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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  Terrific Car, Totally Under-rated - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Scovie - November 8 - 7:16 am

  Bought new in 2006, love it. Am so glad I did not buy another Toyota Avalon, which had expensive 3.0V6 engine problems over and over. Ford was much better bargain in purchase price and maintenance. Now it has 48,000 miles, so far, not one problem. I average 25.2-MPG driving mainly California freeway. Nobody knows what it is. Everywhere I go people comment how cool it looks which is funny, because all the magazine reviewers slammed is "boring" styling. This was a terrific buy I would recommend to anyone.

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  Expy - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Michael Gurr - November 8 - 12:47 am

  Solder issue on the speedometer tachometer board causes odometer to go on and off. There’s a diy fix but you have to remove the dash to do it. Check your plugs every 5000 Miles. These 5.4’s like to spit out the spark-plugs.

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  VERY RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE - 2011 Ford Focus
  By AS - November 7 - 8:36 am

  The 2011 Ford Focus goes down as one of the most reliable and affordable vehicle I have owned, and I have owned a few. I bought it used in 2013 with 30,000 and the only maintenance I have had is a full set of brakes and 10 oil changes in the last 15,000. It gets great gas milage, but would like if it had a larger fuel tank (only 13.5 gal). It is comfortable on long trips, and the trunk easily held the luggage for 3 people. My only regret is the color, black, but when buying used you take whats available. Over-all, I would recommend the Focus and plan to pass it down to my daughter when I am ready to buy another.

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Glenn - November 6 - 6:23 pm

  The first thing that drew us to the Ford 500 was the looks. It looked like a luxury sedan. Then we looked at the price and were hooked. The list price was very reasonable. After we saw the price my wife sat in it and we were sold. We are both over 6 tall and have been driving a Taurus for 5 years so when we sat in the Ford 500 the head room and spaciousness of the cabin convinced my wife that a change was needed. As for driving, I find it to be fun to drive and the knock on the engine to be unfair. I feel there is plenty of power for entering the freeway. This is a family sedan not a sports car. I also have not received less than 24 mpg. Having driven over 3000 miles now I am extremely happy.

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  Great Car Great Purchase - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Paul - November 5 - 1:34 pm

  This is a review of my so far experience with my new 2016 Fusion Titanium AWD. I have just shy of 1,000 miles on it and as expected with any brand or model of new car it should be flawless still at this point. I am happy to say that my Fusion is fitting that statement quite well. Time will of course be the deciding factor of my feelings for this car in the long term but at this point I am very pleased with my choice.

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  Luv my Sport Trac! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DennisA - November 4 - 8:50 pm

  I really do love this truck. It has the comfort of a big Explorer interior plus has the pickup bed to haul around my tools, etc. I am able to transport amazing piles of stuff, including sheets of plywood/sheetrock, dump runs, etc. plus I can put all of my computer gear in the back seat for secure storage/transportation. The gas mileage is OK, the ride is somewhat bouncy but overall this is a great utility vehicle for transporting the family comfortably or hauling stuff around.

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  New Experience with Ford - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Rob Covington - November 4 - 2:34 am

  Im constantly surprised by how much I enjoy my F150 truck. It has the power and comfort that makes it a pleasure to drive.

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  Murphydog - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By PJ Jumper - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I feel if you have the right style you will enjoy this vehicle.

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  Great Choice! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By NA - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have this truck! Ive had no problems and outperforms in performance, torque, and towing compaired to foreign trucks. In addition...is much less expensive!

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  Bashing - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Bob Rumley - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have driven several of the tauruss compitition. While i do agree. that the intierior needs to be refind and Upgraded. I love the way it drives handles. and performs The Duratec V/6 Jumps all over the road and eats it up.