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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  SoFarSoGood - great looks, smooth ride - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By jekcartalk - May 31 - 4:36 am

  Like the overall appearance of the car; some factory defects on the back passenger doors ( looks like someone dinged the door). The power is adequate.The CVT transmission is smooooth. The interior is nicely laid out with comfortable seats (have driven over 400 miles in one sitting). The stereo system is fine. 26mpg highway and 21 city. Road noise is minimal in the Limited. Compared to the other cars I have driven (Audi, BMW, Acura, MDX) there is no clear advantage or disadvantage. The car is solidly built and for the price paid (~$4.5k less than sticker), reasonably priced for the market. For a family man with three active children it has good cabin space compared to other sedans.

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  2006 Ford Focus ST - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Bill - May 30 - 9:06 pm

  The Mazda 2.3 engine coupled with the 5 speed manual transmission make for a fun car to drive. Very precise steering and plenty of road feel give this economy sedan a truly sporty feel. Rear wheel drive would be a real plus. Gas mileage suffers as one keeps the revs high to fully appreciate the performance capabilities.

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  Red Power Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Fred - May 30 - 3:53 pm

  My Red Power Ranger Edge is a trip! I added a carpet bedliner, camper shell, and step bars. Although it could use a bit more power, it never lags on the I95 raceway. Best addition, engine wise, was a K&N air filter (which I also use on my 95 Ranger and motorcycle). I have no major problems and would buy another Ranger.

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  Love it but it rattles. - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Redwoodmeg - May 30 - 10:46 am

  I love the idea of a hybrid SUV and I am happy to "buy American" I have had my new Ice Blue Escape (I call her Sky) for about a month and I am getting about 35.5 MPG! I am a high mileage driver and was driving a 2002 Explorer and getting about 15 MPG. That was my 2nd Explorer. I am dissapointed at the hardness of the center console and the arm rests. The leather is a little stiff and I have a rattle in the center console where it meets the dash. My biggest concern is a rather loud noise in the back hatch that appeared after I drove on a slightly rough road in the 2nd week. It seems to be coming from inside the door near the Ford emblem. I dont want to "accept" this or get used to it.

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  great Ford vehicle - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By kavinagal - May 30 - 8:43 am

  My car has been a wonderful vehicle -- has always had good performance. reliability and such a good look. Its in great shape and has excellent highway mileage.

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  Not comfortable - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By AMYin New York - May 29 - 11:42 pm

  I bought this vehicle with 12,000 miles on it it presently has 45,000. The shocks and struts need replacing, the front end makes noise. The buttons for the factory radio chipped its paint. The bumper paint is chipping off and the other day I attempted to open my rear door and the handle fell off for no reason. 3rd row seat is VERY uncomfortable and absolutely no leg room, my alarm battery died and I found out that Ford dealerships must "reprogram" my remote after every battery change at a cost of $89.00 - what a RIPOFF! Other than that so far the engine runs strong and the van has a good amount of pickup but it costs me presently $80 to fill it up with regular gas at the pumps.

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  The Best Car I ever had! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By H. Hamood - May 29 - 8:40 pm

  My previous vehicle was a 98 F-150. So it was about time to start looking for something else.I Started out looking for an SUV of some sort thats not so thirsty on gas.While in the ford lot I glanced over at the Fusion, took a closer look at the sticker. I noticed the abundance in features it had. Next, I took a test drive.Thats all it took. I purchased a black SEL loaded with the sport appearance package.Leather seats, moon + tune package, the works! The sporty red accents on the seats are awesome!My 12 yr old son loves the car just as much! Ford did their homework on this one. The only gripe I have is better all- season performance tires for summer as well as winter driving wouldnt hurt.

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  Its all about fuel economy... - 2006 Ford Focus
  By bryce - May 29 - 3:00 pm

  Ive had this car for about 3 months now and am pleased with it. I bought this car to get better fuel economy and it has delivered. Driving like an old man I can get 30-31 mpg with mostly freeway driving at around 65 mph. Driving a little more spirited with higher freeway speeds and more city driving I get between 25-27 mpg. Aside from fuel efficiency the cornering on this vehicle is a bit rough (sway) which is kind of annoying since I make a lot of U-turns. Also, the inside is very bland and there is a lot of road noise, but what do you expect for the price? Will I buy another Focus? Probably not, but I am very pleased with my purchase and expect to have this car for many years.

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Heather - May 29 - 1:30 pm

  I went from a Ford Explorer to the new 500 and got better gas mileage and more room. Love it.

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  Never ever we will buy Ford - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Alan - May 29 - 12:17 pm

  Bought it new for my wife, the list price was over $39,000. We had so many little problems thats cost a lot to be fixed. Air ride bags $800. Air conditioner. leaking water $750. Power bank (its like spark plugs) $800. Heater trap door activator $1000. Head light auto switch, rear wiper, sticky linkage cable...etc. All of that on top of bad gas mileage. I just cant help it but compare it to my trusty 1994 Honda Accord with 153,000 miles and tell my self why... why... why... you stupid had to buy a Ford?