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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  Speedy - 2001 Ford Escape
  By smitch - August 18 - 2:00 am

  My Escape has been 100% dependable. The AWD sure is nice in the Wisconsin winters. I have switched to AWD at speeds up to 50 MPH without a glich. The V-6 engine is peppy enough for me. I dont go around "chirping tires" but its easy to do on this vehicle. During this past winter the low coolant light came on, and the coolant wasnt low. I never did get a good explanation on that one.

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  Ford Explorer NBX - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JECouey - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Had the NBX for just a couple of months when we took a "shortcut" home; that is, almost 50 miles of a deeply rutted muddy road in El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico in mid- February. I did not think we were going to make it, but we did. The locals thought we were crazy as most folks drive on the road in the early morning when it is frozen over and hard. The only drawback is you have to be careful to clean all the mud off the wheels or they become unbalanced at high speeds (over 60 mph). My wife and kids love the car - high visibility, lots of rooms, lots of storage, and it looks good (Mineral Gray).

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  Great ride - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Buzz - August 17 - 8:00 pm

  Ive had it for almost 3 months now and its still fun to drive. Instant power and handling response is awesome. Previously been driving a 4 cylinder 2.4 liter PT Cruiser but this time I wanted something with more power, at least a V6 engine. I was thinking of Lexus IS350 this time but that costs considerably more. I buy my vehicles through military car sales so I had a limited choices in what I can buy. Luckily they had one blue Ford Fusion Sport in stock. At first I was skeptical about the color but the color grows on you more and more. I am totally satisfied with my 2010 Ford Fusion Sport purchase. I think this car definitely has value. I no longer wish for the other car.

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  Superior to minivans - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jeff Adams - August 17 - 3:56 pm

  Weve owned a 1998 Silhouette and loved it. We then bought a 2004 Freestar, but hated it. Bad gas mileage, uncomfortable, noisy. This Freestyle is a blast to drive, is quiet, comfortable, and its so sure-footed. Strangers stare and even ask, "What is that?" Yes, its got an expensive look and feel, yet its priced right. Also, its easy to get in and out of, has an unbelievably tight turning radius, and the gas mileage is impressive. I thoroughly checked out the Highlander, Durango, Pacifica, MDX, Trail Blazer, XL7, Explorer, 4 Runner, Pathfinder, and others. In my opinion, the Freestyle is the most impressive Ford out there, and it leaves most of its competitors behind overall.

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  Fun to drive & great safety features - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mark - August 17 - 8:43 am

  I bought the SES because of the standard fun stuff, plus the availability of ABS and side curtain airbags. The Pirelli tires on 16 inch rims are an added bonus.

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  best car for the money - 1998 Ford Contour
  By tom k - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Contour used in 2000. Highway milaege is around 26 mpg. I have a 2.0 I-4. Engine is quite peppy. Car is better than Civic od Corolla for lower price. It was designed in Germany. I test drove 200 hp Taurus SEL abd I still prefere my Contour. It has better feel behind the wheel. Ford did not introduce new Mondeo/Contour to US, which was a STUPID MOVE. As they do not offer next model I will have to buy Honda Accord.

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  Ford Taurus, Mistake - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Moz - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Since the day I purchased this car I have problems. Starting with dealership, they played with numbers. wrote Ford a few times made several calls but useless. They do not cooperate have no control over the dealers. A few months later the keyless entry failed, AC fan making noise. The car sometimes hesitiates to pickup. Recently a dealer said it is a fuel filter, cost about $70, but it was not the problem. Complain to Ford again, customer service is polite but dealer again did not care what they are saying and what you are saying. Devalue more that 50% in less than 3 years with 25K miles. I would never let anyone buy Ford if I can.

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  New Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Marc Throop - August 17 - 2:00 am

  As a new Windstar owner, I find this the most comfortable and enjoyable ride of any past minivan that we have owned. The middle and rear seating areas have a large abundance of leg room and the driver area is also very spacious. Being taller than the average person, I am more than satisfied with the purchase of this vehicle.

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  not gooood - 1998 Ford Escort
  By LikesALittleMonster - August 16 - 7:06 am

  man i got a 98 with 50k and all ready MAIN Body Frame rusting (inside under Fenders) engine loud as hell, drive is horroble, inside look - looks like from a STONE AGE when ppl live in caves, seat are SUPER UNCONFTEBLE my back hurts from 10 min drive in em, its got a nice out side look ill give a + to that and the rest is horoble a sport car with 130 horse and inside looks like crap

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  Excellent find - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tony - August 16 - 6:30 am

  A perfect fit for a tall family - lots of elbow and leg room . Our first voyage was 300 mi and not a complaint from anyone . Handles great and fuel consumption was acceptable for a full size car . Interior was very comfortable as was the ride - the dual climate zone is a marriage saver and the heated seats make for a very cozy ride in the winter months . After driving the AWD version , I wouldnt be happy with anything less