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 for fun driver - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By George Schwab - February 1 - 8:25 am

  Bought this for my wife and we both enjoy driving it, and owning it. Its not a hot rod, but has plenty of power. Smooth ride and very fun to drop the top and cruise. If you want a Corvette, buy one (I probably will) but dont sell the Thunderbird short. Its a keeper, in my opinion.

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  Not Ford Tough - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By I hate Ford - January 31 - 8:34 pm

  First off the gas mileage is terrible. I am averaging about 14 miles to the gallon. We had to replace the transfer case motor at 75,000 miles. It was a 500 dollar part. Then 15,000 miles and a year and two weeks later it went bad again. It was over the warranty and that was $1000 in one year! We have had very very bad rear brakes. They are drum brakes and should last at least 50,000 miles they have lasted less than one thousand miles. No wonder that Ford is losing money. This truck was not even close to built Ford tough.

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  so far so good - 2006 Ford Focus
  By timotee - January 31 - 2:27 pm

  I have had my car for a little over a year now. I must say that I love this car. It really is too bad that Ford is doing away with the hatchback! My only single complaint is the fuel economy. I do mostly spirited highway driving and I average about 24 mpg. I realize the EPA sets these numbers so its really not their fault. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Head Turner "Is that a Cadillac?" - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By FUSION FUN - January 31 - 2:20 pm

  I bought the Fusion from a Ford dealer that sold it to me based on the invoice price and not the MSRP, which was $2000 more dollars. I got a top of the line silver SEL minus some features. The only features mine didnt come with is the ABS with traction assist and side safety airbags. Though, it does have the leather and moonroof along with seat warmers. The car is exceptional to drive. It handles very sporty and holds hard cornering great. It has a potent 221 horsepower v-6 that has good start out power but better midrange passing. It does all of this without compromising a nice and quiet ride. It beats my buddies 2004 Toyota Solara in all categories. Definitely worth a test drive.

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  Ol Reliable - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Chattavegas - January 31 - 10:13 am

  Purchased from private owner at 70K miles. Needed vehicle to lug my two kids (5 and 2). This truck has been great for that. Can take the abuse-- though resale with the cloth interior will be nauseating. For its size and v6 engine, gets poor gas mileage--on par with v8s that are much bigger, heavier. Cheap materials on dash and cabin--but economical. Paint coming off of center stack facing. But after 132K miles, engine still strong and is very reliable, so no complaints there.

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  2010 Car of the year for a reason - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By 68jcode_stang - January 31 - 7:23 am

  I had been researching family sedans with manual transmissions and this one is it. The gear ratios are perfectly spaced. Its a blast to drive and is beating the EPA estimates by 3-4 MPG. My wife drives it 90% of the time and loves it. Its only getting 1-2 MPG less than a 2004 Corolla we had before. Its amazingly quiet. If you cant find a comfortable position with the 8 way drivers seat, then youll not be comfortable in any car. The criteria that led us to this car is the Consumer Reports review of the Fusion. It has been on par with all the benchmark cars...Camry, Accord, etc. Plus with the "Sun and Sync" package, it was $4000 less than Accord and $1400 less than Camry.

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  Too much fun - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By quimbysr - January 31 - 5:33 am

  I had always wanted a GT, so when they were running some rebates I went for it. No regrets since. The only problem Ive had with it is a nut coming loose on one of the top drive cylinders which I was able to fix myself. I cant get enough of the power and sound even in stock form. After leaving it with my Dad for a year while I was overseas, I wasnt out of the driveway before I said to myself, "This is a fast car!" I also think its better looking than the new one, but thats just me. Its no wonder Chevy couldnt sell Camaros, the Mustang is just about perfect. No frills, just fun.

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  Overall very happy with the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Sam - January 31 - 4:40 am

  I have had this suv/station wagon for almost 6 months and am very happy with it. It fits my three children with no problem. The interior design is very appealing (although coming out of our Ford Windstar, anything would have looked good to me!) I love the CVT. It drives so smoothly. My only complaint is the handle on the liftgate is awful. I cannot get a good grip on it because it is not deep enough to put my fingers in. No doubt this car is a nice combination of my old Expedition and Windstar all in one with a little sedan feeling incorporated too.

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  love it and hate it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By uniquezx3 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, great power, i take on even v6 accords and win. All around good car, but...dont get if you are looking for fuel efficency or dependability. i have a auto and get 25 on the highway!!!!! i should get like 30+, had the alternator go out, and the dpfe sensor go out 3 times!

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  GREAT CAR FOR A TRAVELING FAMILY - 2001 Ford Focus
  By my zx3 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best for your buck.Being in the military we wanted a car to travel with us both overseas and in the states and the Focus is it. Being 23years old and over 6 foot tall I hate small cars and minivans, but the interior room is huge and inviting, I can even sit comfortably in the back seat with my child and his carseat! Everything is set up without having to manuver or stretch for cupholders and heater controls.I drive mostly on the highway and my Focus has no loss of power passing or just cruising I definetly would tell people about this vehicle, it has been an awesome investment for my family