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 High end SUV - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By power_mkp - December 7 - 12:56 pm

  We just bought the 2013 Explorer Limited and I cannot say enough about this vehicle. The interior is simply beautiful, even compared against the luxury brands of Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. There have been a lot of complaints about the My Ford Touch system, however as long as you load the latest firmware update (via USB), then you will have no problems. Ride quality is very good, although it can feel a little firm with the 20 inch alloys than come standard on the Limited. The cabin is spacious while at the same time feeling very cozy. We have the captain chairs in 2nd row which makes access to the 3rd row much easier. Highly recommended. The 3.5l V6 really packs a punch with good fuel economy.

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  Great touring sedan...good value fun to drive. - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By escape12 - December 7 - 8:08 am

  2013 Taurus SEL FWD V6..NOT Flex Fuel Great sedan with combination of performance, cruising, comfort, convenience. Good Features, good value. I stumbled on to the new generation of Taurus in 2010 as a rental and rented a 2011 and two previous 2013 rentals prior to this purchase...(Thanks Alamo) Got a good trade in deal for my 12 Escape with low mileage and old body style. Taurus is fun to drive, easy to use, lot os good safety/technology and visual improvements over my previous 1993 Taurus and light years improvement over all earlier generations. Big shoes to fill being the flagship touring sedan to fill the void of the Crown Vic but in my humble opinion excellent first steps.

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  Ford Fiesta six speed - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By booter09 - December 6 - 5:57 am

  I have bought a 2013 ford fiesta and it is the best choice that you can ever make. I have put three hundred miles in the last three days. Im six foot three and sit very comfortable. The only thing that is weird about this car is the transmission, i have the power shift six speed. Must drive to enjoy

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  Second choice was best choice - 2012 Ford Focus
  By colo4o - December 5 - 8:59 am

  I have the 2012 Focus SEL. I have just put my 4th tank of gas in the car and am averaging in city driving 33.5 mpg. I am 63" 200 and have lots of room in the car but would not want to be sitting behind me. My first choice was to be a Chevy but when i went to pick it up it was not ready so to kill time i looked at others that led me to the focus and i could not be happier. The car was purchased from GO Courtesy Ford and i worked with Tony Upton and highly recomend contacting him on your purchase.

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  best truck ever - 2006 Ford F-150
  By buzz1439 - December 5 - 3:16 am

  ive had this truck for over 4 years and has 38000 miles on it. not a lot of miles i know, but ive never had any issues with it. i love this truck. ive owned a lot of vehicles, mainly trucks, and this is by far, the best. i would never trade or sell.

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  So I purchased the car of my childhood dreams. - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By rc112 - November 30 - 9:15 pm

  After lusting after Mustangs since I could remember, I finally got one. Its a base model v6 with an automatic transmission and a black pinstripe. It looks amazing. It handles well and its very fun to drive and fast. However, I mention some cons: The interior is badly utilized. It looks cool, but theres little space to put things. Your ipod and phone take up the cup holders. And then the center console where youd have your arm is the only other place to keep things. Its deep but not very wide. The glove box is TINY. A little tiny compartment under the radio controls would have been nice. And the gas mileage is a lie. 30 mpg? I am lucky to get over 22 on avg. And I dont go over 70.

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  Best Car ever - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By lawnboy270 - November 29 - 1:36 am

  This was our first new car. From day one it has been awesome. Now almost 10 years and 244,000 miles later it continues to do whatever is asked of it. The Duratec 24v 3.0 is quite trouble free. It still has the original starter, alternator, and water pump. The trans is the same one it came with in 2003 and has never gave an issue shifting. Take care of your car and it will take care of you. Oil changes every 5k, trans fluid change, and fuel filter every 30k, coolant every 100k. Why I would ever buy a import after owning this car? It made us a Ford family for life.

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  Great truck! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By moose72690 - November 26 - 1:58 pm

  Great truck, very realiable and powerful. I never got stuck in the mud or snow. I put about 50,000 miles on this truck with no problems other than needing a tune up. Only bad thing about this truck is poor MPG.

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  Fusion SE with Ecoboost FWD - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By allcarlover - November 25 - 9:28 pm

  This car is the best car I have had so far. Had the car for two weeks and the MPG is so good. I average about 28 mpg, mostly city driving, some highway. I will say I drive like a race car driver some times and I still get the 28mpg. The comfort is great, and the power is more amazing. This care is fun, great room for my family, with 2 kids that sit in the back, and trunk space is more than I need. I would recommend anyone to buy this car, Ford has really done a great job and I know this car will get better in time. Thanks Ford! Hope this helps.

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  Excellent Low-Cost Crossover - 2013 Ford Edge
  By twelchdriver - November 25 - 11:41 am

  I purchased this Edge with the 302A package and only 5 miles on it. Ive now completed 1000 miles. The ride has softened a bit with the mileage which I prefer. Its not significant, but it is noticeable to me. In our previous vehicles, we had trouble having someone sit in the front seat when a rear-facing car seat was behind them. Not a problem in this vehicle. Took a 5 hour trip from Dallas to Little Rock (almost 0 elevation change) - 22.1 mpg going 22.3 mpg coming Trip speeds were about 75 mph avg, dry roads, little/no wind. I noticed significant mpg gain when dropping from 80 to 75 mph, so its believable that you can achieve 26 mpg at 60 mph once the engine is broken in more.