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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  LOOK OUT WE ARE COMING DOWN THE ROAD - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By BETTY ARMSTRONG - August 4 - 5:47 am

  I bought my car used, it is a beautiful car. Whoever ordered it before me, had the right idea. I have RED leather seats, highlighted with black dash -black exterior

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  Ford Sleeper - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By John Gonsalves - August 4 - 4:20 am

  I am 58 year old "car junkie" -- have owned over 100 cars of all makes, foreign & domestic. Until now my favorite cars were a 1965 Olds 442 & a 1994 Ford Taurus SHO MTX. My wife & I presently own a Ford Hybrid, Nissan Titan, Volvo C70 & the Freestyle. This Freestyle blew me away -- it has all the power needed, handles like a sports car, incredible in snow, good gas mileage average 23-28, versatile interior (can carry a 10 ladder inside), & a unique, attractive look. The car continues to draw attention from young & old alike.

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  Love my Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By lori - August 3 - 10:13 pm

  I used to own a Honda civic. When I got rid of that my husband brought me a Focus from the dealership he worked at. I drove it the first time and realized what better pick up it has and better get up and go for going up hills. The Honda seemed to struggle with hills but not my Focus! More comfortable for my long legs. Being 6 foot tall, its hard to find a comfortable car. The Focus fits me well with room behind me for somebody to sit.

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  Nice SUV, poor transmission - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WRH - August 3 - 3:40 pm

  My second Explorer and my second bout with a poorly designed transmission. I like everything else about the vehicle, plenty of power, great auto 4WD system, comfortable, solid, tight, great in snow, and with the 3rd row seat, lots of room for our 4 teenagers. Rear axle seal needed replacement at 75K miles (minor expense) and rear wheel bearing needed replaced at 80K miles (major expense). I attribute these faults to the SUVs first year spent as a rental car.

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  Love my new Focus hatchback! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By marymac2 - July 31 - 7:15 am

  Ive had my new Focus hatchback for 2 weeks and I love it. It is so much fun to drive and I love the voice and Sync features. The only negative is no surprise, its not for long-legged people. A tall person might be fine in the front and theres plenty of head room, but definitely no in the back seat. Im only 54 so its great for me. I do a lot of city driving, so my mpg has been about 28 so far, but thats a lot better than my old car. Looking forward to taking a trip in it next week.

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  What a surprise, this Ford Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Raghu Chary - July 31 - 6:13 am

  Bought this car a couple of days ago. Was looking for a mid-sized Hybrid and there were really only 2 options, Camry and Fusion. Altimas is not available in VA. Tested Camry (fully loaded - nav/leather) first, was extremely disappointed. Bad drive (shudders),cheap interior,lousy console and would connect iphone (for music) in only Aeroplane mode! Seating felt very odd, felt driver seat was high, like driving a SUV. Still decided to buy (must buy a Hybrid), but also decided to check out Fusion. Went to the dealer and in 2 minutes I knew I wanted to buy this car. Much better drive, great interior, great nav and audio, a lot of small extras (check out the bliss). Congrats Ford. You did it!

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  my first new car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By dreami1969 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I think that the only thing that i have a problem with is that the trunk has rusted inside, so when it rains the water runs into the trunk, mildew smell comes out of the A.C. unit when we turn it on and the passanger side door panel is coming off, other than that we love the car.

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  svt focus review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By motohead - July 30 - 10:00 am

  ive owned my svt focus for a year now and i am glad it came with a warranty. the first visit to the shop cost about 1,300 bucks. it was all covered under the warranty including the tires that needed to be replaced because of a deffect in the sidewall cracking.

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  Better than my Cherokee - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Douglas Jr - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Be sure to replace all four tires when in need, otherwise the fourwheel drive system shows a slight vibration. Fixed easily with new tires.

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  Truely Abused and Going Strong - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ZippyDevoid - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The new design is top notch, congrats Ford. I have been towing a 6000 lb boat each weekend this Summer of 400+ miles (10.5 MPG). Plenty of power, new independent suspension is awesome, rear axle sways (&bounces) when towing - expected though since it is no longer a solid axle. Hiway MPG avg is 19. Turning radius is better then previous years. The lower center of gravity is noticable when cornering. It looks like we are going to keep this one for awhile.