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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  2015 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L EcoBoost - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By big_al_62 - March 3 - 1:42 am

  Bought an SE in December last year with the following: 1.5L EcoBoost, Equipment Group 201A, Moonroof with garage opener, MyFord Touch, and 6-speed auto transmission. Now the car has 1,750 miles. Two major issues. First, the fit and finish are not as good as they should be. For example, the trunk lid and tail lights do not flush or lineup properly. The door handles also do not fit seamlessly. Second, the actual mixed mileage was far less than the EPA mixed one, i.e. 23 vs. 28. None of my family members drive harshly, as we are very light-footed. Otherwise, the car is fun to drive, comfortable to ride in, and nice to look at.

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  love this car - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By john dragoo - March 2 - 3:05 pm

  I have had my mustang for 2 months now. This is a home run. I get 25 MG in city driving on premium fuel. I had a V6 2012 and there is no comparison. I drive it in sport mode and there is plenty of pep. Love the premium interior. Can,t believe I got so much car for 31K.

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  Been the perfect car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By textfree101 - February 27 - 11:16 pm

  We bought ours brand new in 2006, it was a demo vehicle so it already had 3,000 miles on it, it is now 2015 and our car only has 80,000 miles on it, just had its first tune up, THESE FUSIONS NEED A TUNE UP BEFORE 100,000 MILES OTHERWISE SERIOUS PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR, we had friends who learned that the hard way. this car is only the 4-cylinder model but it doesnt seem as slow as everyone makes it out to be, and its been unbelievably reliable, only needed regular maintenance and a sense that had to be replaced at about 50,000 miles. Perfect midsized car.

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  Great truck - 2013 Ford F-150
  By Steven - February 27 - 7:15 pm

  I did read all of the reviews. Some were good, some not so much. I bought my 2013 F-150 XLT Crew Cab Eco Boost 4x4 in October 2013. It is now late February 2015. The truck as been amazing. Power is incredible. Reliability is second to none. I have just shy of 25k on it, and it has been dealer maintained. The only drawbacks (my opinion) are 1. The driver seat - Wish it was more comfortable. 2. Steering wheel - Why not telescoping? Besides that, it is amazing. If I give it too much gas below 25 mph, tires burn out (early lesson learned). Fuel economy in pure city around 17mpg. Interstate long trips, 20/21mpg. Way more inside room (especially backseat leg room) than wifes

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  Love my new Escape - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Rebecca Welker - February 27 - 8:14 am

  Purchased my new Ford Titanium Escape in January. Been driving it for over a month in winter conditions and love it. Visibility is better than my wifes Ford Edge, pep and acceleration is better than the Edge. Understand that the Edge does have more comfort for long drives, etc.(its a higher end vehicle). The FWD performs great on snow/ice. Ford Sync is great, use voice commands a lot. Only downside is to reach the Ford Sync controls, its a little stretch. Love having the sunroof along with the roof rack. Cant wait to cut loose in the summer in this vehicle.

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  Review for anyone tall - 2013 Ford Edge
  By abellows - February 26 - 8:35 pm

  If youre a tall person and in the market for a crossover, give the Ford Edge a serious look. Im 65 220# and have plenty of room in all directions. The driver seat has many settings for your comfort. Now for the rest, I never thought Id buy a Ford but I love this vehicle. The V6 really moves and looks great while doing it. The ride is smooth and quiet. The sound system is crisp and clear. I dont have a phone with Bluetooth but Sync works really good with my i-touch. My only complaint so far is the transmission. It really doesnt like 2nd gear and reading other reviews it seems to be a known issue with the Edge. Highly recommend this vehicle especially if youre tall.

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  Im going to miss my Penny :( - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Tyler Morris - February 26 - 3:49 pm

  I bought this car in August of 2013. I loved the car. I moved from STL to Seattle and drove her all the way without a single hiccup. The car itself remained probably free I kept it maintained and she proved to be a really awesome first car. Sadly I was t-boned a few weeks ago and shes gone :( but i will definitely be looking for a new mustang!

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  Like it a lot - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Bob Newell - February 26 - 9:16 am

  Weve had our explorer about 2 years now. Weve taken it across the country a couple of times and have always had a positive experience. Its comfortable, roomy and quiet. We have the AWD Limited model. Ive owned numerous Fords (2 trucks, 2 Mustangs, 2 Taurus, Torino) and we like this one the best.

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  Drives good. Dash set-up sux. Synch Sux. Forced loss of privacy really sux.. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By dez88 - February 25 - 12:59 pm

  Handles great. Stops ok. Has been reliable. Shifting is good once you learn to let it shift like a manual. Gets nowhere near the mileage it claims. Synch absolutely sucks eggs. Controls for blinkers /wipers /doorlocks /windows/ sound system/phone....it all is really bad...comical in some cases. Ford FORCES agreement to sharing your info with their "marketing partners". It is really BAD BUSINESS! I get sleazy, liar, cold callers saying things like "I am with the warranty department for your Ford Focus" when they are not...trying to sell me an aftermarket warranty. I have Fords extended warranty. Ford does not allow you to opt-out. You will need new phone number if you buy a Ford.

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  BLOWN ENGINE :( - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Donna Z THomas - February 24 - 3:25 pm

  2011 Ford Edge with a bad water pump that blew up and ruined the engine at 91,000 miles. Light came on, car jerked, pulled over and towed to Ford Dealer. Blown water pump caused engine oil and antifreeze to mix and destroy the engine. Now the car dealer needs $5000 to replace with a rebuilt engine. Took a check for car, not going to purchase another Ford at this time.