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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  A true sports car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SpunkyJivl - September 26 - 4:53 pm

  Brisk acceleration, razor sharp handling, and crisp brakes that will haul you down like an F-18 landing on a carrier. All these traits embody a true sports car ethos. This car is an absolute BLAST to drive, and BEGS to be driven - even getting groceries is fun. Value is definitely at the top of the list. HID headlights, Traction Control, power moon roof, 6 speed silky-smooth transmission, heated Recaro leather seats... the list goes on and on. You will not find another car on the market with these options for the 15k I stole mine at. If you find one, snatch it up!

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Jaje38 - September 25 - 4:46 pm

  Got 1400 miles so far, took on 800 mile trip, great ride,very quiet on the road. A little disappointed in the fuel mileage, 21 tops on road.

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  This cant be a FORD! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By John Mood - September 25 - 4:06 pm

  We have owned our 500 LTD AWD for a month. Absolutely LOVE it. Went to N.H. last weekend and averaged 26.6 mpg highway. Had a "glitch" with the Nav system the first morning. Temp was in the mid 30s. Its been OK since. Also a squeak developed in the right rear tire area while we were up north. Other than these two things , the car runs great, looks great, and most people CANT believe its a Ford.

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  222,000 miles and still going! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By newbie - September 25 - 2:45 pm

  Yes, can you believe it! 222,000 miles on this thing, and I am still driving it! I bought this car in 2000 with about 30,000 miles on it, and have had to replace NOTHING under the hood except spark plugs, spark wires, filters - just regular tune-up stuff! I had also purchased a 2005 Focus - but I like my Contour much better. Comfort and interior style were lacking in my Focus. Love this car - I would definitely buy another if they were only still made...

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  "Simply the Best" - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Matt&Sara - September 25 - 7:54 am

  We test drove every full size SUV out there and it came down to the Expedition and the Tahoe. The interior and over all features the Expedition offered was far superior to the Tahoe. We love this SUV and it fits perfectly into our Family and have no regrets. I highly recommend driving this vehicle and comparing. Get it loaded with everything.

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  39 Thousand miles today 1.5 years - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sparkman7x7 - September 24 - 4:13 pm

  Little red jewel leather seating love it 32 to 39 MPG never below 32 Im 6 ft 300lbs it rides great been on 5 1000 mile trips 2500 miles a week to work and back lots of room for me the wife and our poodle second set of tires no problems at all better than Honda or Toyotas we have had drive one before decide on a small car did I mention it has more leg room than any other small car we looked at, and that is pretty much all of them...

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  Love my black betty - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Black Betty - September 24 - 2:43 am

  You do sit low to the ground. It is a head turner. Just shut up and drive.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ChristaK - September 23 - 11:09 am

  Its noisy. It rides rough. Its uncomfortable on long trips. Its great on gas. It looks great. It has not let me down. I wouldnt trade it for another.....Unless it was a newer one. This is my second one. Its all mine. And its payed off!

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  WOW! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By leis1965 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Thats all I can say--WOW! This car is a dream come true for me.I read other reviews and was concerned about two things--a "rough" drive and the seats being comfortable. Shes a smooth ride, and the seats are the more comfortable than any other car Ive had or been in. This car has a lot of "get up and go" for a 6 cylinder, and Im impressed at how fast it responds. My only concern is the cost to insure this car--I couldnt find a quote below $90 a month, and I have an excellent driving record. Otherwise, this car is a dream come true!

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  Love my focus!!!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By lucyjo - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd focus, went from a Ferrari (divorce), to a Tracker, damaged by a "Hummer"... to my "FOCUS"...leased the 1st one, bought the 2nd one loved it so much!! GREAT CAR!!! 5** "GET ONE"!!! :)