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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  Still Excellent - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By mtnman1 - September 23 - 3:32 pm

  I posted an initial review on this car back in 11/08. I now have driven it 34,000 miles and still love it. Very reliable. No problems whatsover and zero rattles after 3 years. Seats are about the most comfortable that I have ever sat in. Handles great. I have been running as high as 29 mpg on the Highway, but city can be a bit low at 17 mpg at times. Just an all around great car and I would buy it again.

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  2003 ford explorer xls - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jl_curtis - September 23 - 2:36 pm

  i have owned my explorer since 2004 when i bought it from the dealership. it now has 169,000 miles on it and still going since it is my daily driver. i have had no problems, other than the back plastic panel, but it was hit by a baseball when it broke, the engine and transmision both are strong and smooth and running very well. would recmond to anyone.

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  2011 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By patrick66 - September 19 - 9:53 am

  Bought my Explorer in April to replace our 2008 Toyota Highlander. The Explorer is a major upgrade. We have driven over 10,000 miles including an across country trip this summer. The Explorer is much nicer to drive than the Toyota. Much better handling, and the manual mode on the transmission was great driving through mountains. Gas mileage is generally 19-20 mpg in our normal mixed driving. But we were getting up to 27 mpg on our vacation. We have not had any mechanical problems - perfect for my family of 5.

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  Best Truck on the Market! - 2011 Ford F-150
  By autoterry - September 17 - 8:28 am

  The below is ranked from the bottom up. I looked at all the Trucks out there. Toyota was plain and not worth the value, there high marks are over rated. The Nissan was pretty cool but the model has not been update since 2004 so it seemed dated. The GM line was very nice but a tad plain in styling on the Exterior and Interior, but a great truck! The Dodge was a close second and the ride was awesome, great exterior and interior. But the Ford came out on top. Hot styling, great interior, High Technology in a truck package! Overall the best Truck on the Road with a very high quality of fit and finish! Quiet and a decent ride quality. Plenty of power and proving to be great on mileage .

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  2012 SE V6. Much better than my 06 Fusion, in some areas. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By robhlittle - September 15 - 9:05 am

  My first Ford Fusion was a 2006 SEL V6, which I got in the summer of 09 with 60k miles. Let me say, it had an amazing ride, sound system, nice leather and decent fuel economy. I did not have one problem with it at all until 108k miles when it died in the middle of rush hour. Engine coils went out, causing many other things to go wrong. Short story, traded out. Got 5 grand for it (amazing because of the body work it needed from an accident i didnt fix and 2600 worth of engine repairs). Traded for a 2012 SE V6 with the Sun & Sync package and Monochrome appearance package. Amazing drive feel and ride. Very satisfied so far. I do miss my 06 though, it had leather and a much better audio system

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  1st Boss Review!! - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By cammer - September 14 - 6:11 pm

  Just got a performance white Boss, used with 4k miles and no trac key or Recaro seat option. really wanted those options but I refused to pay the stupid 10k markup that the dealers currently insist on. Now on to the car. In a word WOW! the handling and power of this Stang is remarkable! I cant wipe the grin off my face every time I hit an on ramp or a corner that I can accelerate through. I am driving the car daily and it is quitecivilized below 4500 rpm then all bets are off! I have been amazed as to how mant people have come to talk to me about the car or give a big thumbs up!

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  I love my car! - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By bayway48 - September 10 - 5:52 pm

  I have been drooling at the new Taurus since it re-emerged in 09. I rented an SEL twice for family trips. However, never thought I would buy one. The Mustang was on top of the list. I bought my Limited back in June. Since then, I have been on a road trip to Oklahoma to visit family and we drove my car the whole time. Couldnt get my sister out of the drivers seat. In July, my brother and I took a 6,000 mile road trip through MO, TN, Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. Couldnt get him out of the drivers seat. Bottom line, this is one of Fords finest. Beamers, Lexus, Audi, et al, you have been matched. Everyone wants to race me when I drive to work. I just sit back and smile. Awesome!

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  great truck - 2012 Ford Escape
  By misterbaker - September 10 - 7:15 am

  Just traded my Nissan Pathfinder that was too big and used too much gas as well as being awful on a long trip. The Escape handles well and is very comfortable. Fits 4 adult males comfortably and the 4 cylinder still has plenty of power to move you around. Of course the interior isnt as snazzy as my wifes F-150 Lariat, but hey what do you expect for 25K less?! Overall its my favorite of any vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Couldnt be more satisfied. My EDGE is like a family member. - 2011 Ford Edge
  By gerryinohio - September 7 - 8:56 pm

  Its only been 8 months since I drove it off the lot and said to my wife ..."Did I really pay that much fir a Ford !!?" Now I am constantly surprised that I was able to get all these features, and this ride for such a low price. Ive owned 2 Accords, a Chrysler Town and Country Limited Van, an RX7, and before that a Chrysler 5th Avenue, and a Mercury Marquis Broughm. They all had their good points ... but none has fit me so well as this Edge. Decent mileage (19.5 city), comfort, all the pickup I need, and easy on the eyes. Im so sold on it, I should probably quit my job and apply at the local dealers to sell Edges.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By winters87 - August 30 - 10:36 pm

  I was NOT a ford fan, at all! After bad experiences with my mustang & f250, my husband & I swore we would never buy another ford again...we were both Chevy fans & still am. But once I test drove my escape, I had to have it Although I wasnt a fan of the automatic computer controlled 4x4, it does awesome in the snow! Ive had a mustang, camaro, chevy tahoe, multiple chevy trucks, ford f250, multiple saturn cars & multiple honda accords & i would MUCH rather drive my escape than any vehicle Ive ever owned!!