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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  500 Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By ja2858 - July 19 - 11:33 am

  This is a great car! Although we have a small clunk in the rear passenger side when going over a bump, I think this is one of the better built cars I have owned. Very solid feel and very distinguished looks. This car is a real head turner and a pleasure to drive.

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  Terrible Fuel Mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sabrinakrouse - July 19 - 6:06 am

  I purchased the Ford C-Max to replace my Toyota Pruis, hoping for compareable gas mileage. Sticker stated 47 MPG and I am currently getting 33 MPG, very disappointing!!! I am experienced hybrid driver and have tried all the recommended suggestions to get the MPG to go up...not driving above 60MPH, not accelerating to aggressively...ECT. Very very sorry that I purchased the Ford C-max. I have 2 kids and do alot of driving and have sacrificed room for the gas mileage, if I would have known that I was going to get this MPG I could have gotten a small SUV and had the room that I am missing.

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  Ford 500 Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JO - July 19 - 5:50 am

  When I first saw the new 500 I had to go test drive them. We drove the SEL and the Limited. I noticed the difference between cloth and leather and decided to purchase the top of the line Limited. I have had nothing less than a great experience so far. I have even had people come up to me and ask me all about it. Ive even had people, when stopped at a stop light pull up along side me & wave to get my attention. I open the window and they say wow is that the new Ford? I thought it was a Mercedes until I got closer and saw the Ford emblem. My car is the Merlot Metallic Red with Pebble leather interior and the controls on the steering wheel make it easier to change different things. Love It!

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  Best one yet - 2008 Ford Escape
  By rclvnv - July 18 - 11:06 pm

  I continue to be impressed with the look and feel of quality I percieve in this vehicle.I drove both the 4cyl and the 6 cyl, and frankly didnt see that the difference in power was significant enough to justify the extra price or lower mpg of the 6 cyl.The interior, a camel color is very well done, and I like the Light Sage Clearcoat color of the paint, as well.I live in a hot climate, so light colors are best, but I was very tired of white, the green is a welcome change. The car is very quiet, so far.

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  Ford - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By erty - July 18 - 8:56 pm

  Excellect vehicle

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  GT 500 - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Rick Yarling - July 18 - 5:46 pm

  I was one of a few owners that had a complete engine failure at 211 miles. It has been the greatest Mustang I have ever owned. I have entered it into 3 shows taking 2 thirds and one first place. It is a real head turner and eats Corvettes!

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  I love this car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Darryn Dunn - July 18 - 1:10 pm

  I was looking for a car with Class, Plenty of room, Beautiful Design and Long lasting. I found all of this and more in my Ford 500 Limited. The body style has not changed in the time I brought it, giving me the feel of still having a new car. I like the refer to my car as the poor mans Maybach!

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  Vehicle still new - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By C G Stockton - July 18 - 11:00 am

  I have had the car for only one month but then that is as long as it has been on the market here in Houston. I am impressed with the acceleration, handling and for a vehicle in the economy class, quietness of ride. I had an 2002 Impala and I believe the car to be superior in most respects.

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  My thoughts on the Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Nick Eliades - July 18 - 6:56 am

  We have gone on a couple short trips and found the car very comfortable, roomy, and with many pockets for drinks, maps and papers. The 3 liter engine is just fine with the 6 speed transmission.

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  Great American Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dbgoff - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Ford Mustang is top notch in every aspect. From the great power to the comfort in the seating. I have the 5 speed manual tranny in the model I bought, and the 4.6 litre v8 pulls with enthusiasm. All the powe amenities are standard and the car is built in Dearborn, Mi so I keep with American quality. For the price I got into this car, 21,000 after all said and done, I dont believe it can be beat for that money. Great car.