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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  Talk about getting bang for the buck! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By NewFocusFan - June 24 - 1:33 am

  This car totally rocks. For less then 18k I have Bluetooth for the phone and the best voice recognition system on the market. The USB port that takes darn-near every media player- without a special cable (you use your normal USB)is outstanding. It even plays songs off of a thumbdrive if you dont have a Zune or ipod! It is very snappy around town, and fine on the highway- the seats are very high and the headroom is remarkable.

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  BILLS HYBRID ESCAPE - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bill in Georgetown - June 24 - 12:03 am

  While driving my Escape hybrid 4x4 without A/C on, I was getting 27.4 mpg. Not too bad (for a combination highway/city) I think, however, not close to the 33 mpg as indicated on the sticker. The hybrid has a lot of zip off the line, but I must back off on the gas pedal while the cvt tranny moves up to a higher speed (not a big deal though). Its fun to drive. Parallel parking is a breeze.

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  1800 miles...Review #2 - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By VC - June 23 - 7:30 pm

  Check my first review on 6/8/06 after a week of ownership. Now Ive had my Tungsten Gray GT Premium/5 speed around 6 weeks and almost 2K on the odometer. Wow! I use the car as my daily driver (mixed commute) and Im averaging 22.5 mpg. The car has really settled in and the shifting is smoother now. I can still say that I get a smile on my face every time I fire her up plus I have gotten a lot of people to stop me just to talk about it...everyone loves it! Im still in shock that the car is so comfortable/economical for a V8 muscle car. Ford has really come a long way from my 67 Fastback 289 cu.in. in the areas of quality, driveability and safety...not to mention "out of the box" performance.

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  Great Fun - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By MatthewICADC - June 23 - 2:00 am

  With a few easy modifications adding up to 335 hp and 3:7:3 gears, this GT is the fastest, quickest fun ride I have ever owned! Theres nothing better than feeling the wind in my hair while rocking out to my favorite tunes in this reliable rockship on a perfect spring/summer day or evening!

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  Very solid SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Dave2121 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle not knowing they were redesigning a couple months later but and pleased my with 04 Escape. Looked at the new ones but not much of a difference. Actually, the 04 has a better gas mileage rating on by 1 but with gas prices, that is important. Very solid, fun to drive, fast pickup, and with the Limited very comfortable. Great Leather seats.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Jeanie - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Sadly, mine was totalled when someone hit me, but I will be getting the exact same vehicle. This car took a head on collision and I am fine.. rides well, no issues, mechanically sound and very well built - my next one will be my third Taurus.... Thank you to the safety engineers....

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  10 all the way - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By 03cobra21 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  i love ford rangers. i drive a ZR2 at work all day it is not all what made to be it has been stuck in the mud 10 or 15 times. I have not been stuck at all. I HAVE PULLED a suburban ot of the mud in 4 wheel low and it didnt have a hard time.

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  LUV THAT FLEXIBILITY - 2009 Ford Flex
  By fred adams - June 22 - 8:26 pm

  I purchased the flex, because I needed room for my mothers wheelchair, the dog and myself. Couldnt be happier and proud of an American vehicle. Go Ford and go American.

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  OMG!! Back to Basics - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By orangetree - June 22 - 9:33 am

  This is my 4th Mustang, and so far I have 300 Miles on it, I always been a Mustang Fan and with this retro-redesign, I would never been happier. My last car was a 1999 Mustang GT, and I just trade it for this baby. I would highly recomend this Mustang to everyone. The Power, the handling, the Power, the styling, the Power, the performance, the Power, the sound, the Power, the equipment, the Power... O by the way the Power.. 300Hp!! Imagine when they start producing After Market Tuning Equipment... Also the Red Trim Interior Package ives the car a super sporty retro look and the MyColor Gauge option complements it. The Shaker Sound system, Great!!

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  the best car ever - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By steve60516 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ford ever made. i recomend 1,000%