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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  2016 mustang gt auto - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By nick d - July 7 - 1:20 am

  AC died at only 26k miles. you can smell the refrigerant leaking inside the car. dealer makes excuses and is trying to avoid fixing the problem.

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  most uncomfortable vehicle ever - 2017 Ford Transit Connect
  By Ken - July 6 - 5:13 am

  I have had this vehicle forced upon me by my company. DO NOT get the vinyl seats!!! If youre 511" or taller you will be uncomfortable regardless of which seats you choose. My company ordered the XL model, which is a step above the Flintstones car. It has absolutely nothing up front. If youre planning on getting shelving installed, choose very carefully and keep in mind that your workers cannot be kept to cookie cutter rules. Storage space is definitely not one size fits all. My work is not the same as Joes work so why do we have identical vehicles? I cant fit my tools in this thing because they put so many shelves in it. My tools are too big for the shelves. If you like to drive with your arm on the door you could forget it. They put this weird trim on it to give it a curved look that forces your arm forward and punishes you for trying by digging into your elbow. The armrest is too low on the door and the armrest on the seat has a mind of its own, comes out of adjustment constantly and the only way to correct it is to turn it straight up and hope you get it right on the way back down. Ive had many work vans over the last 25 years. Full size Dodge, Ford, Chevy, Mercedes, minivans and pickups, this thing is by far the least usable and most uncomfortable piece of crap Ive ever had the displeasure of sitting in.

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  Ford finally got it right! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By cincyrod - July 5 - 8:13 pm

  Im one of those people who will not (typically) consider purchasing an American car. I normally buy Hondas. However, with the price of a base model Honda Pilot selling for over $28,000, I did my homework and found a LOADED Freestyle for about the same money. What a nice car! It has everything we were looking for (3rd row seating, dvd player, leather, etc.) without having to purchase a large SUV or a minivan. We love this vehicle! My only complaint is the fact that the roof rails are not made to hold anything; they are there simply there for aesthetic value. Basically, the roof rails are unable to accommodate a roof luggage/cargo carrier.

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  bellissima macchina! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By vaccamucca - July 5 - 10:00 am

  i bought the zx5 in late july and have just over 600 mi. i love it! i had a honda accord and a nissan sentra but this is the best by far. it seems so sporty and refined

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  Love My Scape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mrs Nose - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I moved up from a Suzuki Side Kick. I just love my Ford Escape! It is so easy to drive and has "get up and go". My husband has a Ford F150 4x4 and he loves driving my Scape too. The Escape gets very good gas mileage.

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  Vibrations - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Samuel L Orlando - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I took this vehcle to the dealer on July 7, 2003 for vibrations at 45 to 50 mph. They checked front end alignment, tire balance, replaced rear end, drive shaft, u-joints and engine and the vehicle still has the vibrations. Ford has offered to replace the vehicle with a like model and forgive the mileage. I have submitted a request for arbitration under the Lemon Law. I have found that Customer Service from the corporate office, customer service and local dealer to be disgustingly indifferent.

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  Solid - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jamie1968 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Solid vehicle with a solid reliability history I also have a Toyota Highlander and for about the same money I believe the Highlander is a better suv

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  Fun and practical - 2006 Ford Focus
  By JamieB - July 5 - 2:56 am

  This is the third Focus Ive driven and again, I am impressed with its bang for the buck. The Focus handles well and has a nice peppy engine, particularly with the standard transmission. I "downgraded" from a very nice VW Jetta to a new Focus and must say that the Focus is more fun to drive and handles just as well as my $27K Jetta! And is so much cheaper to maintain. My only complaint is with the sound system, which is a little muffled sounding compared to what you might find in a more luxury-style car. If you just want a practical, reliable ride to work and around town thats fun, this is it!

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  Ford gets it right - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By sold on x-overs - July 4 - 10:03 pm

  Finally, a Ford interior thats attractive. Friends couldnt believe we bought a Ford, but once they see it, they understand why. Yes, it could be a bit more powerful, but the negative reviews regarding this aspect are overdone. What about the great gas mileage this cross-over gets with gas prices where they are? Looked at Cadillac SRX, Acura MDX and Lexus, and no question this is the best value - better gas mileage, more spacious, thousands cheaper. The Limited is loaded with luxurious features and the third row wins hands down relative to competitors. Safety features and ratings excellent as well. Glad to see the company utilizing technology from its luxury brands. Keep up the good work Ford!

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  Want XLT with REAR SEATS - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By WGcrafts - July 4 - 2:03 am

  I test drove (50 miles)the Ford Transit Connect XL Van. I was hoping to get a XLT with rear seats during the car clunker program. I really liked the Transit Connect. It handled very good. I do not plan to use this for long trips - power was sufficient for my 30 miles and less trips. I plan to use this in my Craft/Show business. My 22x15x12 inch folding top boxes (24+ ) fit perfectly in the XL. I need this to be Parkway legal so rear seats are a must. NO information was available (online, at dealer, parts department detail sheets, booklets) if the seats can be removed. NO XLTs are available in my area to see rear seats. Now clunker program is gone I can wait using my Chevy Astro Van for now