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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  Festiva review - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By Reddove - September 1 - 2:34 pm

  Performance is what can be expected from a small car that gets 40 mpg. I find it low to the ground and have developed a way to climb out. Bad backs beware. Interior is very roomy and can fit three bales of hay inside. Seat plastic is cheap, lots of head room. Id want it to die so I can justify getting another car, but it wont. Tires last 20,000 miles. All in all it is the least expensive transportation I have ever had or can find again at .04 per mile. I have 130k city miles, three teenagers who have learned to drive on it. Goes great in the snow as long as you dont stop on a drift, it sinks.

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  Great Car, Awesome Value, Excellent MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mlauer - September 1 - 12:26 pm

  This car is fun to drive and gets excellent mileage. My best mileage so far, over 3 days, driving 440 miles, is 41.2 MPG. Overall an excellent choice for any commuter.

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  From Fusion to Edge! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Wells - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2006 Fusion SEL V-6 to get the Edge. The Edge has the engine ride and style that I wanted. There is the room I need with a child and a dog. Great looks, people stop me in parking lots to ask about it and look inside. They say it looks like a Lexus. All in all it is just what we need and want in a CUV. Also its very fun to drive! I knew I would miss the Fusion but the Edge fills the bill and than some!

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  I really like it! - 2007 Ford Escape
  By First time Ford - September 1 - 9:06 am

  This is my first Ford so I was a little apprehensive and I also went from a V6 to a 4 cylinder, but it has more power than I expected and Im enjoying the gas mileage. Its quite roomy for a compact SUV and the new warranty made the sale. I really like the styling and I like that it handles like a car, but youre riding up high like a truck. As a single person its what I need - the look and feel of an SUV without the enormous price of one.

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  Not for tall people - 2006 Ford Focus
  By John Smith - August 31 - 8:53 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 days now and I have been trying to figure out how to get rid of it. Dont get me wrong, its a fun little car if you are under 6 feet tall. I have experienced terrible back and leg pain from the drivers seat. I am 63" tall and go to the gym at least 3 times a week and in great shape. On the test drive and for a couple of days the car was fine then uncomfortable every other trip. Then had to drive 30 miles to and back from somewhere is when the excruciating pain began. This morning was a 5 mile trip to work and not less than 50 feet out of the driveway was when the pain began again. Please be very weary of this vehicle if you are tall!

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  The empire has struck back - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Patrick - August 31 - 8:43 pm

  My overall review is very positive. The car is extremely comfortable with ample leg room for a six footer. With the front seat all the way back there is more than enough room in the back. The 5 speed automatic really helps with the gas mileage. I get over 36 mpg on the highway going up and down the rolling Ozark hills. I was going to purchase a Corolla or a Mazda3 when my wife keyed me onto this gem. The Mazda3 was overpriced and actually purchased the Fusion for less the the quote I received the Mazda3. In the south Corollas are rare with side air bags. Without bags they have poor crash ratings. The Fusion without side bags gets 4 out of 5 stars! Test drive one before making your final decision.

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  most dependable vehicle i have ever owned - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By jd willey - August 31 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this truck new in 99 and have put 105,000 miles on it. Dependability has been outstanding, fit and finish has maintained extremely well for a daily driver. The suspension, and pretty much all the mechanicals are showing almost NO signs of wear. The only things that I have ever had to replace on it is a brake rotor, the manifold pressure sensor, 1 set of plugs and wires and normal wear items like brake pads, wiper blades, and 1 fan belt. Thats it! If this truck ever wears out I will replace it with another Ranger, no doubt.

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  awesome little car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By jldude - August 31 - 3:00 pm

  Bought this car 7 months ago, havent had a problem since, never had to replace anything, sure there are worn out mounts and all, but its typical. Does 0-60 in 7.8! Cannot say enough good things about the fuel economy. I get 42 mpg on flat highway at 65, and 36 aggressive city mpg. Biggest complaint, the vibration and noise. Tires and/or suspension seem to amplify road noise, engine runs at 2900 rpm at 65 which can get annoying. And wheel hop when accelerating at traction limits is ridiculous. But it has a large comfortable back seat and a very inexpensive car to own. Great little car, wish Ford still made it with a Mazda suspension, Zetec engine, 6 speed and standard power EVERYTHING! Oh and yellow!

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  Superb, under appreciated vehicle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By RichardK - August 31 - 12:00 pm

  I bought a fully loaded FWD Limited and have driven 1500 miles with it. The ride is great and responsive; I get 29.5 miles/gal while doing 55/60 mph. There is loads of room for 7 passengers and having the DVD is great. For a fully loaded car that performs like this at $27.5K, this is a superb! I could not want more in a vehicle. I hope it lasts forever. I love it!

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  Want to Love It - 2004 Ford Escape
  By RU - August 31 - 10:09 am

  This car IS comfortable. But weve had problems since the beginning. At 5k miles it did not start at all - finally, after the FOURTH time, Ford replaced the computer and some other parts, it now starts. But the brakes squeak and grind even after having new pads and rotors replaced three days ago (42k now). Engine does not run smooth and has a hard time changing gears. Other problems (airbag light fixed 2x, broken electric window, smelly air conditioning, etc.). We want to love this car - as it IS comfortable- but were going to start looking at more reliable options this weekend. Also, we live in the DC area and have not been happy with the service.