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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  47 mph is a lie - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By fisherlcsw - June 21 - 6:56 am

  I had a 2008 civic hybred and I averaged 42 to 46 mph. I bought the C-Max because of its reported 47 mph. At 1244 miles, I have averaged 34.2 mph. Fuelly shows of 81 drivers of c-max reporting, the majority of us are 37 mph or less. Nice car but not what was advertised.

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  If oil goes up this is the car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By chines7 - June 21 - 6:16 am

  I just purchased the Ford Fusion Hybrid and everything I read at edmunds.com was correct. The fact that the air conditioner runs in EV mode, the display panel is informative and it drives like a luxury car and is very quite. I feel like Im, among other owners,ahead of the curve with this car.

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  Do some real research before buying the Fiesta. - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By M Smith - June 18 - 11:08 pm

  BEWARE! extremely poor build quality. Made in Mexico. I really want to like this car with its European design, and great economy, however, the build quality is horrible. The front shocks were no good from day one, some of the trim (fit and finish is falling apart). The Air Conditioning has been an intermittent problem from day one. Numerous trips to the dealer for service with the same "It didnt happen while it was here, so we cant/ wont fix anything.) he AC blows cold/ hot randomly and without pattern.

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  Happily surprised - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bill - June 18 - 10:40 am

  I use this car for work and am very satisfied with the mileage. Have owned Crown Vics and Marquis and this car gives me the same large sedan feel with double the mpg. Have had some issues with body rust on the doors & trunk lid. Otc brake pads last longer than original & have had to replace the front rotors recently.

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  EXCELLENT SMALL SUV FOR THE PRICE - 2003 Ford Escape
  By HDPOTTER - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle since the first of August, 2003 and I am very well pleased with most all features of the vehicle. I live in the mountains and have to travel 50 miles round trip to the nearest town and I average around 18 miles per gallon. I also went on a 350 mile trip, which was over a lot of steep mountain roads plus going through several large cities/towns and averaged 25 miles per gallon, so I am very well pleased with my gas millage. The vehicle handled very well and had all the power that I needed, either pulling out in traffic or climing the mountains/hills. I have found the vehicle to be well build and a dependable vehicle up to this point.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Barbara Ann - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I haVE ALWAYS had sport passenger cars so this was all new to me. I love driving up higher on the road now, and the handling on this SUV is great. It rides smooth, handles nicely. I am very satisfied with the truck and now I know I will never drive a passenger car ever again.

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  I needed a Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Mathias - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have the 5.4 V8, Tow, Moonroof, power rear window, 6 disk in-dash, and purchased for 28K. Now at 3500 miles there are no rattles,squeaks or wind noise. Alignment is perfect. The ride is firm. Interior quality is excellent. The seats have been raised 2-3 inches from previous models. I am relatively short (57") My feet just touch the floor. The seats took some getting used to. Low mounted door arm-rests not practical due to tall seats. Engine power is very adequate. I tow a 5,500lb boat frequently. This truck accelerates well with or without boat in tow. Truck does not deserve "suggish" ratings. Excellent quality and good performance for the price.

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  2000 Mustang Coupe - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By DSN - June 18 - 10:00 am

  A solid car. I have had zero problems. Runs strong for a V6, and I love the styling.

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  THE 2.3 ENGINE IS AMAZING!! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By josh_ph2003 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my focus this week and the fun of my life begins.The 2.3 liter engine is so powerful, considering the price! ( i got mine for $12T+) thanks with the help of tyrone and regie! I LOVE THIS CARE! IT WILL LAST FOR ME!

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  okay - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus queen - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The cars is great. Can be fast of the line, you go 50 without paying attention.and the ac is chilly. Overall i like the Focus.