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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  Great Car, MPG Overstated - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By pdt66 - July 11 - 7:25 pm

  I bought a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE in Bordeaux Reserve to replace a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid. While I loved my 2011 model, I decided to update to the 2013 based on the sleek new styling, the larger head, leg, and hip room, and to a small degree the increased fuel economy. I have no regrets, as the 2013 model is a wonderful car. The look and feel of the car is great, and it is much bigger than the 2011 model. It is quiet, smooth, comfortable, and well equipped. That said, you most likely will not be able to achieve 47 mpg as rated. Granted, I have been able to get about 40-41 mpg by carefully monitoring my driving habits to maximize economy. This is a slight improvement over the 2011

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  My stallion - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By 94 5,0 - July 11 - 6:25 pm

  I bought my car in may 06, im the 7th owner. I got it as stock from factory. I did not have any issue with this, but not a 100% reliable car though. I did replace the clutch (little noise but worked well) and besides that trouble free. Im very happy with this car because there are lots of aftermarket stuff for it. I have cold air intake, all MSD ingnition, undredrive pulleys, headers, spacer for the maninfold and 3.73 gears. the car runs ways faster than stock wiht this. In fact, I wouldnt be happier driving a newer or more expensive car

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  Ford Trouble - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By MrPNS - July 11 - 5:10 pm

  Now have 24000 miles on car. Front suspension fixed 3 time with no permanent repair in sight. Rear suspension replaced. Air conditioner fixed but auto heat /air does not work properly and is a continual annoyance.This is a good example of why Ford is in trouble. There is a TSB on the front and rear suspension.

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  A great small car value - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Satisfied owner - July 11 - 1:45 pm

  We bought our Escort SE new in January 1998. This car was going to be a commuter car for my wife. Well, nine and a half years and 100,000 miles later it is still commuting! It has been a very reliable car. The only thing we have done is change the oil and replace items as they wore out. We replaced the struts/springs in 2005 and the clutch in Sept of 2006. Overall cost of ownership has been low and the gas mileage is still good (30mpg+). Other than a dent on the left rear quarter panel from a parking lot fender bender the body is still in good shape.

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  Not too bad - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By John - July 11 - 9:52 am

  Bought a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT with a 3.0L V6 4wd. The one word that best describes it is reliable. Bought it with 68k miles on it, and other than regular wear and tear, I have never had any problems with it. This truck is best for anyone who mainly drives by themselves, wants 4wd, and is looking for something newer at a lower price. I wouldnt reccomend it if you drive more than just you and one other person. No more room (even with the extended cab.), or if you have heavy hauling to do.

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  Ford Tuff - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Snookfever - July 10 - 10:52 pm

  Bought it with 40K in 1998. It now has 140k and still runs as good as the day I got it. Pull a 3500 lb lb boat with it on a weekly basis. Had to replace the front arm bushings, but other than that just changed the oil, tranny fuild and tires. Tried the KN filter and intake turbos, slick 50 and evey known fuel additive, but it still gets only 13 mpg city 15 highway and 10 mpg pulling the boat. The good thing is it has never let me down for 100,000 miles. My mechanic hates me, and sais the thing will do 200K plus. Hate to get ri of it, but want a bigger boat so got get a bigger truck

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  Copper Ranch - 2006 Ford F-150
  By MDI - July 10 - 10:47 am

  Great vehicle. Only hiccup was the transmission console shifter had an interior switch that went out. This caused the transmission to go haywire and could not get it into proper gear. This required a tow and was in warranty. Same problem happened on my 2004 FX4, but that one was out of warranty. Sounds like a defective switch. Best ride of any pick-up that Ive riden in. Gas mileage is not great however. The Ethonal blends that I use seem to get much worse gas mileage ... more than offsetting their slightly lower cost per gallon. So E- 85 may not be an option.

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  I love my car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Diane Bonham - July 10 - 10:00 am

  My car handles so well. It is a joy to get up for work in the morning just to start her up. My favorite part of my trip home from work is going from a dead stop at a four way to taking her thru the gears on a S-curve from 0 to 75. Its the little pleasures in life....

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  04 Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By David Wavra - July 10 - 10:00 am

  For a V6 automatic, this car is fun to drive. Seems Hard to find standards (probably because everyone buys them up). Handling is great, acceleration is great, but you cant help but want the V8 or even the Cobra. Decent pricing, very possible to get payments under 400/month. The best part has to be the look that comes with the Mustang prestige.

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  great - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Billy Mitchell - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. Needs nothing done to it. Should not drive during the winter. Definately a keeper and will keep its value.