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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  Great new Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Fasteddt6 - May 23 - 3:16 am

  My Sonic Blue GT Premuim is a FUN car to drive.It brings back memories of my 72 Mustang.FORD is right on track with this one!

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  Piorun - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Artur Helman - May 20 - 11:06 pm

  All you can read in the broshure is true with small adjustmant. Handling is good but faar from a sport car. Overall fun to drive. Money well spend.

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  Passed on an Accord for a Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Scot - May 20 - 12:20 pm

  I compared the Fusion to the Camry and Accord. It drove better than both and was priced less than a Hyundai. Im a first time Ford owner, and am very pleased so far. The seats are extremely comfortable, fun to drive, great features. Im getting 30 MPG according to the trip computer in mixed around town and highway driving. Ive never owned a car that attracted so many positive comments. It looks and drives like a much more expensive car. If my car budget was $10K higher than it was, Id still buy this car. Ford has a winner with the Fusion!

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  2014 Fusion Hybrid at 22K Miles - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - May 19 - 12:06 pm

  This is an update from my initial review, which I placed at about 12K miles. My usage has been consistent, with a mix of congested city, rural two-lane, and high speed interstate driving, in temperature ranging from 20 F to 118 F. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. I have had the oil changed twice, and the tires rotated once via Ford dealer. No squeaks, rattles or other maladies have appeared. No fluid additions required. My other observations at 12K still apply, so this update may be helpful to potential purchasers because my experience is now based on 22K of driving in all conditions.

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  Awesome Job Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By SAC - May 19 - 9:26 am

  I bought this car looking for something stylish and sporty, but I drive 100 miles per day. I had not considered this car because I was looking to increase my average by at least 10 mpg over the 25 mpg I was averaging with my old car. When I test drove this car which was rated at 32 mpg highway I watched the computer on the dash, with the cruise set at 65 mph, climb to 36 mpg. Sold! The car is tight. It is a little underpowered with the 4 cylinder, but that is the trade off for the gas mileage. One of my other car is a 2004 Corvette, so that my have a little to do with the power issue. It is a great value for what you get on the car. This is going to be a great commuter car.

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  over all its great vehicle - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tony Moon - May 18 - 10:50 am

  None

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  Disappointed - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ickaris - May 17 - 4:04 am

  I purchased the 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE in June of 2014 and have since driven 9,000 miles. To be fair, I do think the ride is fine. It has decent leather, and appearance. But to be blunt, you will not get 47 mpg city/highway in normal conditions. Driving uphill, against the wind, or with the heater or AC turned on. It will all draw more power than it can keep charged. I was sitting in a drive through waiting on my food and was watching what happened with a fully charged battery. The electric mode would not engage with the heater running. I always have a 97%-100% brake score and watch my acceleration trying to improve efficiency. I have reached up to 60 mpg on 3 mile trips, and have also h

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  Dont believe the car magazines! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim Triebwasser - May 17 - 2:30 am

  Dont believe the car magazines! This car/wagon is a great car for those with kids or have a lot to carry. The flip and fold seats provide an unlimited way of configuring the interior. We got the 6 passenger, with 2nd row center console, and DVD. The power is pretty good, but who is going to go 100 mph with the kids in it? It is a great remake of the Ford 500 wagon. The car handles well, and the ride is super. We came out of a E150 Chateau van, and have not had any problem with all the "stuff" we want to carry.

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  Fusion = Fun, Function, & Style - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Reece - May 16 - 3:53 pm

  Glad I happened to stop by the Ford dealer after shopping the usual far- east candidates. The Fusions design, quality, and finish and on par with the competition and a quantum leap from my wifes 04 Mustang. 4-cyl motor and five speed auto trans are a good combination with decent power (25 mpg), and are smoother and quieter than the powertrain of my 06 Honda Element. The chassis delivers a combination of great ride and sharp handling. Highway speeds are quiet, and the sound system delivers subtle symphony notes to my 50 year-old ears at 70 mph! Styling is classy and distinctive-I really like just looking at it! Price plus incentives make the Fusion by far the best value in the segment.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By New owner - May 16 - 12:00 pm

  This is the second ST I owned. Sold the first back in 2003. This truck is a dramatic improvement. Serves my needs, space for the kids and my outdoor fun. The ride is smooth and comfortable. The V6 gives plenty of power for every day use. Also, the look is much better than the ugly Ridgeline.