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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  Focus Driven - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Focus on Tracie - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving my new Focus ZX3 all over town and went on my first long trip, I have never had so much fun driving! The ride was comfortable and smooth, yeha for cruise control. I just want to say my car has not suffered a case of Focus abuse yet! Thanks Ford for making such a great vehicle! A Loyal Ford Driver!

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  2004 ford freestar wow wow wow - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By patrick 777 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  this 2004 ford freestar is a real winner rides better than a lincoln town car gets almost 600 miles to the 26 gal tank wow wow wow very happy 3.9 liter eng is very powerful excellent on the highway good response and holds the road plenty of pep good on long trips very dependale get one today you wont be sorry also has a powerful stereo system ac is frezing cold no sway on the highway thank you ford for making this great vichele

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  2004 Freestar Limited - 12 mpg. avg. - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Scott Shamblin - May 4 - 4:45 am

  I purchased every option available including full airbag canopy. Theres only one thing that I can not pass and that is a gas station. We have driven this van as easy as possible and the best I ever achieved was 13 mpg. The average is 12 mpg. With gas prices these days, I would say that this spoils any positive things I would have to say except for one. Its safe. Sorry, the 4.2 L is a flop. In one year its lost a bit more than 50% of its purchase price (huge depreciation off the lot!) and its cost us big bucks in original cost and gas. Big thumbs down for depreciation rate and lousy fuel economy. Im very disappointed with out van.

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  Super Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By David Mathis - May 3 - 10:13 pm

  Had this car 1 week. drives like a dream, elec to gas to elec motors are fantastically not detectable. Smooth seamless shifts with trany. I have city mpg of high 40s with careful acceleration. Combined city hwy gets 42+ mpg. Love the back up camera (502A pkg)in the Navigation screen! The side warning radar feature is accurate and reliable.

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  6th Ford and counting - 2004 Ford F-150
  By B obby McGee - May 3 - 2:26 pm

  This is my 6th Ford truck in a row, so I may be somewhat prejudiced. (Note that it actually has a 6.5 bed, but that option with the 5.4L engine was not listed.) I am sufficiently satisfied with Ford trucks in general, due to my past experience, to consider them as a "first likely brand"; but am not a "hater"of other truck brands. This F-150 has technology that was only dreamed about 5 years ago, but it is based on the reliable results that have led me repeatedly to purchase Ford trucks. Styling is exceptional and the options I most like were all ones that I thought of as "fluff"...the reverse-sensing system, heated mirrors & remote keypad. Its your choice, but consider them!

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  my T-bird for a Eddie Bauer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By LOUISE - May 3 - 2:20 pm

  I had a 2002 T-bird, loved it but wanted something new. I drove one other SUV, then I drove the Eddie Bauer. Loved it from the moment I saw the color, opened the door and it was beautiful; that was all it took. I have had it a week and I love it do not miss the T-bird thought I might. I would recommend this SUV to anyone.

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  Just Keeps Running - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By LLRinCO - May 3 - 3:15 am

  Purchased new, this Expedition just keeps running. With over 70K miles on it, we have never had a problem. It rides fine for the truck that it is, has nice features, but best of all it never fails to start or run perfectly.

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  Mile High C-MAXXing! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jackscmax - May 3 - 2:13 am

  Driving a C-Max at Denvers mile high elevation for the past two months and 1720 miles has been a very satisfying experience. CMax has performed very well in the cold (-5F to 25F) and snow delivering a consistent 37.4mpg. As spring temperatures warmed to 50-70F the mileage climbed to 45-50mpg. Driving is a 50/50 city/highway mix. With lowest mpg 29.7mpg in a blizzard and 93.3mpg on a 3 mile downhill drive from shopping. CMAX was our #1 choice over the Prius and Prius V because the Ford proved to be a better mix of mpg, driving capability and interior comfort. This car is simply fun to drive. Took it up Floyd Hill in the fast lane - nuff said. Have enjoyed every minute in this car!

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  My Baby - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jogle - May 3 - 1:42 am

  My first and only vehicle. Bought in 1997 with 9K. The seats fit me perfectly, I am 6 ft 240lb. I have 2 kids and four of us can ride fairly comfortably (my wife is 52" 115lb). I have changed the brakes, rotors, plugs and plug wires. Daily driver on average 30 miles per day. Another kid on the way may mean I have to purchase another vehicle. No matter what, I will not sell my Ranger.

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  6 years later it is finally time to go - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Stephanie m - May 2 - 8:33 pm

  This was my first car, purchased for me in high school 2012 for $7,000 with 100,000 miles on it. It is now almost 2017 with 140,000 miles and I cannot be more excited to upgrade to a new car. This car is the loudest car I have ever driven. It sounds like the engine is going to explode at all times, not just when accelerating. The rear passenger side squeaks often, along with all pieces of the inside. I cannot speak to its performance with lower mileage, but after 100k I would not take my chances.