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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  Amazing! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By schwabbii - June 6 - 5:04 pm

  Ive had this car for about 2 years now and it is simply amazing. I went on a long drive and was getting 40 mpg, which in this economic is unheard of and a lifesaver. I havent had any mechanical problems or problems at all and it has remained reliable. I do wish I could upgrade the car to have the sync system in the car, yet I can deal with it. I would highly recommend purchasing this vehicle if you are looking for something affordable, yet handy. Trunk and cabin is rather spacious and I dont feel claustrophobic when Im in the car. Get it, today, seriously.

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  I love this car- one of the best I have owned - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dino3721 - June 2 - 3:38 pm

  I bought my wagon 5-speed with 120K miles on it and it did not have much care before I owned. I drive about 25K a year. I had to put some decent money in it but I bought if far below bluebook. With all that said- I love this car. It is GREAT mileage. I get 29.5 in town and 34-36 on the hyway. I keep it in tiptop shape- but it is fun to drive, rides very well, and can carry about anything. The only thing I dont like is the seats are not as comfortable as I would like. I would buy this car again and I am considering buying a 2nd for a spare. I put alot of miles on a car and I have been very happy with my wagon. It looks good- however, I have jacked it out a bit.

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  GREAT HATCHBACK VEHICLE-RECOMMEND HIGHLY - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By prepppy - June 1 - 6:47 pm

  Changed from 2010 Toyota Matrix with the poorest visibility imagineable, could not see the curb when making a turn.. to a 2012 Ford Fiesta hatchback, automatic, heated seats, great visibility to all sides and back....sporty look and handles unbelievably well on the highway and in the city....good mileage...now looking foreward to going for a drive..Thank you FORD....

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  Love my Fusion Hybrid - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By starzeta - May 30 - 6:26 am

  I have put 3,000 miles on my new Fusion Hybrid and I am averaging 39.5 miles per hour overall. Most of my trips are averaging over 40mpg and my overall average keeps going up each week. Besides the awesome gas mileage, the car rides smooth and is very comfortable.

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  So Far So Good! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By slocruising - May 24 - 2:37 am

  I bought my SE Fusion model in May 2012, and was pleasently suprised! I traded in an 03 Cadillac Deville DTS for it, and let me tell you about the differences!!! The Caddy is a definite freeway cruiser, power everything, and leather for miles, but dont hope for anything that even resembles good gas mileage, because you wont get it! Lots of power, but you pay for it! And with 70K miles on it, things were starting to go wrong with it. Put it like this: If I was going to do a round trip from my house to the Ford dealer and back, it would use almost 1/2 tank of gas, and thats a 50 mile round trip! When I bought the Fusion, and drove home, the gas guage didnt even budge!

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  My Mustang - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By loncray - May 23 - 8:26 am

  Ive had my Mustang for a week, and I love it. It has fantastic giddyup, pretty good mileage, and it looks better than anything else on the road. The engine is swift and responsive, the SelectShift transmission is smooth, and Im enjoying the Electronics package with Sync, Navigation and entertainment options.

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  Love my SHO - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By carguy161 - May 22 - 2:49 pm

  Great car, limited production, I obtained a signed certificate from Ford which is pretty cool. Very quite and powerful car. Great highway mileage. If you buy a 2010, be sure to have the dealer perform the TSBs (technical service bulletin) for a few minor issues. I have spent under $100 in the last two years in service and maintenance.

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  Great choice for Wife - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By tbonz2869 - May 22 - 11:41 am

  I traded my wifes 2010 F150 for the Limited plus everything. She was disappointed in performance of the V6 vs the V8 in the F150. However even with her lead foot, she has managed to get between 20- 21 mpg. Excellent compared to the 16- 17 mpg in the F150. I have averaged 24- 25 mpg when I drive. She loves all the features and has found the MFT (My Ford Touch) to be easy to use.... She struggles with the IPhone. Overall great trade and no issues.

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  Retirement Guy - 2012 Ford Flex
  By don1985 - May 22 - 6:19 am

  Retirement car! Seat comfort with lumbar and adjustability for driver #1 & #2 superior. Sony Sterior and tech A+++. Storage large and small A+++. Versatile seats adjustment easy to use. Great space for pets and luggage. Traveled 12 hour days in complete comfort. Proud of Ford for being a stable company and offering this great car. "0" percent loan.

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  97 2 door probe gts - 1997 Ford Probe
  By hilltw - May 19 - 10:05 am

  I got a great deal with this car. I never really heard of it until I bought it. My last car got smashed into when it was parked and got paid and rode to the store with someone and I saw this car with a $2500 price tag driving by. Of course we cut the guy off and then brought it. I didnt know what I was getting when I bought it. I had a fun problem when I first bought it is was a lot more power then I was used to so I was burning my tires all time. The guy before took great care of it and my mechanic told me it could almost pass as new and it had 135000 miles on it. I did run into some engine problem like it was over heating and stuff like that because hoses were old and stuff like that.