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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  F-150 Review - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Christopher - July 22 - 5:30 am

  Ive owned my F-150 for almost a year now. Ive never been unhappy with my purchase. It has the horsepower I need to haul my camper around the country and it is a smooth ride.

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  Fancy new car - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Shannon - July 22 - 4:34 am

  So far I am very happy with my Ford Edge. Another coworker bought one the week before me and weve both noted that they are very zippy. The Edge has the power to take off right away which is helpful getting into traffic and is very smooth. The steering wheel feels good and everything seems to be in a place that makes sense. The hands-free technology is great with the bluetooth connection to your phone. You can make calls/receive calls and hear texts without being distracted. The lane assist is helpful and there are so many camera and distance auto-detect features that if you get into an accident it will be your fault not the cars. The distance auto-detection is helpful when pulling into tight spaces like a packed 2-car garage. The quality of the interior is excellent. I think the Ford technology package is better than the Acuras where the user interface is blocky. The kids love the feature to swing their leg under the back to get the cargo hatch to open. My only minor materials issue is some of the plastic edging on the rear door feels sharp and could be smoothed a bit. The heated/cooled seats and climate control is great. Both of my large dogs fit into the cargo area so they never have to sit in the back seat. I felt that I got just a good of a vehicle as the Acura MDX without the cost.

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  My Second Ford Fusion Even Better - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Rick Edwards - July 22 - 3:44 am

  Ok heres the deal, Its unbelievably fast for the 2.0 twin-turbo. 145 ponies that are coupled with a transmission begging to get off the line quickly and make the case it "must be an eight"...Oh sure it must...It has dual exhaust!....But no, its just 2.0 and fast to 60mph. No worries about comfort either, my seats are heated and the drivers seat has lumbar support. Leather seating is well stitched and the console from front to back is stellar! A bit pricey with all the options, but worth it. The cup holders have spring loaded cams to keep the cups from getting jostled around. There is a great storage compartment in the front of the console for cds or a Kindle or wallet. The plethora of usb and lighter ports come in handy. The visor is now my garage door opener too. Actually there are too many great things about this car....With one glaring glitch. I am not tall so it doesnt bother me so much, but if you are tall expect to bang your head into the roof a few times getting in if you arent careful. I love the seats tho....When you shut off the engine and open the door your seat moves backwards and down making it easy to get out of the car. When you get in and start the car, the seat will go back to where you left it if you program one of two options in to its memory.. The cockpit (really thats what it feels like) it fully designed to get to everything (once you learn where everything is) with just a small reach or touch of a button on the steering wheel. The remote keyless entry is a snap. The gear selector takes a little bit of getting use to. I have always driven with my right hand on the shifter. I grew up driving 4 speed sports cars in the 70 and then console automatics from then on. With the knob, no place to put your hand so it goes back on the steering wheel. The wheels and tires make the ride a little more like a sports car, you can feel the bumps in the road more with the "thin" tires. Give me the old fat and flexible BF Goodrich TA Radials! The sound system is typical of Ford....Great!! All that Bass and Treble! Adjustable steering wheel and ease of steering with one finger if you had to! The power Moon roof is great. The voice system is better with less "yelling" to get Siris attention. Quiet, smooth and stunning. Thanks for the four cylinder with the attitude of an eight! Rick In Indy!

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  WATCH OUT! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By baby - July 21 - 11:31 pm

  After having my Expedition for 1 year I was driving down the road and it went completely dead. I almost got hit from behind. I went to start it up while in my garage and it wouldnt start. I have had this vehicle towed 2 times. I am scared of it. After driving down the freeway and having it just go completely dead with no power I am going to trade it in on a foreign suv. I cannot see out of the right back side you are almost completely blind while you are driving it. It is really fun to drive and I hate to trade it in but I do not think it is dependable. The gas mileage is terrible it cost me $54.00 to put premium in it. I have to fill up every week and half. DonÂ’t work. Stay at home.

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  More for your Money - 2007 Ford Focus
  By esperirod - July 21 - 10:06 pm

  Our expeience with this car has been fabulous so far. Our car has heated leather seats (in a Focus?), sunroof, Sony Audiophile 6 disc changer and subwoofer, side impact airbags, 4 wheel ABS, and all other standard features. You show me a Corolla or Civic with this much bang for the buck! And it rides soft in the straights, firm in the turns. On top of this, the ST is rated at 22/32 mpg. We averaged 32.4 mpg on our first tank...above EPA ratings.

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  I Love my Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By John - July 21 - 8:14 pm

  I have had my Explorer for six years and have not one thing go wrong with my truck. No rust, but I always keep it in my garage when not in use. The only thing that I dislike is the harsh ride when not carrying any load in it.

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  2006 ZX5 SES Hatchback - 2006 Ford Focus
  By whicker - July 21 - 2:24 pm

  I love this car. Traded in my Sport Trac to get something easier on gas. I love the way it drives and for a 4 cylinder, has great acceleration...more than I had expected! Its fun to drive.

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  transmission problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By meetball1 - July 21 - 4:19 am

  I purchased my 07 FFH SEL in April of 2012 with 33,000mi on it, and I have noticed that the tranni slips when I accelerate from a complete stop, or from 1-2mph. But not all the time. Most of the time its a nice ride. I have to treat her like a baby. And now at 54,000mi they are telling me I need to replace the brakes. I just got this car less than a year ago! I had to sell my F150, because someone hit me from behind and sheered back the steal back bumper. So I got rid of it . But it was a beautiful truck, except I had to replace the transmission at around 95,000-98,000mi. on that one. I have read that ford overall has had tranni problems though. I should have known to check the FH.

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  Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By edward - July 21 - 3:56 am

  I have had my Focus for five months now. So far I have had no problems with the car. The car is fun to drive and the gas mileage is good. I would buy another one if needed. I had a 2004 Corolla but like the Focus better.

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  Ford ZTW - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Shereesp - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We tow this vehicle behind our motorhome. This is so cute and compact that it is a perfect companion to our Excursion. We take this for our small jaunts. The rear cargo area is exceptionally roomy and easily accessable. Just an all around fun car to have!