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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  After almost 30000 miles - 2012 Ford Focus
  By con2er - September 18 - 6:26 am

  Im 81 years of age and my wife is 76 years of youth, and we have been married for 53+ years. Our 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback, which we bought in August of 2011 is almost what we hoped for, except for tire wear and poor radio reception. 40+ mpg on trips of 400+ miles, and overall mpg for 29827 miles is an amazing 37.9 mpg. After owning Mustangs, Torinos and a Pantera, which is still in the family, speed has gotten out of my system. Excellent handling is still required and present in this car, so I now drive for max mpg. A new radio module will be replaced in 2013, which leaves me with one problem, that being cupping of all 4 tires, now being remedied, with a tighter realignment & new tire

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  This is a great car all-around, and a great value. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By petezxr - September 17 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased this car a few weeks ago as a commuter car, although it is larger than I wanted but I got a great price, way below MSRP. Ive been driving it to work every day and Ive avg 32 mpg in 50% traffic, that is AWESOME for a car of this size. The satellite radio is great and the sound quality is awesome. My ride to work is a dream, I really enjoy driving this car to - everywhere and my other car is a JAGUAR!

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  waited too long - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By hfusion - September 16 - 11:06 pm

  Ive driven a Grand Prix GT for 6 years and realized it was getting tired. I looked at a new Kia Optima SX and Regal GS. I happened to try a Fusion Sport and thought it was great. Its one of those experiences that grows as you continue to drive. I do miss the supercharger of the Pontiac, but the 3.5 really comes into its own the more you drive it. Besides no premium fuel required! So glad I didnt go the KIA route. I was looking for another 6 year vehicle and think I found one in this. The KIA had some nice bells and whistles but dont think it will stand the test of time after driving it a couple of times

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  2010 Ford F-150 FX2 V8 5.4L - 2010 Ford F-150
  By horse4shoe - September 15 - 5:52 am

  I love driving my truck, its a fun to drive, nice smooth ride, not to bad on gas. I comes with great interior features, for example: a sport sonny sound system with a 700 watt amp in the rear and integrated sub.

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  you take care of it, it take care of you - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By wynter31 - September 11 - 9:46 pm

  this truck as taken me all across north america, I am getting my money worth out of it but at the same time you have to be on top of your maintenance and repair if any, this truck dont like to be neglected

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  The wait is finally over - 2013 Ford Escape
  By dentond1 - September 7 - 9:40 pm

  A few weeks I made the final decision on the Escape. I have been tracking it for more than a year through its design and testing cycles and liked all the reviews that I had read on it. Ford had no reason to update the Escape but they did, and I like it! When compared to similiar compact SUVs it stands on top. The 1.6 Eco has plenty of power but the 2.0 Ecoboost doesnt have to be pushed much to get in and out of traffic quickly. The Tech features make the drive easier and My Ford Touch is 1000Xs better than first generation Synch models.

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  Love my F-150 - 2012 Ford F-150
  By dlance54 - September 3 - 9:38 am

  Ive owned Chevys, Dodges and two F-150s. The F-150 tops them all. I am getting better than window sticker mileage out of the 5.0L engine which is surprising. I expected the mileage to be close, maybe less, but was pleasantly surprised. The seats in the XLT are cloth, but are very comfortable. All controls are within easy reach and the Sync Blue Tooth system is fantastic.

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  Edge - 2012 Ford Edge
  By dlance54 - September 3 - 9:28 am

  The 2012 Edge is one of the nicest, most comfortable SUVs I have ever driven. When your going down the road and "floor it" it simply responds and takes off. The smoothness of the ride is indescribable. The test drive we took before purchase just did not do it justice. We have taken several trips in it now and you never get tired because the leather seats are so comfortable.

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  My first ford and wont be my last - 2012 Ford Escape
  By southern_guy82 - September 2 - 3:31 pm

  Bought a new 2012 ford escape limited and I love it I down sized from a Lincoln navigator Because of Gas mileage and cost of up keep. I have had my escape for two weeks and have put almost 300 miles on it so far and I love it. It is a perfect fit for me I love the feel the way it handles the ride and the interior/exterior design. It is a great car for the money Great job Ford Im already planning my second car and it will be a Ford.

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  I love my GT - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By bob501 - August 29 - 6:54 pm

  I bought my 2000 GT with 147,000 miles on it and have put another 30,000 on it since. The only mechanical failure was the throwout bearing went out on the clutch thats it. This is my 3rd mustang and my favorite one. This car just keeps getting better.