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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  A real lemon - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Charles Zeller - November 10 - 11:05 pm

  My experience with the Focus wagon was extremly bad very nice car but unreliable, was in the shop every other day begining on the first week of purchase. Electrical problems and front brake problems also including cooling problems which the dealer could not fix during warranty time.

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  Ford Fusion Fun/Great Value - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Tony E - November 10 - 9:00 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. I went on an out of state trip recently to visit my family. During the trip I averaged "over" 40 MPG! (highway). I was getting nearly 600 miles between fill ups. This with the five speed automatic transmission. The transmission is smooth and down shifts to the appropriate power for easy passing, merging, etc. My SE model has the information center that electronically calculates mileage as well as other functions. This car feels very solid and quite lively. Something I didnt expect from the little four popper. Overall very happy with the car. It gives a sense of solid quality and value.

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  Okay used suv - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By marcopolozx11 - November 10 - 11:00 am

  I just bought this Explorer for a winter beater, and so far so good. Fuel mileage really stinks though. I do roadside assistance for a living, so I really dislike the poor fuel mileage.

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  Going in eyes wide open - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By wvgasguy - November 10 - 6:55 am

  Seriously, how do you rate this as "fun to drive"? Its as big as a boat. Thats why I bought it though. It gets lously mileage. I knew that up front. Youll not get more than 14 with the 4wd. But no other SUV (other than the new Sequoia) will have as much leg room and be as comfortable. The specs on the Tahoe look comparable but if you actually sit in one youll wonder what kind of ruler they were using. The 3rd row is useless and the 2nd row is still tight. I wanted room. Besides the Expo has absolutely the most non-truck looking interior of them all (at least in the under $50K line) I tried not to go back but saw no compariable options out there for ride, comfort and usability.

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  The Real Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ainslie eden - November 10 - 3:16 am

  After having read the reviews on the Freestyle, Im wondering if we are driving the same car. In the first 6,000 km I have had the transmission fail, the tie rod end rubbing when I make a tight turn; something the dealer said is being looked into. So my review is dont buy one until all the bugs are out of this car.

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  Best Car Ever!! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Lynn Aquilina - November 9 - 9:30 pm

  I routinely buy or lease a new car every three years; I have had a lot of cars over the years. The Ford Taurus X is my favorite so far. The ride is smooth, the handling and braking exceed my expectations, and it is so comfortable.

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  Great mileage from an SUV - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BikerDan - November 9 - 8:13 pm

  Bought this to replace a 95 Grand Cherokee and an 04 Grand Prix. Mileage has varied from 26mpg freeway to 33mpg city. Power from a stop is a little weak. Passing power is very capable. Ride is a little bouncy. Handling is a little unstable above 70mph. Below that, its acceptable for an SUV. Cabin is a little noisy, but no worse than the Grand Prix. Headroom/legroom in both front and back are good. Im 62" and even with the moonroof I still have headroom. 4 wheel disc brakes are very good, but have an odd, nonlinear feel to them. Any doubts about it? Ask for a 24- hour test drive. One day of commuting with it sold me on the Ford Escape Hybrid!

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  Our Return to Fords - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Barry Gran - November 9 - 4:51 pm

  We are Motorhomers and wernt happy with what we were flat towing (06 Jeep Liberty Limited). We started to look at several flat towable cars. We found out the new Taurus was flat towable. We have driven Crown Vics prior to our last car, so we really had to be pleased. After the test drive, we were convinced this was a great car. After 3 weeks and 1500 miles, we still think this was a great choice. Rides great, handles great and the power is great. Must watch the speed. My combined mileage is 22 to 23 mpg. Highway driving at 65mph in Florida results in 30 to 31 mpg. A great choice for anyone. Were not buying great looks, just a great car with a lot of safety, handling & being towable.

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  05 Mustang is a Grand Slam - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ponyboy66 - November 9 - 4:50 pm

  I have been a muscle car fanatic for over 30 years and this is Mustang number 6 for me. I have to say that Ford has hit a grand slam with this one. From styling, performance, build quality to driving experience. It is not a luxury car. It is not a true performance car. It is the American icon of muscle cars. For the money, it is truly the best driving experience one can imagine. It is purely and simply, Mustang.

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  Truck from Hell - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Distraught and Angry Ford Owner - November 9 - 5:31 am

  This truck model is very unreliable. I am replacing something constantly, the truck manages to leak oil, water, even dot 3 fluid for the transmission. I think the check engine light being on constantly comes standard from the factory. The people responsible for designing and producing this truck in 2001 can be thanked for the incredible rise in Toyota, and other foreign truck sales in the US since its introduction into the market due to such notorious unreliability.