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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  Ford hits a home run! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Ron F. - November 11 - 7:53 am

  I traded in a 2003 Mercedes C class on this car and it has been an excellent next vehicle. The Mercedes was a very fine car but I believe this to be even nicer and does in fact offer more features. I am VERY pleased with the design, build quality, features, handling, gas economy, and available room. American cars have come a long way and this is an excellent example. I did quite a bit of research prior to making this purchase and I am 100% satisfied with the vehicle. My job requires me to spend a lot of time on the road and this car has proven to be very comfortable and fun to drive.

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  First Van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By escofam - November 11 - 3:44 am

  Went and looked at Toyota and Honda to compare the Freestar and there was no comparison. The Freestar had better safety features and a much better price. I was a little concerned about handling as the Freestar replaced a Taurus wagon but after our first trip the fear was gone. The van handles wonderfully with the optional 17" wheels. First vacation trip was with 5 adults and although the mileage was around 22 mpg the van pulled the hills effortlessly with the load. It was actually fun to drive and made the trip very comfortable. Since then it has made many more trips and I look forward to the trips.

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  fun and sporty - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By escofam - November 11 - 3:27 am

  Originally went to buy a Cougar - couldnt make the deal. Went over to Ford and drove a used Mustang. Most of the miles have been highway and the Stang is nothing but fun to take on a trip. Mileage has been outstanding - upper 20s and occasionally getting into the 30s. Changing the stock 15" wheels out for the 17" Mach 1 wheels made it even sportier and better handling. Even though the car is now 6 years old I still get compliments on its sporty looks. Car has been flawless and reliable. Admittedly it is a little tough to drive in snow so it has been the summer time trip car.

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  2007 Focus ZX5 SES - 2007 Ford Focus
  By patricki - November 11 - 12:00 am

  Purchased Oct. 2006 and have driven for about two months. Audiophile system rocks, moonroof is superb, ABS braking system is outstanding. Am getting about 26 - 35 mpg. Fun car to drive and extremely comfortable. Feel safer than ever with side airbags.

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  Quality and Value come together - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By SuperMegStar - November 10 - 11:06 pm

  I was looking for just a simple truck to haul stuff with-nothing fancy. I saw an ad for a Ranger, and thought I would check it out. The price was right, and I got more features than I could have imagined. It is a simple car with lots of guts. It sits nicely and is really fun to drive. It looks like 4WD. Gas mileage is surprisingly good!

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ford Guy - November 10 - 10:10 pm

  This is my first truck and I love it! I compared it to Chevy and Dodge and the features in the FX4 edition blew them away. It has plenty of power and handles great for a truck. Its true about the leaky rear window, but there was a recall from Ford so its a free fix. My brakes do not squeal and gas mileage is not too bad considering the size of the engine. Off road, the suspension and power make it a fun ride. I pulled my friends boat with no problems. Interior rocks with spacious seating and carbon-fiber plating. Reverse sensors have come in handy plenty of times. Best purchase Ive made for a vehicle.

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  Dont buy one - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By Jen - November 10 - 7:16 pm

  Ive had this van for a month and cant imagine why anyone would buy it with any other option out there. It rides like a covered wagon, has no nice options, cant get in without opening the drivers side first and then hit the button....even to get in the rear cargo area. I will be getting rid of it and would tell anyone to buy anything but this. The gas mileage is horrible and it rides like its 10 years old.

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  Cheesy Face-lift - 2006 Ford Focus
  By David - November 10 - 5:40 pm

  I wished they didnt change the exterior styling, its horrible especially for the hatchback version. Its basically the same Focus, but more refined and it handles great, very predictable and secure. The interior space is quite good for the size of the car. I enjoy all the features that came with my ZX5, like 6 CDs, moonroof, heated seats.

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  Love my Freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Fred - November 10 - 5:10 pm

  This is my 3rd Ford van...a real power van that has you up and going quickly. Gas mileage isnt up to our expectations.

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  Fo SHO - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By G, Labriola - November 10 - 2:18 pm

  I know all Fords are not created equally but my SHO had 7500 miles on it when I bought it from the dealer and it currently has 74,000 on it. My only real problem was the cam shaft but nothing else other than normal maintenance. It is one of the best all round cars Ive ever owned. Excellent comfort, outstanding performance, superb handling (NO oversteer!) and all the creature comfort features you could ask for. No tranny problems for me.