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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  update on the car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By lifeisahighway - April 29 - 1:48 pm

  I currently have almost 3k on the car. Now that I have spent more time driving it, I think that using the S mode makes the car accelerate better from a stop. I dont know if that is true, but its just something that I have noticed. I know that in S mode that it holds the gears longer, so maybe thats why. The shifts also feel smoother in S. I dont use the select shift that much, because the location of the buttons on the shifter are awkwardly placed. I mostly drive in the city, and I have been getting an average of 29 mpg. What I love most about the car is how it handles. It just feels so solid and connected to the road!

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  The horse keeps trottin - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Ed - April 29 - 12:24 pm

  I purchased my car private party about 3 years ago. In the 3 years of owning it, I have come to find a few things. These are very tight convertibles, well made with a lot of power. They are also one of the quietest on the road with the top up. Plenty of power, and decent gas mileage around town, but can get very good when on the open road driving long distances. Coming from a 5.0, I was hesitant on a 4.6 car, but made sure I got a 99-up with the 265HP. Plenty of power to set you straight. My only issue is the coolant sensor light that seems to be a typical issue with the 99-00 cars. Get a 5 speed. The resale on the automatic cars is poorer.

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  Buy one.Youll be surprised! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By DW - April 29 - 11:16 am

  I have had my I4 automatic Fusion for a month and have 1500 miles on it; never been so happy with a car. Averaging 27.5 mpg with city driving! The car has great steering response, more like a sports car than a sedan. Sound system is top notch and the fit and finish is superb. I have owned 15 new cars in my lifetime and this car is at the top.

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  I love my car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By oliver feria - April 29 - 10:23 am

  I have been enjoying the car as much as possible. I feel good in the car because is a smooth drive and also give me style. Very comfortable and even though it doesnt give you the feel of performance car it is very responsive. I can say that the power is there with the acceleration in a smooth way that other dont give you.

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  Too Soon To Tell - 2002 Ford Focus
  By FirstFord - April 29 - 7:09 am

  My wife and I replaced my old SUV with a compact to help alleviate rising fuel costs. The car is not all that bad to drive, and weve yet to have any problems. Well, except for three (3): 1. it can only get 20 m.p.g in city driving 2. the front left tire cannot hold air and we had all four tires replaced at point of sale 3. the trunk lid opens at inconvenient times. The sticker claims the EPA fuel rating is 26/30, city/hwy. That in and of itself isnt great for a compact, but 20 m.p.g or even less surprised me. Still, the purchase price was fair and the dealer treated us with respect. Time will tell if were willing to buy another Ford or go back to Toyota.

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  Sooo Reliable! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By christie - April 29 - 3:05 am

  This Escort is my first and only car I have ever owned, and it has been amazingly reliable. In 6 years, I have only had to get new tires and replace the battery there have been no major mechanical problems. I paid it off 3 years ago, but will probably drive it for one more year before replacing it.

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  Ford Quality - 2004 Ford Focus
  By brian - April 28 - 8:48 pm

  The 2.3 engine is not as economical as the 2.0 but it is quick and smooth. Optional features such as moonroof and/or sports package give car a lot of character. Stock radio with cd has great sound. Heat and air work great. Trunk is larger than it looks and with fold down seats can haul many things. The more passengers, the better the ride. On the down side it has blind spots during rain and snow storms and does slide causing higher insurance premiums. Vehicle braking is slow but has been improved in 2005 models. Color choices are fair. Wipers dont overlap well causing restricted view at times (fair weather car). Overall affordable fun to drive small car with a lot of room inside.

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  Rust - 2011 Ford Escape
  By GPM - April 28 - 2:39 pm

  I like to buy a new car and keep it for a long time. I like to wash and wax and keep the car clean. My 2011 Ford Escape has been disappointing. The paint blistered at the rear wheel wells and there is rust. I have not seen this on any of the other Ford or competitive cars I have owning. I will be very reluctant to buy another Ford.

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  First 1000 miles vehicle is great - 2009 Ford Escape
  By stephen minar - April 28 - 1:03 pm

  The first 1000 miles I have really enjoyed driving this truck. I have been leasing Escapes since 2001. So far this is best for ride and comfort.

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  Comfortable, but costing in repairs/gas - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By rideforlife - April 28 - 6:09 am

  I love the design and comfort of driving this SUV. Ive used the 4wd fairly often. With recent gas price hikes, though, its become impractical and Im looking for something with much better fuel economy. Ive also had to make various repairs over the last year.