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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  Love this car! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By dizzylizard444 - May 1 - 11:36 am

  I love this car! I bought it brand new almost 3 years ago. The only trouble I have found with it is that if you get into the car with snowy boots on (live in Buffalo) and the mats get wet and you turn on the heater, sometimes it fogs up the windows. Did it once when I was on the highway! Very scary! I took it to Ford and they told me they had had similar complaints and it has to do with the angle of the heaters. Other than that I love this car. *knock on wood* havent had a problem with it.

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  Fantastic Edge - 2012 Ford Edge
  By mtschida - May 1 - 9:16 am

  I bought my 2012 Ford Edge around Thanksgiving of 2011 and wrote a review in January. Wanted to update. I drove 1200 miles through Wyoming and then the mountains of Colorado recently. While AWD Edge is rated at 25 mpg, I consistently get better mileage than that. My first long trip right after purchase was a little better than 22 mpg. Most recent trip averaged 29.4 on one tank. With wind, it dropped to 27+. Driving it daily around town and home in the country, average is 24.5. My husband, who has a heavier foot, gets the same. My mileage is so great that I wondered if they stuck the wrong engine in it.

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  FORD? Surprisingly yes. - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By biggrey58 - April 30 - 9:58 pm

  Had a 2007 MDX so went out and drove a new one plus a Lexus and the new Infiniti SUV. Was about to go with a new MDX and took my wifes Shelby to Ford dealer for oil change. Sales Manager asked if I looked at an Explorer and I politely declined. He gave me one to drive for the day. I bought one that night. This vehicle has options Acura and Infiniti dont even offer, at $1,000s less. Push button start, dual sunroof, parking assist, lane assist, blind spot lighting in mirrors, adaptive cruise control, rear seatbelt air bags (seriously), and electric rear seat feature.

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  2013 Explorer Rocks! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By top7172 - April 30 - 7:26 pm

  Ive had it for about 7 days, and it is fun and comfortable to drive. We almost bought an XC90 and Im happy we didnt. The front seats are two side by side Lazy Boys and the technology package is overwhelming. Ive already experienced a locked screen and a few disconnects but nothing that my iPad or iPhone hasnt done to me. Anyway, the car looks awesome, drives awesome and has a bunch of fun technology in it. This is my first Ford in fact it is my first American Car. I would have never considered a Ford ever and here I am, a happy owner. Hopefully the miles and time will be kind to it. This isnt the Explorer that I remember.

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  Lovinmy2011 - 2011 Ford F-150
  By truckin2011 - April 28 - 11:10 am

  While shopping for a new truck I researched the specs and read the reviews of the 5.0L 4x4 truck and compared the Ford to its competition. I must say I was impressed. The F150 was touted to be "best in class". At 1310 miles, turns out the reviews and numbers were right. I am highly impressed with the tow capability, comfort, fuel economy and cabin-extras Ford has included. Im getting an overall average of 19.2mpg mixed, 21.0 hwy. & 17+ city. My 21, 4000 lb. pontoon boat tows effortlessly. I hardly know its there and it doesnt impact my mileage too bad during tow (-4mpg). The cabin is the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive ever owned. Great styling with lotsa room. Great truck !

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By otownmanboy - April 25 - 5:16 pm

  First, I own and drive the 2011 Ford Fusion SE with the automatic transmission. ( Not a listed option for this model under review section as it should be. ) I have been buying and driving all makes and models of cars since 1967. The most impressive thing about this car is its thoroughness in its excellence from the most major thing to the most minor thing. It does EVERYTHING well that a car driver would hope and expect a car to do. I have the completely loaded version and I challenge anyone to find a better fully loaded midsize family sedan for under 25,000 sold in America. If you do, please let me know as I will have to see it to believe it!

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  AWESOME TANG! - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By tcross16 - April 24 - 12:16 pm

  I grew up with what I thought was muscle cars from the 70s,80s and 90s but have never experienced a power house like this 2012 GT California special (automatic) which is loaded with comfort and the latest electronics,also has an awesome sound system.I have 2,200 miles on it and Im getting 28.5 mpg on the highway with the cruise set at 69 mph,with a combined city/highway at 23 mpg.I have never been in a car that so many people (of ALL ages) have stared at while driving or just parked.The hardest thing to do in my life now is to turn off that 5.0 engine after I park my mustang GT in the garage for the night.FORD DID THEIR HOMEWORK ON THIS STANG!

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  Still Loving it after 12 years - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By karent1231 - April 20 - 10:40 pm

  Bought my Stang new in 2000, would have loved the GT but fell in love with the Gold V6 with the 5 speed. The color still gets compliments today. Have 67K on it, and until yesterday have only had to replace tires, a battery, front brakes,bad window/lock switch and a fuel line which rotted out . Yesterday the clutch blew. I cant even be upset about it. The maintenance on this car has been next to nothing. I love the performance, still has a lot of kick! One bad paint spot on the roof and not happy with the fog on the headlights. Great car and will be buying another when this one decides to go to heaven

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  1996 Ford Probe SE - 1996 Ford Probe
  By kolster - April 20 - 7:54 pm

  My family has had this car for a few cars and it has been great! We have 216,000 miles on it! Its been a great car. No complaints!

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  A lot of car for the money - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By shaunt - April 20 - 9:08 am

  I hadnt actually considered such a small car, but the gas mileage enticed me. It looks small from the outside, but driving it is a whole different experience. Im 63, 200lbs, and its perfectly comfortable to drive. The adjustable wheel and multiple seat adjustments are a huge plus. More importantly, it drives like a dream. I test drove other subcompacts(Honda Fit, Nissan Versa) and they dont even come close in terms of ride quality and handling. The Fiesta has plenty of power, with precise steering, a smooth ride, and a wonderfully smooth clutch and manual shifter. The engine accelerates smoothly and rapidly, yet remains quiet. The road noise is also notably less than in the others.