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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  Fun & Reliable car that looks great! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Alex - May 10 - 6:43 pm

  I have had my fusion for 3 years. It has been super reliable. It is fun to drive and fast also. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the look of the car as well. The only thing I have had to replace is the battery. Besides that I change the oil and just put a new set of tires on it. Great car if you take care of it. To address a majority of the negative reviews, if you dont change the fluids at regular intervals and dog the crap out of it, of course its going to break down, just like any other car would. Thanks.

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  U-Bet-Cha! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dusty - May 10 - 4:40 pm

  Sporty, Quick and a blast to drive, and handles like it is on a rail! what more can you ask for?

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  Rides like an Escalade - 2010 Ford F-150
  By John Leonard - May 10 - 1:56 pm

  I sold my 2007 Escalade and purchased a 2010 F150 Super Crew Lariat with Nav. F150 is very quiet , tons of room, and very good looking. For a large truck gas mileage is respectable. Better than the Cadillac. I looked at all the big truck makers. Ford wins. Plus they did not take any government money.

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  My crown victoria - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mary Ann DeShazer - May 10 - 9:16 am

  The only drawback that I can see with this crown victoria is the trunk space. It is definately too small an area to place much luggage or items that you purchase on shopping trips. (i.e.) you cant put a fold up wheel chair in the trunk.

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  Not another Ford! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By ghenry10 - May 9 - 1:03 pm

  After owning a 94 Escort (which still runs) that had a bunch of little problems around 80k, I swore I would never buy another compact Ford. So I tested the competition, only the Mazda 3 left me inspired, but with all the rebates Ford had going, the 3 would have been at least about 4k more. My frugal side just couldnt pass up a nicely loaded new car for under 14k out the door! Get the side airbags (poor safety rating without them).

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  Great car with minor flaws - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By CincyFusion - May 9 - 12:51 pm

  Ive driven my Fusion over 20k miles and enjoy the car. However, recently I noticed that Im getting more and more paint chips and not just in the hood as expected by road debris. I have multiple chips in the hood, but also each door with no dings to suggest they were caused by a careless driver in a parking lot. Dont get me wrong, I really enjoy my car and getting 31 mpg is fantastic, but I want it to look as good as it performs and right now, thats just not the case.

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  2002 Taurus - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By GregoryGalllo - May 9 - 12:28 pm

  Good car for the money. Water leak by blower motor, trans shifts erratically, and the ride is somewhat rough, but it runs well. I get 22-26 mgg (have gotten 30 on highway only). It is my third Taurus. Theyre cheap to buy, insure, refuel and operate. Plus, real low on the theft list.

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  transmission - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By falibota - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Had to replace the transmission at 40000 miles at my cost. Less than 3 yrs. old, no help from ford or dealer. Transmission was making noise from day one, dealer convinced me that was normal. 3 nhtsa were issued for that problem, still no help.

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  Great family van - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Sherri - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my mini. I have owned it for over two years now and have never experienced any problems. I love to pack my family in for fun times. Its roomy hatch area is great for groceries. I find it great on gas and quite reliable. A good choice.

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  \ - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Lynda - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Ford Windstar was my first new car.. always bought used before..The worst purchase of my life!! It has been in for 12 recalls, cruise control stopped working at 30,000.. Transmission "surges" and dealer says its normal..sure... Ive spent more time in the dealership waiting for my car that all of my other used car purchases before! Ford is the worst company.. I used to have Oldsmobiles before and was treated like a queen.. Ford sees that I dont drive a Lincoln, so too bad for me.. Going to trade my Windstar in for a Reliable non-Ford auto!!I tell everyone I meet to not buy a Ford...