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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  2001 Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By frank004 - June 2 - 6:22 am

  I have used and abused this car for app. 5k miles a month. good and safe cars. I noticed people saying the rotors keep warping. I have found that the LIFETIME brake pads are usually to blame!! Try ceramic pads, softer, quieter, NO brake dust and happy pads...frank

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  Great Car - 2011 Ford Focus
  By bru2011 - June 1 - 2:26 pm

  I bought my 11 focus in March with a whooping 12 miles on it. I use it as a work car to deliver local newspapers 7 days a week. I am extremely impressed with the gas mileage given the stop and go nature of my driving requirements. I stop at 400 houses everyday and my focus still averages 28-31 mpg. When i get it out on the highway it stays around 36-38. I have put 12500 miles on it in just over 3 months and have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. If fords cars can take a beating like this I cant wait to see how much their trucks can take!

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  Pleasantly surprised with this new 3.7L Mustang - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By sc_kona_blue - June 1 - 10:57 am

  This was my first domestic sports car purchase. So I had high expectations. I of course bought it with the Performance Package! I have been extremely happy with the performance, handling, and reliability of this car. I have added a ProCharger supercharger and a full exhaust. Its now making over 500 HP. I was the first 3.7L mustang to hit the 12s in the 1/4 mile. Not bad for a V6. I still get 21MPG in the city. I gave it a 4 for the interior. The seats are made for a guy who is about 510" and 200lbs. I am 58" and 160. Its a bit large for me. Also there is no dead pedal. There is a great forum specifically for this car at v6mustangperformance dot com if you want to learn more about it.

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  V6, 305 HP - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By egoodman - May 27 - 10:03 pm

  My wife and I own our 2011 stang since October 2010. Kono Blue! Wow! What a sweet ride. Ford did a great job and the 305 hp makes the car right there with last years GT model. I have kept right with 2010 GTs with my little V6. One thing I would recommend to all stang owners. Put a Flowmaster exhaust on it. Wow, it makes the car sound so bad ass. It gives the car a sweet growl, sounds louder than the standard V-8 model. I have had my flowmaster on for the past few months and makes the car sound aggressive but not obnoxious. The 2011 Stang is way nicer than the camaro, more comfortable and the interior is classy not plastic that looks cheap like in the camaro. Live a little and get one.

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  Excellent Car Make Sure You Understand Options - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By xygman - May 27 - 5:56 pm

  1-Just purchased so cant address reliability yet 2-Lots of controlled power 3-I perceived too much hesitation before power kicked in with the automatic highly recommend manual tranny 4-Please thoroughly research Brembo Brakes when deciding on options - not a great option for average folk in my opinion w/high maintenance cost and no spare tire

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  Wow - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By tbutton - May 26 - 8:05 pm

  My wife drives a 3 series and Ive been jealous confined to a 3/4 ton pickup for several years. Ive looked at a zillion cars including Minis, Audi S4, 1 Series, Mazdaspeed3, GTI, etc. So glad I settled on this. It is beautiful on the outside and drives as neatly buttoned down as the 3 series. But boy does it get up and go better than just about anything. And what a sweet noise it makes when you hit about 4000 rpm. The Brembo package not only brings her to a stop quickly but gives it a great feel on the road with no body roll at all. And as a tall guy, the room in the front seats is appreciated far more than the 3 series cockpit. Forget the back seats. lol

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  2001 Edge SEL - 2011 Ford Edge
  By floridateacher - May 26 - 9:33 am

  I traded a 2008 4Runner SR5 for a 2011 Edge SEL. I wanted a bit more refinement and better gas mileage and I got exactly that. Fit and finish is just great. Easy to get in and out of, gas mileage is as rated. I love the MyTouch technology and dont find it that hard to use. Makes my 4Runner seem very antiquated. The Edges ride is so smooth with excellent noise dampening. I would recommend an Edge to anyone who doesnt need the true SUV qualities of a truck based vehicle.

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  Never Thought Id Drive a Ford... - 2011 Ford Flex
  By applesnkids - May 23 - 3:49 pm

  I just went from an 05 Infiniti FX35 to the 2011 Titanium Ford Flex. Did I just really type that sentence? First off, I should say I test drove three minivans Odyssey, Routan & Sienna. Out of the three, the Odyssey was the best BUT, it was a minivan. I couldnt get over the horrid styling of all three. We actually considered the MINI Countryman since its such a fun drive, but the lack of space was a problem. Then, we drove the Flex. Hands down, the smoothest ride. This SUV is big but uses the space wisely. Weve heard nothing but good things from those who have bought a Flex, too. So happy with our purchase! Get one...its totally worth it if you need space but dont want a minivan.

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  Excellent Car-WIth its Quirks - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By dcomeau42 - May 23 - 1:02 pm

  I bought a Ford Fiesta SES Hatchback at the end of April. Overall this car is amazing. Its incredibly efficient. I just went on a road trip to Maine and it got 41mpg going back and around 38-39 going up/driving around there. For typical weekly driving I get around 35-37 mpg driving a combination of city and highway. Although driving back roads yesterday i was able to get around 50mpg. Note: The gauge for the mpg on the car is a bit pessimistic.

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  Best Truck Ive Ever Owned - 2011 Ford Ranger
  By teelelen - May 22 - 9:50 pm

  The one words that I think that best describe this vehicle are quality and reliability. Before I bought my 05 Ranger I had a 99 Dakota and was severely disappointed by the quality within one year of owning the vehicle it already had electrical problems and needed new ball joints. With my Ranger Ive never had any problems with it and it still runs strong with a 120,000 miles on it. I think people get stuck on the fact that the interior design is that comfortable and doesnt change that much from year to year. But at the end of the day the Ranger will run strong, work hard, and is of the upmost quality and will be with you for a very long time and will outlast most trucks.