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:

• 

  Follow-up on gas milage after 1,000 miles - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By flbntz - January 27 - 3:52 pm

  14.5mpg back and forth to work 1 1/2 miles each way. Down a hill there, up a hill back. Also, cold here, let car warm up until tach drops below 1,000 rpms before engaging transmission. 30s on back roads, and highway. Not unhappy with car, just surprised. Very satisfying car to drive. Beautiful to look at. Solid. Enjoyable. Engine winds out with a performance-oriented sound. Auto trans well suited to 2.5l engine. Winds out right to redline.

• 

  The Dream Machine - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By gman85 - January 27 - 11:03 am

  This is my 4th Explorer Limited in 10 years. Ford has out done themselves with this one. I could not be happier with ride , comfort , performance , and all the new and latest technology. This one rates right up there with the very expensive foreign models. The My Ford Touch is a really addition to the electronics. I highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  WOW - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By moustafamoha - January 27 - 8:31 am

  This is an excellent car for the money and shows just how far the economy game has advanced. It is not a sporty car to drive nor is it a smooth luxury ride but it does exactly what it is meant to do and that is to be an excellent commuter car. It is spacious, comfortable, cheap to buy, has features like XM and Bluetooth that are wonderful on the commute, and gets solid gas mileage. The interior and exterior styling are excellent. Im 66

• 

  What about the EcoBoost 4-Cyl? - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By 8aa2ym - January 25 - 1:50 pm

  Im not sure why our FWD base EcoBoost 4-Cyl isnt on the model list... Where Edmunds got the 0-60 in 9.1 seconds also baffles me. Maybe they spun the tires like I sometimes do. Our Explorer has more get-up-and-go than a 2006 Mountaineer with a V8. We love our Explorer. It is nimble, quick, and loves the highway. We get about 30 MPG at 65 MPH, but only about 24 at 80 MPH. This is still much better than our old 1998 V6 Explorer managed (topped out at 18 MPG). We have never had any issues with all of the techy gadgets. (Perhaps I am more capable than the average person.)

• 

  I love this car - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By deizik - January 24 - 10:07 pm

  I have a 2012 BMW and I find myself driving the Explorer more and more. Its quick, big enough for the kids and all of our stuff, great sound system, etc.

• 

  Favorite vehicle I have owned! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By wagner29 - January 24 - 11:28 am

  Lots of people have been complaining about MPG on their new Fusion. I am getting around 24 average MPG, and live in Minnesota where it has been below zero every night since I bought the car! I went from a F150 with ecoboost to the Fusion because of the bold design, AWD, and did not have the use for the truck anymore. People need to give their new car a little more time before it starts producing the rated MPG. It doesnt happen in the first tank of gas.

• 

  Outstanding All Around Vehicle - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By f18aoc - January 23 - 7:33 pm

  Have owned my Explorer for a month now and have logged just over 1,200 miles on it and I can assure you Ford hit a home run with this one. Not a single rattle or squeak, a very solid vehicle. Have not had a single issue with the Sync or the My Ford Touch. Touch screen is very responsive and my iPhone 4S syncs up every time with no call issues. Road noise is only an issue on rougher paved roads or highways when using the Sync during a hands free phone call. However it never overpowers the call. Would appreciate a larger, more powerful engine, however the 3.5 is plenty large enough for everyday driving.

• 

  Best 5.0 V8 Pickup ever - 2013 Ford F-150
  By peureux79 - January 22 - 3:25 pm

  I dont have the ecoboost, I have the 5.0 V8 but its not an option on this form. The ecoboost is truly amazing, but has a limit on its high end and tends to just thrash. The 5.0 is in my eyes even more amazing. From 0 - 110 its just pulling and tugging with an aggressive roar. Love the seats, Sony Subwoofer, sunroof, and Navi. Touch screen and auto start logic are great, with auto handling of defrosters and seat temperatures.

• 

  Best Truck on the Road! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By alan556 - January 22 - 2:25 pm

  Purchased a 2009 F-150 Platinum about 4 months ago from a dealer. It had higher miles (about 79K). I bought the extended bumper to bumper Ford Warranty (4 years/60K miles) just in case and would recommend it for a Lariat, King Ranch or Platinum because of all the electronics. So far, no problems. Just had the oil changed for the first time and had it checked over and the mechanics couldnt find anything wrong. The F-150s are absolutely bullet proof. The 6 speed auto shifts seamlessly. Great exhaust note! Love all the features and the back seat it huge! The kids love it! My wife even likes driving it because it sits up so high. Great truck and the best vehicle buy of my life!

• 

  2011 Ford Escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By widrick - January 20 - 1:30 pm

  Had a great experience at Grappone Ford. I had a 2005 ford escape and decided to trade it in. After driving the 2011 Escape with the new inline 4 engine, I was amazed. I truely love driving this vehicle. So reliable a vehicle, I recommend it to anyone looking for a great ride in comfort.