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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  Awesome car for the money! Fast and Loud! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By CMarkParkCity - October 4 - 2:45 pm

  It is a sports car. Bought for my wife and put the Roush cold air intake and exaust. The car really growls and turns heads. Fast, fast fast!...acceleration is where you get all the fun! My wife uses it as a daily driver (40 miles each way through mountain roads). She loves it. I drive it for fun but I am not responsible enough to own one ) I have had a Corvette, Audi TT, and Audit A4. This car is refined and a heck of a lot of fun. For the money you cannot beat it. We went shopping and the dealer fired it up while we were standing beside it. That was all it took! The 5.0 growl cannot be beat. 435 HP stock? For less than $40K? Great deal..BTW.I have an autistic son who jumps in the car and insists on going for multiple rides every day )

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  Broncos never die - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By Jeff - October 4 - 12:42 pm

  I have had two Broncos 1992 and 1996. I still drive them both every week. These trucks turn on a dime and are really easy to park. They are very powerful and no task challenges them. Both trucks have close to 300,000 miles and the transmissions have been trouble-free. The engines run great and dont burn oil. Good looking and still in style. Just replaced leather interior in one of them. Exterior paint is original and looks new.

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  Just plain fun! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Steve Dugay - October 4 - 8:30 am

  We have had this Torch Red ragtop about a month and driving it is so much fun. It turns on a dime,rides great, and the sound system rocks.

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  Fun to drive work horse of a little wagon. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Rick Ehrsam - October 4 - 12:26 am

  The ztec is a great little engine. my car has 162000 miles (260000km). originally paid 16280 ttl included. ive been through two sets of all weather tires and two sets of winter tires (pass driving is much easier with snow tires). Ive replace the brakes twice, one set of struts, timing belt replaced (yes, it is a necessary maintenance item at about 100K. two sets of spark plugs, an EGR valve and an O2 sensor and tie rod ends thanks to the crappy seattle roads. Oil changes every 5000 miles and transmission oil changed every 30K miles. I just replace the batter for the second time in 15 years. Its been a super inexpensive car to own. and I rely on it for 350 mile trips on a regular basis. If you find a well maintained 2000-2004 SW with a ztec engine, it should be a fine car to own and drive.

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  The best Compact SUV on the road today! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Brian - October 3 - 1:25 pm

  The 2010 Ford Escape was my first choice when I bought this car, two months ago. I bought the Ford Escape XLT I4 Four cylinder and opted with it instead of the V6 because when I drove a 2015 Ford Escape, which I really like, with a V6, I felt it was too racey and punchy for city driving between lights. In fact I found myself having to pass alot of drivers because it was just too fast. But if you want a more punchy version of the I4, the Escape has the V6 which is sure to please. I bought the I4 at a large car dealership. I was offered 5 year warranty on top of an addditional 1 year dealer warranty. If you go to buy a Ford Escape, try a large car dealership, because, they can and will work with you to get you a sweet deal. So I have been driving my new/used Ford Escape for two months. So far, the car is absolutely perfect. It handles turns with ease. No more will I or any other Ford Escape driver have to fear turning too wide, when driving down a particularly narrow road. The car handles sublimly. In the rain, the Ford Escape has few peers. With careful driving, it handles perfectly. The Ford Escape comes with rear window windsheild wiper, which I use every time it rains. There are no mechanism failrues ever on the rear or front windsheild. The car has occasional vibrations at high speed on the highway. But those are usually only audible when the back window are open. The XLT package comes with automatic rear and front window controls. Use those when driving on highways to raise the window shut. The vibrations disappear instantly. The Ford Escape has better milage that is usually reported in consumer reports. The high numbers are 34 Highway, 30 City. But look for them being more like 36 Highway, and 32 city. I drive every day usually to do errands, to get lunch or dinner. The 2010 Ford Escape uses very little gas, and is a gas sipper. It will suprise you how little gas it uses. You might have to fill the car twice a month when using it to and from school for the kids, to get groceries, to run errands, to go to dinner. I havent taken my new used Ford Escape on a long road trip yet, but I am sure it will be one of the most enjoyable road trips ever. I highly recommend buying the Ford Escape. The Ford Escape is AAAA+ in reliablility, handling, engine, interior, entertainment. The Ford Escape is one of the best made cars in the US auto market today.

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  Fab Ford Fusion - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Larry Schulz - October 2 - 9:41 am

  This is my second Ford Fusion. The 2015 is incredible. Has all the bells and whistles, except moon roof (which I never use anyway). The 4 cyl eco-Boost engine is really peppy. So far my mileage in city is 25.9. Have had no issues with the car at all. Easy access from the drivers seat with the memory seat function. Back up camera a plus, and the electronics in this car with Microsoft Sync is terrific. The Sony sound system is awesome as well. Truck space is great with the fold down rear seats has a lot of room. 18" wheels make for a commfortable ride. This is a great bang for the buck.

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  2nd vehicle and loving it! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By frank nunez - October 2 - 1:38 am

  Got my 99 explorer in febuary of 2013 with only 97**** miles and now towards the end of 2015 with 104*** still running strong with the 5.0 engine. Plenty of room for my wife and 2 kids and you wouldnt believe how much stuff we hauled with this,better then a pickup. Truck has been very reliable with the only maintenence done to it has been buying a new set of tires when got it,got rear and front brakes replaced and one time car did not start thought it was the starter had it checked out wasnt the problem,turned out to be the pulley that wasnt allowing it to crank replaced and nothing since. Got a MagnaFlow exhaust which makes it sound beasty,I leave Hondas in the dust! See other reviews of them pushing to 200*** plus miles and taking care of this bad boy hoping to keep em around to get him there.

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  Nuclear Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Frank - October 1 - 6:52 pm

  This car is the 2013 Fusion Titanium with the 2.0 Turbo charged engine and 6 speed auto transmission. The car has been trouble free, the only item which required service other than routine maintenance is a rattle in the area of the sun roof. The dealership located the problem, a loose screw and fixed it no problem. It currently has 29,300 trouble free miles on it. We have driven it in a range of conditions and it has performed well. It gets about 32mpg on the highway and considerably less around town as my wife is a bit of a lead foot.

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  I LIKE THIS CAR - 2015 Ford Edge
  By joe - September 30 - 11:44 am

  The Edge is a comfortable, quiet car with good pickup and a smooth ride. I like the technology, it was easy for me to learn. Im still getting use to the backup camera, this is a great feature but does take some getting use to. So over all I like the car and I am looking forward to many years of service form it.

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  Best Mustang Ive owned so far! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By laredotech1@hotmail.com - September 30 - 7:17 am

  I got rid of my 2011 Mustang GT. Premium to get the 2015 Mustang GT. Premium with Performance Package and I can honestly say that Im not disappointed. This car handles way better than my old one did, looks sharper and the interior feels like a luxury vehicle until you downshift and hit 3500 rpms and hear the sweat exhaust rumble. Of course, Im not leaving my car stock but the beauty of this one is that it doesnt need much tweaking. Tires are staggered, suspension is lower and sound system is great. About the only things Im tweaking is adding a cold air intake, exhaust and tune. Over all this is a great car as is! I would definitely recommend this car.