By beargrowl - February 21 - 1:00 pm

  Bought Fusion just before February trip from Michigan to Florida and back. Mileage was 30.08 and the computer said 30.1 over 3400 miles. Trunk was loaded with luggage and after break-in cruised at 75-78. 250 miles of stop and go included in senior land. So far very happy. The 1.6 was built post recall and is adequate. Specifically did not get Ford Touch so no problems there. Traded in a Lucerne with 100k -times are a changing-so far culture shock is ok.

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  Ford Taurus SEL Ecoboost I4 2013 - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By biggestcat - February 18 - 10:17 pm

  I had to order my Taurus with I4 Ecoboost, it was not available anywhere in my area. If you are looking for V6 then think again. Yes, with V6 it will be a little bit quicker. But I4 Ecoboost engine is very responsive with practically zero hesitation at any speed. My previous Taurus V6 2011 was not quicker and it wanted to think sometimes before acceleration. Not anymore. City driving with I4 Ecoboost and my heavy foot: 22.5 MPG after 2,000 miles total. I hope it should be even better. Highway: 32-36 MPG at 55-60 MPH but 26-29 MPG at 75 MPH. Electric steering wheel is just right: not too heavy and not too light. Very useful large mirrors.

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  2012 Flex Limited - 2012 Ford Flex
  By 2012_flex - February 18 - 7:01 pm

  My work takes me all over the southern half of Florida, averaging about 500 miles per week... I needed good gas mileage! I have three children (one who is over six feet tall) and we like to take road trips... I needed comfort and "real" seating space. I wanted quality and unique style... I did not want every other look-alike "euro-bubble" design. After very exhaustively researching all of the brands that met my requirements, I arrived at the Ford Flex - Limited. The drive is smooth with plenty of power, the ride is quiet and somewhat firm, the seats are very well designed and comfortable, and the fit and finish of the interior (and exterior) is excellent. Driving American and proud of it!

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  What a car! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By alphahusky - February 17 - 7:41 pm

  Alright, let me preface this by saying I had on 03 PT Cruiser before. Wouldve been a great car if it wasnt a money pit. This car though, what a dream! Though nowhere near a sports car like the PT GT, its INCREDIBLY fun to drive! The shifting on this car is more smooth than I could imagine an MT (Manual Transmission) to be. All the creatures comforts and more with AC and XM Satellite radio! The suspension is SO soft! Even hitting a giant pothole on accident doesnt feel as dramatic as it is! The gas mileage is awesome! I only travel short distances, so mine may not be the same as others, but 35 MPG in the dead of winter is more than incredible for me!

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  Love it! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By gijanetexas - February 15 - 7:19 pm

  After having my 2003 Ford F-150 truck for ten years I got this Escape in Nov. 2012. They had the black and steek gray colors $2000.00 cheaper at my dealer so I decided I could live for a dark color to save money (I live in Texas where it is hot). It is the base model but it is FWD, has the basic Sync, remote start (dealer choice to install on all their cars), and door edge coating protection. The first few oil changes were included with special coupons as well as other couponds for discounts on services. Lots of cupholders. It has places for your umbrella and a big glove box. Plenty of storage for small items in the tire storage area. City driving has me getting 21.4 to 21.5 MPG.