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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  2012 fusion built as well as the 1959 fairlane - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By dvenesky - December 28 - 2:23 pm

  this car is of the same build as the 1959 ford fairlane 500 that i owned years ago. but it has updated technology that makes it a great buy in the market today. very limber on curves for a 4 dr serdan and very quiet. traded my malibu ltz for it and glad i did as it rides much better on long trips and handles better as well . no a lick of trouble in 10 months . love the car

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  Great car! No Transmission issues at all - 2012 Ford Focus
  By happybuyers - December 27 - 6:22 pm

  Not sure what the fuss is all about, my transmission is fine? Just got mine as a Certified Pre-Owned at a great price. (only 33,000) on it. I love the handling! this car hugs the turns. im getting 33 MPG in mostly city traffic. I do feel a little shutter on start up but now I know its just the dual clutch and nothing to worry about im fine with it. I love the smooth shifting and the fast acceleration. I have alot of fun driving this car, im asking my wife when we can next make the 7 hour trip to see my in-law because im looking forward to the trip lol.

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  Why so many negative reviews? - 2012 Ford Focus
  By maniac4 - December 23 - 9:35 am

  I like mine a whole lot. Its fast enough, handles great, looks great. And I have not a problem with the automated manual

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  IM A BELIEVER!! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By steve22406 - December 18 - 8:11 pm

  I have owned Honda my entire life and for me to go outside that field, was a HUGE challenge for me!!! But I have to say I am extremely pleased with what I had to go with! My wifes 2000 Honda Odyssey finally bit the dust and I wanted to move her into a smaller vehicle (ie: Accord). Well, where I work, we had no Accords that fit our budget at the time, and I was NOT putting her in a Hyundai or Toyota! So, the 2008 Ford Taurus Limited was my only other option. And let me tell you... What a ride!!! We love the performance and ride!! I only wish it came with bluetooth and a sunroof. But all said and done, its a GREAT car!!

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  Love my Expedition! - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By tdezzutti - December 16 - 11:19 pm

  We LOVE our 2010 Expedition! When car shopping we were looking at Acadias and Enclaves, but when the I test drove the Expedition I was in LOVE! I was so impressed, it drove like a car! I love that adults can actually sit comfortably in the third row plus we have plenty of cargo space. I am a mom of three kiddos and two 120 pound dogs so we love our Expedition on road trips cause everyone has plenty of room! I average about 14.5 mpg in city and 20-21 mpgs on HWY if Im not romping on it LOL. I think the Expedition is a great family friendly vehicle that will not only keep your family safe but is also a stylish ride for moms like me who do not want to do the mini van =)

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  after 15,000 I can review it - 2012 Ford Focus
  By va_car_teacher - December 16 - 7:38 pm

  I have had this car for 7 months it has 15000 miles and I never reset one of the MPG calculators and I have averaged 37.3 MPG over the 15000 miles and many fill up calculations agree. I have not experianced any of the issues some people have. My sync system has worked well not perfect some times it does not understand me but a cancell and try again works every time. I do have the automated manual trans and it took a little time to get used to. But on average I have no problems, just a harsh 1-2 shift once a month or so and every so often a minor shutter on take off or 1-2 shift. Got a rental the other day a Nissan and i do miss my car a lot. mine was built in april so maybee issues fixed.

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  Economical and Reliable - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By dw1234511 - December 14 - 2:27 pm

  Ive been driving my 2008 fusion for about 2 years, purchased in Sept. 2010 from the dealer at 38k miles. It now has about 60k miles on it. I judge a vehicle based on number of maintenance issues. I have had 0 issues during my time of ownership, therefore the car has met my expectations. Its a very nice sedan and gets about 31 mpg on the highway. I would recommend the Fusion to a prospective buyer.

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  Dream Car come true... - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By lemuria81 - December 13 - 10:37 pm

  I bought the 2011 v6 Mustang coupe due to the many refinements and was very happy with it, but I had bought the base model and was wanting a convertible. There was enough refinements in looks and performance, as well as features that got me to trade in my 2011 for a 2013. This is the first time I have ever owned a convertible so it is a new experience for me. I think everyone should own a convertible at least once in their life! I got the premium auto with pony package, all leather and sync. The drive is much better than the 2011 and the looks are more masculine on the 2013 than the 2011. Even with the V6, there is enough power to do what you want!

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  Best bang.... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By machlover - December 13 - 1:54 am

  I have owned a 2001 V6, 2004 GT and the Mach and there is a world of difference between the v6 and GT but the Mach is in a class of its own when compared to the GT. This includes the extensive upgrades made to the GT compared to a stock Mach. Of the dozens of vehicles I have owned and driven the Mach is by far the best bang for the buck. I traded in the Gt for the Mach in 2007 and the Mach is paid off and worth more than I paid for it, needless to say this is a rarity in the automobile market but it seems the Mach is still a car that people appreciate. I have upgraded it with just the normal bolt on parts and it performs perfectly. This is the 1st vehicle I know I will keep indefinitely.

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  2013 Ford Fusion S - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By flbntz - December 12 - 10:43 am

  Just picked up my 2013 Ford Fusion S last night. Traded 2011 Toyota Camry Base. Two totally different cars. Toyota was easy to live with, invisible. Not quite as reliable as I expected from a Toyota, but still not a bad car. Ford Fusion is smaller, sports sedan. Wow. Excellent build quality. Solid thunk when you close the doors, or trunk. I got white, and its a beauty. Find myself laughing when I drive it. Feel a little guilty. Havent had this much fun since I was nineteen. Home run, Ford.