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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  Not perfect but still 5 Stars - 2013 Ford Edge
  By sjoiii - July 3 - 7:51 pm

  This is a very smooth quiet riding Crossover which I like better than the Explorer that I traded. I get about 19 mph around town and about 25.5 mph on a trip with the standard 285 HP engine. The seats have good support and it gives me plenty of power on the Western PA hills. I have just driven this about 3,000 miles and my only criticism is that the automatic six speed transmission is rough on occasion. Fortunately my SE does not have the busy MY Ford screen of which everyone complains.

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  I love this car more the longer I drive it. - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By nubile - June 28 - 10:07 am

  I bought the Fiesta new and the longer I own it the more I love it. I really appreciate the solid body feel and the handling. This car goes where you steer it and can turn on dime. A make or break issue with me was going to be the 5-speed manual. Several years ago I owned a 2001 Focus and I hated the 5-speed manual because it felt so clunky and cheap. The FiestaÂ’s 5-speed is smooth and has an un-American feel that reminds me of an old 89 Acura Inegra I used to love driving. The Fiesta is not as powerful but it feels to be of equal quality. My only real complaints are some of the minor interior parts have a very cheap plastic feel that take away from a plush interior.

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  Love this car!! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By jessiccamiller - June 21 - 10:56 am

  I bought my 2007 Freestyle about a week ago with 79,000 miles. So far it is an amazing vehicle. It runs great, I have had no issues with surging and it has really good pick up. I know it has only been a week, but I am completely satisfied. It has tons of room for my kids and two large dogs. I absolutely love it!!

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  Very pleased - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By chootoi - June 20 - 10:19 am

  I have a 2011 SEL in tuxedo black and I love it. I traded in my Altima, which was a a great car. The only issues Ive had is that the SYNC system was an unreliable piece of junk the first year. Ford finally released an update in May 2012, and SYNC has worked flawlessly since then with my iPhone 4S. My 3.5L Altima had a lot of punch, and the Fusion doesnt have quite as much get-up-and-go. That took a little getting used to. I test drove the 4-Cyl Fusion and that was too big a drop-off. I get just under 23 MPG in mixed driving--19 miles one-way to work each day on highway, the rest in town. Thats a little disappointing, but I dont really drive in a way that lends itself to better mileage.:)

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  Winner Hands Down - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By jimmywilde - June 16 - 7:57 pm

  Was in the Market for an affordable Mid-Size SUV, the Nissan Maxima was getting a little to small for our family. Looked at Honda Pilots first, was not impressed with service but interested in the Pilot. Went to Ford, just for kicks. Very surprised at how nice the explorer was when test driving. VERY COMFORTABLE!! Told the sales man that we were still going to go back to Honda and see what kind of deal we could get. He encouraged us to take the Explorer home for a night, then take it to Honda the next day. In his words, " If you drive this car a night you will like it way more than the Pilot." He was right. Handles great, Features are Awesome, Just enough room for us! Great Buy So Far!

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  2012 3.5L EcoBoost F150 XLT 4x4 - 2012 Ford F-150
  By cmayes72 - June 15 - 11:18 pm

  I just purchased this truck after driving 2008 and 2010 F150s for the past four years. Both of the older trucks were great, however I never felt the 5.4 liter V8 had a lot of get up and go (had both the 3.73 and the 3.55 rear ends). The 5.4 pulled my boat, however you could feel the truck working on hills and passing on the highway. With the new EcoBoost the power is much more noticable and it tows the boat effortlessly. The ride and steering also feel much improved over the previous models. The exterior styling is well done, the truck has a very strong stance. The interior is spacious and comfortable with a nice wide armrest that folds up for an extra seat on the front bench.

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  Seems to be a great car!! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By trixiegirl - June 14 - 10:35 pm

  I have had this 2005 Freestyle for 1 yr it now has 108,000 mile have not had any problems. I get oil changed every 3,000 miles and due transmission when it needs to be done. I really hope I dont have the issues others have had with this type of car.

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  Love my Tempos - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By rokey - June 14 - 12:06 am

  I bought a 1993 2 yrs ago...the engine had blown on my van ... got the car for $600.00 it has 57,000 miles on the engine (verified by a couple of mechanics)...the whole car is immaculate ... came to visit my sis a few thousand miles away & am staying a lil longer than anticipated so decided to check craigslist for a car and found another 1993 Tempo for $400.00 in September 12 and I kid you not, same story, immaculate...God was lookin out for me! anyhow, both cars are, well unbelievable inside & out.....no engine knocks, dont use oil, bodies are in good shape...economical on gas ...I highly recommend this car! Mine are automatic transmission

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  6 Months In - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By imabully - June 12 - 9:41 pm

  I have had my base 2012 Ford Mustang V6 Mustang with automatic transmission for just over 6 months now. I bought it in December 2011. Winter driving conditions were no problem with a sack of sand in the trunk ) I love the acceleration, handling (and gas mileage). At 95 MPH, the Mustang is just percolating along and yawningly understressed.

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  BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By bmerrr06 - June 7 - 12:39 pm

  We got this car new in 2008. Ford was so confident in the cars performance they gave us a 5 year or 100,000 mile warranty on it! My wife put over 20k miles on it a year and it never had a problem except battery went out at 80k miles. The car is awesome on gas 30 mpg highway and like 27 city. Even with 89,000 miles we got 8k for trade in. I am not typically a big fan of American sedans but this car was roomy, reliable, inexpensive, maneuvered well, and out-performed my expectations! I would def buy another someday :)