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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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Rick P - December 14 - 2:26 am

  I just bought this car and it is great. Mileage and comfort were my two main driving factors for a new car. This car gives a great value proposition. I test drove the Malibu, Impala, 300 and Charger and still chose the Fusion. The Charger/300 was a close second but was $4,000 more for basically the same features. The pop up storage on the dash is cool. I didnt need the sunroof but basically got it throw in after I completed the deal with the dealership.

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  Not a bad little car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By larrh7 - December 13 - 11:27 am

  This isnt a bad little car. It isnt a 10 or even a 9. Now think of it. Bo was a 10. Like everyone else it should have a trunk release. How stupid can you be Ford. The seating is great for my short wife. She can see out rather well. I fit in just fine to and Im 6 235. The milage isnt what it should be. My wife just drives at around 60 and she hasnt gotten 30MPG yet like people on here are claiming. They should be able to get better than this with the poochy 4 cylinder. I have an old 95 Corrola that has 150000 on it and it get 37 MPG. Like I said this isnt a bad little car for the money but it isnt a 10.

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  Inexpensive & reliable - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jay Tode - December 13 - 9:13 am

  Purchased in 2005 as a second vehicle with 78,000 miles. Had several Thunderbirds in the past with no problems. This vehicle has done better than expected. Other than tires, brakes and a battery, I had no maintenance issues until I hit 128000. then I needed to replace the brake master cylinder and developed a leak in the radiator. V8 is responsive and I can get 20 on the highway if I keep it at 70 mph. Just sold it to my brother and I bought an 03 Explorer XLT with 60k miles. Hope it does as well. When reading other reviews, it seems people have no problems or the car is a nightmare.

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  Very Nice - 2017 Ford Escape
  By J McLeod - December 13 - 8:40 am

  I have owned a 2017 AWD Escape SE 2.0L Turbo since July 2016 - ordered from the factory with a tow hitch and Sync 3. Overall I have really enjoyed driving it, although having owned Toyoto vehicles most of my life there were a few things I have had to get used to. I found the front drivers seat immediately problematic, but after analyzing the situation (my back problems paired with a seat with too many possible adjustments), I eventually resolved it with some supplemental seat cushions and a more comfortable driving position. Once this was resolved, I began to more appreciate the many positive aspects of the SUV. Excellent fit and finish, great acceleration (with the the 2.0), rear seats that fold nearly flat, good ground clearance, a stable, comfortable ride, and a useful and intuitive Sync 3 audio interface. Urban mileage is 20-21, but highway MPG varies a lot depending on speed. On a long interstate highway trip at 75 MPH, I averaged about 23 MPG but at 70 it increased to 27 MPG. If you could tolerate highway driving at 60, I am sure your mileage would be even better. I noticed no difference in mileage using premium fuel. A few design changes that I would make: 1) swap the interior fan buttons (left switch decreases rather than increases fan speed); 2) redesign the steering column so that it does not extend into the drivers legroom; 3) redesign the swoopy dash to allow the driver more legroom; 4) make push-button start standard (a conventional key ring full of keys touches the drivers leg in its current position) 5) lose the cheesy front-side chromed ornaments

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By freestylephil - December 12 - 5:47 pm

  Bought it used with 23k on it. My wife & I have put a little over 1000 on it and we are very pleased! The mileage is unbelievable for a vehicle this size. Averages about 21.5mpg around town and on a recent trip got 30.8mpg running 55- 75 with mostly 65mph ranging from 5,000ft - 6,5000ft elevation. Rides very nice and everyone likes the layout and comfort. Visibility is good and I like the 6CD player.For the $15,000 we paid I would feel guilty expecting. anything more from it.

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  Ride it my pony! - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By GIR - December 12 - 10:06 am

  I love this car! Handles great, pretty good acceleration and beautiful exterior! Big trunk small opening though. Front seats very comfortable, rear seats lack leg room. I love to fire it up and listen to it growl, sounds awesome when you step on it and it screams. Lots of after market parts make this a fun father son project! Go American muscle!

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  Still truckin - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mispinla - December 12 - 12:03 am

  Its almost a year later since my last review. I have a true love hate realtionship with this car. I love its reliability but hate driving a ten year old car. Overall, Ive gotten my moneys worth out of it. I now have almost 170,000 miles on it and this year have only had to buy tires and an altenator besides the regular matinence of course. I drive about 40 miles to and from work M-F. Everythings working on the car right now and has all year. It still starts without applying gas and can keep up in the fast lane. Plan to keep it until the wheels roll off (Id feel wasteful buying one if not necessary). At this rate Ill be driving it until Im ready for retirement (in about 25 years!)

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  Mod head - 1998 Ford Contour
  By maddog53 - December 11 - 2:03 pm

  This car is one of the best I have ever owned. It is very easy to modify it and repairs are relitively cheap. (except the starter) it is a very good car for a teen as it is fast fun yet insurance is still low because it is a 4 door and cops will not think it is a perfomance car

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  Decent car if you got money to fix it - 1996 Ford Probe
  By myname2617 - December 9 - 6:50 pm

  I bought my SE 2 years ago and it has been burning oil ever since. Fortunately by adding about a quart a week Ive been able to keep it running. It is very very fun to drive. I work at a Nissan dealer so Ive gotten to drive a 350Z, and I think my Probe handles better. It does have an upgraded suspension and has been lowered by 2 inches, so that helps. I have also always put high performance all season tires on it. Im not given enough letters to explain all the things Ive had to, or that I need to do. I think itll be cheaper to get a V6 and transmission rather than trying to replace everything under the hood thats going bad. Overall its a great car if you are prepared to fix it all the time.

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  Good choose - 2008 Ford Focus
  By smitty - December 9 - 9:13 am

  We like our Focus. The mileage is 41 highway & 30 city, very good for an automatic. Have a squeak in suspenison is hand brake cable in hanger in front of rear axle. Ford has a fix a new grommet. We think it is a very good buy for the price. Looked at Toyota, Nissan, Vibe, Mazda