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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  Meets & surpasses expectations! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By cobra348 - October 4 - 6:26 am

  My 2011 Fiesta Sedan has over 15,000 miles on it. I can get >40 MPG highway without the SFE package installed, mid 30s MPG mixed daily driving. This is using the Powershift 6-speed automatic, which was not a review option. Fit and finish is excellent, comfort - even on long trips - is that of a full-sized car. Styling, handling all speak high quality and care in manufacture. I liked the 2011 model so well, I have ordered a 2012! Nice job, Ford!

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  Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By ghostrider8 - October 3 - 2:43 am

  The largest, most reliable SUV on the road & Ford quality has greatly improved. Great SUV for hauling large groups of people.

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  2000 Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By ghostrider8 - October 3 - 2:30 am

  Between 2000 to 2008 & now 2011 Ford quality has increased to number one. Ford Dealers have also improved on service.I had 7 Expeditions in the family all had over 150K miles before trade in.I have a 2000 Expedition with 114k & it has been an excellent vehicle, great for long trips, plenty of power from the 5.4L V8.Tune-ups are every 100,000 miles with major fluid changes at 30K & I recommend using fully synthetic oil every 5k-7k miles.Great family vehicle with plenty of room & a 3rd row seat.A SUV with a proven track record.

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  My awesome Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pfeifer29 - October 2 - 11:13 pm

  This truck is like superman! Unfortunately, we almost had to sell it because one of the timing chain guides broke. But, our friends a mechanic and fixed it so its good as new. Ours is a mineral grey, and it still sounds as powerful and solid as it did back in 2003. This interior is made of woven material rather than leather, because most fabrics cause me irritation. But it has a killer sterio system and refuses to get stuck in anything. It does not seem like it only gets 99 on the highway, and its not a gas hog. I recommend one to anyone who needs room for children, or just likes big trucks.

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  Ecoboost model - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By mvieau - October 1 - 8:49 pm

  My wife and I recently purchased the 2012 Ford Explorer Ecoboost Limited in black and the first comment I need to make is how beautiful it looks. We had looked at Lexus, Audi, Acura, Buick and Lincoln before even considering the Ford. It was only during the visit to the Lincoln dealer that the sales rep suggested we look at the new Explorer. Family pricing allowed us to get the Limited trim with pretty much every feature other than the tow package for an amazing price. We are very impressed with the style and quality of the vehicle. The ecoboost model wasnt an option for us until we test drove it and found it to be pretty much the same drive as the 3.5L V6. This vehicle has excellent value.

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  Better than an Audi ! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By s80sux - September 30 - 12:04 am

  The Ford Fusion is an amazing vehicle, the steering, handling, and overall build quality is wonderful. We traded in our 2007 Audi A4, and could not be happier! The audi had constant "check engine lights" and was poorly constructed.

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  2012 Ford Fiesta one happy dude - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By phillylmbs - September 27 - 9:44 am

  Purchased my Fiesta in Sept 2011...I actually had to order this car because they dont stay on the lots very long. I drove this car from Abilene Texas to Dallas which is a three hour drive and boy does this car zip around. It actually exceeded my expectations on the highway. After three hours it gets a bit uncomfortable driving. I didnt buy the car for long distance anyway. I purchased it to save gas and get back and forth to work... a round trip of 40 miles. Its great on gas and its a fun car to drive. Very manuverable vehicle...I can now park in tight spots with ease. Ford finally made a vehicle with style, character and zip. Its been two weeks only but I love this car.

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  sat-is-fied - 2007 Ford F-150
  By ameriicana - September 25 - 5:49 pm

  Me and my husband went to Roberts Chevrolet after seeing a good deal online. When we went to the dealership they got us a much better price on the truck, and a low interest rate. We love the truck. There was a problem with the door sticking out like it wasnt latching properly. We told the dealership and they said they would fix it no problem.

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  2012 Ford Fiesta SE Sedan (6-spd Auto) - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By mathjack22 - September 25 - 9:39 am

  Ive had my new Fiesta for just over a week now, and I have to say, Im incredibly impressed with its overall package. I downsized from a Mercury Grand Marquis LS to save on gas and to drive something much sportier for my age (23). To be such a small car, the Fiesta has plenty of front seat space, a feat in itself because I am 62 and 280 lbs. There is plentiful head and leg room my only caveat would be the slightly narrow feel of the drivers side, though I can still get quite comfortable. As far as the back seat, its a no-go for any practical use, but I didnt need the extra space, so it wasnt a deal-breaker for me. The features on the SE (along with the 203A package) are plentiful.

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  Best car ford ever made? I think YES! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By lovemytbird - September 24 - 2:33 am

  Okay so my dad has owned a 87 v6 model, a 91 v6 cougar, and then obviously the 95 v8 thunderbird. He bought it for 1500 dollars with just over 100,000 miles on it and The car rolled over 150,000 miles the day i got my license and ever since that day i have loved this car with a passion. Sure its had to have a couple parts replaced but thats just general maintenance. Its literally the best of both worlds you get a powerful 4.6 which you wouldnt think is that fast but i beat an Audi A6 with no trouble at all, and i kept up with an 93 prelude si and the only reason i lost was because i lost traction. put glasspacks andCats are broken up so im putting on Magnaflows very soon. Great Car!