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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  Japan Car Fan Buys Ford-Friends in Shock - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Car Nuntz - July 29 - 3:14 pm

  Our criteria for a car, performance, braking, handling, and comfort without breaking the bank. Plus we need to both fit (she is short and I am tall)The melted down soap designs are boring along with the performance. But our surprise and complete shock was the Mustang in California Special trim. Absolutely beautiful to look out and the build quality was equal to anything we investigated.But to our shock and surprise, the car was comfortable quiet, and performed beyond expectations. Not a sports car (watch that live rear axle) but for an everyday driver, we now race for the keys in the morning. Gas mileage hurts a little, but its hard not to step on the gas for an ear to ear grin

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  Absolutely Love It - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By blu - July 29 - 3:03 pm

  Absolutely love my I-4 6 speed manual 2010 Fusion S. I only have about 800 miles on it and I average 33 mpg in mixed driving conditions. For a 4 cyl it is snappy and a lot of fun. I really like the external body style changes they made to the front end in 2010. I believe for 2010 they also went from a 2.3 liter 4 cyl to a 2.5 liter. Mine is the basic S model but it still has everything I need and doesnt lack in style or design. I would highly recommend this car to anyone and I recommend test driving a 4 cyl and a 6 cyl. Prior to this purchase I was adamant about a 6 cyl but test driving the manual 4 cyl changed my mind. I also test drove a Camry and several Malibus both 4 and 6 cyl.

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  Best By Far - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jason - July 29 - 11:55 am

  We bought the Flex after our Dodge Nitro was returned as a lemon. The Flex, which cost us about 3k more than the Nitro, is so much nicer I cannot put it into words. The ride is ultra quiet and interior feels very upscale. We test drove the Acadia, Traverse, Pilot and Highlander and the Flex stood out. Gas mileage on an all highway trip was 26mpg+. Averaging 19+ around town. Telescoping steering wheel would have been nice, but I can adjust the seat to accomodate (62"). 2nd row is huge. Love this car, I would definitely recommend.

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  great - 2000 Ford Focus
  By pasdgas - July 29 - 10:00 am

  been a great car

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  Pony Xpress - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By EGKstang - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my second GT Mustang, my first being a 97GT. The 99+ defiantly has more power. I love this car, the leather seats are comfortable and it is very friendly and easy to drive, lots of power too!!! Everything is easy to reach and the styling inside and out is great. More bang for your buck, you can buy a Mustang GT, mod it out and still be cheaper than a Camaro SS and blow them away. Overall, great car, I love it!

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  Fords Go-Kart - 2003 Ford Focus
  By -J D - - July 29 - 10:00 am

  "Fun for under $20K" ~ Its a great package for the $ price. Handling and stopping is tops on my list. Its not a drag car, but the six speed Getrag transmission is gear-ed for back country roads with lots of curves. Its a super everyday driver with good performance for a 2 liter engine with 170 hp. "SVT" did a great conversion on the Focus to make it a fun car to drive and own. If your looking for a sports compact car I would drive them all and include the "SVT Focus" on my list. I did and I am happy with my purchase. Got to go ~ ===========> Oh, `be safe and race @ the track "ok" : )

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Steve H - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Since the day I got it I have had so much pleasure and comfort from this vehicle. Ford is getting better!

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  Enjoyment Year Around - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Firefighter_4607 - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I own a crew cab and it has been the best investment I have ever made on a vehcile. I own a 2001 F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 with the 5.4L engine. I also have every option you can get. I have been really impressed with the 5.4L performance and it doesnt get the best mileage but it is well worth the extra money in fuel. I drove this rig from Geogria to Washington State and I thought the ride quality and the seat comfort was great.I would recommend this vechile to anyone.

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  Great Team! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Cory23 - July 29 - 7:19 am

  Our experience to get the car we have always wanted was more than met at sunset ford in Waterloo. David Zellerman was the salesman we worked with and did everything he could possibly do to make us happy and get the deal done. I couldnt have asked for a better person to help us out. We thank you for everything and we will for sure be buying the rest of our vehicles from sunset ford in Waterloo.

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  My Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By jaredb - July 28 - 11:37 pm

  I liked the Taurus from the first time I saw it. Not impressed with the gas mileage though. I average 18mpg. The engine is strong, smooth ride, plenty of interior room and trunk space, nice stitching on the seats. The stitching is darker than the camel color seats I have which makes cleaning easier. The trunk space has as much room as my 2007 Explorer minus the height. I am totally satisfied with this vehicle.