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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  Just Awesome!!! - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By sooners88 - April 22 - 6:12 am

  After driving a BMW for the past 12 years, I am extremely please with the new 2011 Ford Explorer. Detroit (Ford) has finally caught up with the Japanese and German auto manufacturer. It drives like a luxury sedan and the limited option has all the bells and whistles that you ever wanted.

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  Dream Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By fordmustang_27 - April 21 - 8:05 pm

  Simple put iv wanted this car since i was ten years ole. A couple months before i was old enough to drive i finally bought her. I got a 2002 mustang gt 5 speed manuel. Its a beatiful shade of red that goes perfectly with the edgy body style it boosts. I bought her with 62,000 miles. In the 4 months I had her i already dropped 3 grand into her with tasteful modifications. i put slp headers, bassani cat back which sounds awesome. tint in the back and chrome salean 5 star lug wheels. Also a couple other chrome accesories and looks sick as hell. Car turns heads everywhere i go. I get so much attention for it and i love her. sound system sounds good and performance is great. Great car.

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  A Believer... - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By the_fusionator - April 21 - 4:36 pm

  I was a raised a die hard chevy boy. But as you get older and more mature you become a little more open minded when you get away from home and start to become your own person. I am only 21 but i have had 3 GM cars and loved them all and i still do have a pontiac. My wife needed a new car so we started looking and she said that she likes the fusions styling. And i agreed i have liked the fusions since they have came out and the 2011s are awesome. So i broke down and bought a loaded out SEL last weekend and so far i do not regret it we average 31 mpg mixed driving! I bought the candy red mettallic with 17" wheels and the chrome grille and its definetly a big head turner wherever we go.

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  1st time truck owner - 2011 Ford F-150
  By carstryke - April 21 - 2:22 pm

  Hello, I am a 1st time truck owner and i am extremely satisfied. Loaded her up with $3000 worth of acessories and only have 80km on her so far. Opted for the 5.0 over the ecoboost only because of the current inventory.

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  Like Fords of old - 2011 Ford Edge
  By krbabble - April 21 - 1:32 pm

  Years ago we owned a Ford Crown Victoria. Great road car. Solid feel about it. Our new Edge has those same qualities but with all the modern conveniences. Love the My Touch system, the blind spot side mirrors, and the great seats. Even my wife, who does not like leather, loves the heated front seats. So glad we went for the Limited with the memory features. My wife is 11 inches shorter than me but the memory makes finding our driving positions easy. We have owned many new cars and this one is one of the best, if not the best, ever.

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  Another Great Flex - 2011 Ford Flex
  By charliedee - April 20 - 8:37 am

  I purchased an 09 Ford FLex Limited in 2009. Made the mistake of trading for 2011 Ford Explorer. Ok car, but wasnt what I had expected. Kept it 2 months, trade back for a 2011 Ford FLex Titanium. Ah, yes, back to my good ole Flex again. My 2009 Flex is the ONLY car that I have ever owned that was problem free. I am confident that my new one will be the same.

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  2011 Explorer - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By david_tx - April 19 - 6:52 am

  We ordered our XLT in January, and took delivery in early March. We have 5k miles on it now, and are very happy with it. The quality and comfort is much, much better than any Ford we have owned previously. Interior sound levels are wonderfully quiet, and ride is firm but comfortable. Stability is much better than previous explorer models. Seats are very comfortable -- even on long road trips. Rear seats (both rows) fold completely flat, which is perfect for loading cargo or hauling the family dog pack. The standard V6 has ample power, and we still get over 22 mpg with mostly highway driving. Good job, Ford!

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  Could be better - I made a costly mistake! - 2010 Ford Edge
  By luggnutt - April 18 - 10:00 pm

  I was taken by the exterior styling and should have been more careful and taken more time before jumping in with both feet. I should have gone with my head instead of my heart. The transmission is terrible (inconsistant shifting), the cabin area seems confined, materials seem cheap and interior is outdated, gas mileage leaves much to be desired, engine seems sluggish but could be due to the lousy transmission. Visability is poor especially when backing up. Seats are not that comfortable after being in the saddle for awhile. If I had it to do over, I would do like my brother-in-law did and get a Dodge Journey. More comfort, more storage, better performance, 3rd row seat option, same size.

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  Ford Tough! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By houdonit - April 17 - 9:05 pm

  I bought my XP used with a Lot of miles on it so I expected some problems and I did have some. First there were some electrical issues which I fixed by putting in a new windsheild. Then there was a starter problem. But thats it. It was going on 200,000 miles when when I was driving with my 3 year old and a lady ran a red light and plowed into us. I am buying another one for how it did in that accident alone.

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  2009 Escape Limited a problem - 2009 Ford Escape
  By steve_r2 - April 17 - 3:04 pm

  Since taking ownership of this vehicle and 50,000 miles later this Ford Escape has over 12,000 dollars of repairs and that includes labor. Three and a half transmission and a rebuild motor within the first 40,000 miles. Overall I like the vheicle but Ive lost confidence in Ford motor company. I bought this vehicle to support the american auto industry and Ford because they refused Obama hand out. I continues to have problem on a mouthly basis. Who wants a lemon?