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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  2010 Fusion SEL Impressions - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By GJG - January 8 - 6:46 am

  After trying most of the competitors including two long-term rentals (>4000 miles each) for road tests, I bought a 2010 Fusion SEL AWD. Im very pleased with this update. Ford actually appears to be listening to customer reactions. What a novel concept. The new interior is much improved and the finish finally reaches a suitable level. The front seating is much improved, and the Sony sound system is excellent. Visits from several neighbours suggest that the Fusion has caught others eyes too.

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  Pretty good for a first year car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeff - January 8 - 1:56 am

  My positive comments: You get a lot of car for the money and the size is fantastic. My negative comments: At times the transmission seems to search for the right gear and is underpowered at start.

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  I love it, too bad no one knows about it - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Max D - January 6 - 11:13 pm

  I traded in an Outback for a 2008 w/ 14,500 miles. Though exterior styling is bland (this doesnt have too be a bad thing) everything else about this car is great. It handles well with good power. The interior is very sharp and the third row seating is actually usable and accessible. I consider AWD a must for Wisconsin winters and the seats fold easily for tins of space. there is even enough room for a decent amount of stuff with the seats up.

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  Great Choice - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By esloan768 - January 6 - 3:56 pm

  No problems with 1,300 miles on the clock. Everything about this vehicle says solid. Rear seat is as comfortable as it gets in anything short of a limo. Fold down front seat allows me to carry lumber with the trunk closed that would stick out of a lot of truck beds. Its easy to drive it and some say its underpowered, but I have never had my foot to floor asking for more. The CVT allows all 203HP to be on tap on demand. Message center provides spot-on mileage estimates. My fill ups have been within .1 gal of what the computer says Ive used. Handles like a smaller car.

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  New Freestyle fits the bill - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By JC - January 6 - 7:46 am

  As a new owner, I dont have reliability experience yet. As a previous Escape owner, we needed something with more cargo room (for hockey gear!), AWD, and all the safety features while taking it easy on gas. The Freestyle fit the bill in all respects. Its mammoth inside, has all the safety goodies, full-time AWD, and is a handsome vehicle. Ford did the smart thing by using the Volvo XC90 platform.

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  Fusion saved my life! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Nyarodhiambo Ragwar - January 4 - 4:16 pm

  This was my first American car. Always drove Hondas. I was in a car accident couple weeks ago and Im indebted to my Fusion. All the airbags deployed, every inch of the car was smashed in and the Fusion I had grown to love was a total loss, but I walked away with minor bruises. The car drove very well for the four years I owned it. My only complaint is cosmetic. I wish the seats were made of something more stain-proof. With kids, after a couple years, the interior started looking a little crummy. Im ready for my next Ford though!

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  Under Appreciated & Under Marketed - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dave B - January 4 - 1:46 pm

  This is a smart, capable vehicle, very versatile for family use. FordÂ’s thinking is smart on this one, create a station wagon with the styling and comfort attributes of an SUV without the ride, handling, and gas mileage penalties. Offered as a 6 and 7 seater, we choose the 7 for our family of 5; this allows our kids to sit three across and use the luggage space, or take a couple of friends along. The 3rd row seat is one of the most useful available in the market, better than some in far larger vehicles. Pleasant to drive, it gets compliments from everyone that rides in it. Gas mileage has been 17 city & 24 highway, low compared to the EPA figures, but much better than our V-8 SUV at 13/17.

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  MY ZX3 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Alex, the ZX3 guy - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Ok, i got a silver ZX3 with 23,000 miles on it and it is an absolute joy to own. makes everyday trips fun with its sharp-as-a-knife handeling and zippy engine (although it could use some more zip) i can fit almost anything into it and yet it is so small on the outeside and easy to park. The seats have good support and i fit easily into the car (im 65"). I would recomed a focus to anyone who wants a good car on a budget.

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  fast but not reliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By svt racer - January 4 - 2:00 am

  my 2002 svt is faster than any honda i have raced so far but i have had my audiophile cd player replaced 3 times since i purchased the car. performance wise, the car has exceded my expectations but quality wise the car is falling apart. i am yet to lose a race but my car spends half its time at the dealership getting fixed.

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  took another look - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By duchessss - January 4 - 2:00 am

  What fun to buy an American car thats fun, rumbles almost like a TR6 and looks like it is meant for pleasure, PLEASURE driving. It has get up and go, good tracking and it is so, so American!!