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:

• 

  terrible MPG - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By fusion15 - December 18 - 1:06 pm

  Im not a lead foot driver and 22MPG is my average. Note that I drive 70% on highway. Its my first ford and Im terribly disappointed at their faulty advertisement. I got the full options thus its a fun car to ride but I dont see myself keeping the car for a long time especially when as gas price goes back up to $4.

• 

  Satisfied Customer - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jisla - December 18 - 7:46 am

  My 2012 Ford Focus Hatchback is great. No problems at all. In the beginning I noticed a little jerk with the transmission, but it is no longer an issue. I just trained my right foot on how to accelerate and it accelerates real smoothly now. I love the way it handles and is great on gas. I love the exterior and interior design and the no gas cap feature makes putting gas in this car a snap. I just love driving it!

• 

  Endless Money Pit Do Not Buy - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By mustangep - December 17 - 9:47 pm

  Truck is in the shop more than on the road. Every month presents a different problem with the 2006 Expedition Limited. Last four months I replaced alternator went, coils, hub assembly left side, hub assembly right side, air conditioner compressor, steering wheel shaft and on and on. Will never purchase a Ford SUV again go Chevy.

• 

  Great Fun Car! - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By opensky1 - December 17 - 7:00 pm

  I have a white convertible, medium stone interior since I live at a warm beach. I work in Alaska, so I want all the fresh air and sunshine I can get when home. This car fills the bill. I am also close to retirement, so plan on traveling in this a lot. Road trips are minimal in Alaska. Great on highway so far, and good mileage. I test drove a 2015 GT recently, and while it is better in most ways not sure if it still justifies price difference. I can buy a lot of gas and hotel rooms. I like the 2013 and 2014 tail lights MUCH better than the 2015 or anything else. Lots of fun for the money with a 2014.

• 

  Stay Away - 2014 Ford Focus
  By dre1104 - December 16 - 11:20 pm

  Unfortunately, but honestly, when asked, I always warn potential buyers to stay away from these cars. On paper, it seems the ideal car - economical, fun to drive, and nicely equipped. But the truth is my car has been plagued with issues since day #1. Like many others, I have been dealing with transmission issues that cause erratic shifting. Plus, interior trim, software, and interior rattles that have taken more than a year and half to even begin the process of solving. Bottom line, Ford doesnt stand behind their cars, and doesnt invest in customer satisfaction or making this car the car it claims it is. Dont trust one review. Before you plunk down money, search online. Be warned...

• 

  Ford Fusion SE 1.5L Eco Boost - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By w1ngs - December 16 - 10:56 pm

  Bought my Fusion about 2 months ago and so far I am not happy with it. Biggest complaint is the gas mileage, according to the sticker was supposed to be 26 city and 35 highway well in city driving I am getting about 21.9 mpg and on the highway about 28....have talked to dealer about and they have no answers....very unhappy for what I paid for car and bad performance....

• 

  2013 Ford Explorer Limited - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By 2013explorer - December 14 - 7:02 pm

  Love the Explorer. I am starting to dislike Ford. I have a rust spot on the rear lift gate and paint flaking off in the same area just on the other side of the license plate area. Ford refuses to repair because I have 52000 miles and the bumper to bumper warranty has expired. I would think an obvious defect in the paint process would be covered on a 2013 vehicle regardless of warranty status. Three service advisers at my local dealership all agree that Ford should fix this paint defect.

• 

  limp mode - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By fisheye3 - December 14 - 12:58 am

  I did not learn that the engine powering this car is well-documernted for going into limp mode. This means you suddenly have no throttle response, just steering and brakes to get you to the side of the road. Ford dealer replaced the throttle body-3 days later, same problem. The service advisor informed that that nothing more would be done, since they couldnt replicate the condition, despite having found codes (they didnt say what codes). Bottim line-I have to pay off this car and buy another. Hopefully, I wont get screwed again.

• 

  Great car - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By rampeyj54 - December 13 - 4:42 pm

  The 2007 Ford Taurus is a dependable car. Fun to drive and great for long distance rides.

• 

  2014 Black on Black - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By hazard1 - December 11 - 8:25 pm

  This is my favorite Ford car yet. I got a great deal on it and used the savings to add fog lights, black wheels, and quarter-window louvers. Even with the V6 and 2.73 rear end, the acceleration is unbelievable. It is not real fast until it hits high rpms, so off the line it is not winning any races, but soon afterwards it will throw you back in your seat. The select shift is useless unless you shift at higher rpms. In the low rpm range (under 2000), it will say you shifted on the dash, but it is lying. I love the layout of everything, especially the dash. The overall interior and exterior are beautiful, even in the base trim. As for mpgs, I averaged 29.8 in the first 6 months.