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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  Gotta Love It - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By ski - January 26 - 12:40 pm

  Picked up a loaded 2007 SEL AWD. Ablast to drive and comfortable too. Have NAV and sunroof. All in all love this car for the price. I get 21 mpg around town driving as fast as I can go in an AWD car. Pleasure to drive on the highway. Nice Job Ford.

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  LEMON - 2002 Ford Escape
  By laurl - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Read the consumer complaints section on NHTSA.gov, for some important info on this car. You will find 106 others like me who own this car and have multiple experiences with stalling headed down hill or on the freeway. We loose steering and most of our breaking. Its like someone cut the lines. Its frightening. Dont be snookered by crash tests and packaging. Cause you dont want to know what that crash feels like! The car also surges a lot like you have the cruise control on.

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  LX Sport - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By crvic03 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  excellent road vehicle-should have a tach---gas mileage is not what I expected---very comfortable--single color with no chrome stands out in a crowd---purchased 9/2003

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  It moves a bunch of people or stuff - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By RayM - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I have 5 kids, so the minivan was not an option. This is a tank - I have a 7.3L diesel engine in mine, which should run for a few 100,000 miles. It is great for long trips, but not something that you want to use to run back and forth to the grocery store. Take out the seats and it will carry almost anything. It does not have all the nice touches of the luxury mini- vans - it is a bus. I have not had any mechanical problems. The fit and finish are not great - since I traded in an acura on this van it took a little getting uses to the molded plastic doors and loose fitting pieces.

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  Ford E350 XLT V10 Super Duty Wagon - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Joe Brooks - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had this van for alomst a year and a half. I am currently (10/8/02) selling it on Ebay because I am "udgrading" to a diesel Excursion. This van is perfect for everyday driving and when its time to pull a BIG (9500 pounds) load, it is there for you with the V10. I would still keep this van if I could afford it. Overall, I would rate it an 8.

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  Satisfied owner - 2002 Ford F-150
  By rame1531 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Had the opportunity to drive the truck for 10 miles before I was sold on the performance. The handeling for a truck was more then I expected after previous ownership of a 99 F150. The comfort, looks tell a lot about the connection of Ford & Harley Davidson. The super- charged engine is more then you need for a trip to the grocery store. Im happy with it. The gas mileage depends on the driver.You can make the gas mileage run with the speedometer or you can take it easy but with those horses, its a fun truck.

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  Was in love - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Ca Native - January 26 - 2:52 am

  Even though I had an idea that the MPG would be far less than I would like, it was like going from the ridiculous to the sublime. Around town I average 12/14MPG, Highway, 15/16MPG no load. I pulled a 23 Travel trailer for 6000 Mi. and averaged 9MPG! That little trip coast us $2,000.00! Power from the 5.4L, V-8 is not that good at all on the climbs with trailer...the flat is fine. While I might consider the F- Series truck again, it would be Diesel powered. This truck has been very reliable. Ride quality is much better than a GM product. GM has the power and now MPG edge. JCH

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  What a Truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Bob Murphy - January 25 - 6:36 pm

  Damn this truck is fun to drive. I love everything about it except the 13.6 miles to the gallon but hey small price to pay for sucha truck.

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  Nice Wagon - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Deb - January 25 - 1:43 pm

  This is a great little wagon with exceptional gas mileage. Right now has 100,000 on it an still running nicely. The ignition lock froze up around 70,000 and had to be replaced and the shift solenoid in the tranny was just done last week. Other than that, just general maintenance. Have driven this car all over the country and its always started and run nicely. I do not go to dealerships for upkeep on my car, I go to Firestone so havent had problems with recurrent brake issues, etc.

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  Great Little Car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Kaks - January 25 - 10:36 am

  Traded a 2002 Mustang GT for this car. I needed better gas mileage and so far I love this car just as much as my stang. Its comfy, zippy, and just looks awesome! Love all the gizmos! Great job Ford. Thanks for a great little "Gas Getter"!