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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  Excellent Choice - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Rich - July 10 - 12:13 pm

  Exceptional value - Had a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer with 179,000 miles that was in excellent conditioned, but decided to get a newer vehicle. The Escape has all the options except GPS (I have a portable GPS)and trailer hitch, I have just under 5,000 miles on it and averaging combined MPG of 25.4 which is well above the EPA expectations.

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  Not Another Mini-van - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Danno - July 10 - 11:09 am

  As a family of 5 and needing to replace our Honda mini-van, we drove everything we could think of. The Flex won based on the fact it didnt drive like anything else we tested. The vehicle rides great, gets decent fuel econ (18c / 23h), and has tons of room. It doesnt handle like a large vehicle which is why it is becoming the favorite car to drive even when we dont have the kids with us. The headrests and non-telescopic steering havent bothered me like other owners (5 10" tall) and I find this to be one of the most comfortable cars we have ever owned. The Sync system is outstanding but Im still learning some of the features. www.syncmyride.com has updates and useful info for owners.

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  Great engine and comfortable ride - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Java-Dprix - July 10 - 10:15 am

  I have had the car for not very long but I really enjoy it for the way it is. It drives smooth and as for the hatchback 4 doors; its a great sporty. I find out that a compact Ford now can completely beat the Japanese models markets and so on. Im renting it and as for highway rides, it drives really smooth with good performance, wonderful shifting with quiet sound. This 4 cylinder will not make me regret on driving and spending money daily on renting it. Go Ford.

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  great pony car - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By DAVID BENTLEY - July 10 - 6:26 am

  just purchased my 2009 V6 convertible mustang. it had 9500 miles when purchased. I drove it to Pensacola, Fl the next week and it drove great with good gas mileage. so far I have really enjoyed this car. the style and ride is really great. No problems at all.

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  my Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By juan f bermudez - July 9 - 1:43 pm

  I have put only 1100 miles on a coupe GT Premium. I can not stop driving; it is the best "bang for you dollar" in the market. Solid suspension comfort, power and great driving. Ford is getting the hang of what we want!

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  4.6 liters can it get any better - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By enjbriggs - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I always had my heart set on a crown vic, once I test drove one I was sold I traded in my dodge Neon and was the proud owner of a 2000 crown vic. At only 23yo I still get funny looks on road

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  A truly great car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By BOOGER - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has truly been the best car I have ever had the pleasure of owning; and I have owned a camero, a corvette, a celica, and an eclipse. I treasure every moment I drive it. Driving my Mustang has now become my favorite thing to do in life. I never liked Mustangs very much until I drove one. Then i decided to buy one. It was the best decision I have ever made.

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  XLT 4WD Premium - 2002 Ford Escape
  By TRC - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 3000 miles on the XLT Premium I bought a month ago, and am very satisified with it. The V6 has plenty of power & a solid feel. Only downside is that Im averaging just over 20 mpg at 70 mph highway speeds. The ABS brakes are very smooth. It took a few tries to get the drivers seat adjusted right, but now its comfortable even on long drives. Plenty of cargo space with the seat folded, and flipping the seats is easy. Only problem so far was with the 6-disc CD changer. I loaded a disc but it wouldnt play or eject. A stereo tech replaced it in 5 minutes and the new one works great.

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  i love my new SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By r3b3cki - July 8 - 10:38 pm

  I just bought my escape and i totally love it, from the inside out, i like thats its a suv so i can sit up higer and see traffic better as apposed to being in a car being short and all its kinda nice i can also get in and out easily with out having to do the ole heave ho action getting into my suv, it rides smooth over speed bumps and on the road. i love that it gets good gas mialage for a suv. plus its easy to drive i dont feel like im driving a boat it feels like im driving a car but im up a lil higher i highly recomend this suv to anyone!

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  Fun, Economical Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By md13485 - July 8 - 4:33 pm

  I have had my fusion almost 3 years and I can say that this is by far the best car I have ever had. Great gas mileage, comfortable ride, plenty of nice features for a lot lower price than other brands. I have heard so many bad things about 4 cylinder engines. Ok people it is possible to pass someone in a 4 cylinder. JUST LEARN TO DRIVE. Thats all the problem is. Even with the 4 cylinder this car is peppy.