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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  So Glad I Purchased a Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By PresentlySurprised - December 12 - 11:20 am

  I am so glad that I did not read the bad reviews before I purchased my car, it might have swayed me not to buy. However, I could not be more pleased with this car. I test drove an Accord, Camry, and Altima before I bought this car. I was almost going to purchase the Altima, until my husband convinced me to drive the Fusion. The Fusion has way more extras than the Altima and the Camry for the same price. I get great gas mileage (so far averaging 32 mpg). The 2010 model is so sporty looking and I love, love, love the USB port and the fact that I can just hook up my Ipod and play all of my music. The interior is super easy to clean (a plus with kids). So glad that I made this purchase!

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  Snakums - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Avenging Angel - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 99 Cobra for the 01 & I am happy with the results. The seats feel so much better than my 99 Cobra and they look great with the Cobra on the suede part. The power is there, but quality in fit & finish leaves a lot to be desired. Rattling & wind noises are just a standard option with Ford products to date. The 2001 Cobra definitely has the power, but lacks the suspension & drivetrain of a true performance car.

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Gbennett - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Needs a V8, climate control, and power passenger seat to be near perfect. Ford has come a long way!

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  Not what I expected. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By G_Rob - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2000 Taurus for about 1 year now and have been looking for ways to dump it for at least half that time. If I did not have to take such a beating on the negative equity it would have long been gone. I just dont care for it, from the ride to the gas mileage to the breaking system the car just does not do it for me.. Theres no way this car can compete with the likes of Honda/Toyota/Nissan. I dont know what I was thinking when I bought it...

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  The Little Truck That Could - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By kevy002 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this truck a month ago and use it everyday for work. I put a box cover on it and store all my eqipment and parts back there. The 4 doors help a huge amount when trying to get to things in the back of the cab. My first new truck, and it rocks!

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  you gotta get one - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By crtmvp - December 12 - 10:00 am

  nothing in the market compares to this

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  Too many problem - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Chung Ling - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Within two more years and 28,000 miles driving, my Explorer had sent back to repair 4 times, not include change Firestone tires. Radio panel has no display, rear whipper motor failed, paint lifting, thermalstate leak. Bouncing and Noising when I drove high speed at freeway. My wife refused to buy any American made car.

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  Most Unreliable Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By UnhappyCustomer - December 12 - 8:23 am

  I have only had the car for 4 months and I have already had 3 trips to the shop. Trip 1) Check engine light came on. Faulty part needed to be replaced. Trip 2) Check Engine light came on. Computer needed to be recalibrated. Trip 3) The car SHUT DOWN on the middle of the highway. I had to pull over immediately as I had no power to the car. At least the car warned me to pull over safely s soon as possible. The best part is I was able to reboot it like my computer and it worked. Another part replaced. The last ford I owned needed a new transmission practically out of the gate. Just dont buy a FORD. Especially not a Fusion Hybrid. It just isnt safe in my opinion

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  Impressed - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jayandrew - December 10 - 11:06 pm

  I bought a 2002 Focus ZTS with an automatic a week ago and am very impressed. The car feels very solid, rides well and has excellent handling and traction. The weather this past week has tested the traction control and the advance-trac. Both did good. I got the car for about $400 over invoice and it came with all the options that I wanted including the 6 disc changer.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By WNKent - December 10 - 7:50 pm

  I have had this vehicle for almost 2 months and have put 3300 miles on it. Milage has been as advertised, about 29 mpg on the highway and 30 in town. I have learned to coast into stop signs and traffic light so that the electric engine takes over. After trading a F-150 pick up truck for this SUV I feel as if I am driving a sports car.