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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  Happy Renter - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Happy Renter - April 26 - 3:55 pm

  I rented this car for a short trip, total 300 miles, in one day. The best part of this trip was driving this car. It is so fun to drive and comfortable to be in for long periods. The extras like the floor lights, and the ipod adaptor made my teenagers very happy. This car had amazing pickup and power. It feels like your barely moving when your going over the speed limit.Id love to own this car.

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  Great truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By kyle - April 26 - 12:46 pm

  My ranger has the 3.0 and does pretty good off-road its all stock. Ive gone througn some ppretty good mud holes and creeks that a friend of mine wouldnt go through in his cuumins that is tricked out. And i have yet to get it stuck. The truck could have a little more power and Ford should definatley consider dohc. I average about 20 mpgs and thats a mix of highway, city, and farm road driving. the only problems ive had are o2 censors but with 100,000 miles that can be expected. all n all its had a pretty tuff life and i doubt that a colorado tacoma or frontier would still be running. Low end torque and hp could be better but if you put on an intake exhaust an chip you be rollin

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  Great value - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By cj - April 26 - 5:14 am

  Much better than I anticipated for the price. Not overpowered/just right. I love the handling with a composed ride. Glad I got the V6, Four was noisy. Very good legroom.

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  This thing is a FORD?! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin - April 25 - 10:00 pm

  My review title was the first thing that entered my head upon test driving my future Fusion S. Very well composed ride, handling characteristics, soft touch interior materials, and overall a feeling of a great vehicle. 6 speed auto started shifting a bit rough but now that I have some mileage on it and its gotten used to my driving patterns, its silky-smooth. Huge trunk for a mid-size. Alloy wheels standard on basic model. Returned 32 MPG on first tank of gas. First car Ive owned that didnt need to return to the selling dealership to fix something after the sale.

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  Well Built Very Reliable - 2005 Ford F-150
  By bob g - April 24 - 2:42 pm

  I was a japanese truck buyer for years.. I own a farm in Waco and pull large trailers. I needed something that can pull. My tacoma could not. I bought my 05 Lariat FX4 4x4 Crew brand new with 26 miles expecting to get 80k and dump it. Now i have 211,460 as of right now and has been great. Only repairs were headlight bulbs, tires, fluids, and brakes twice. The 5.4 is a real workhorse and still purs with 211k. Toyota? my tacoma had a new tranny put in at 120k and 195k.. This is far more comfortable. I strongly recommend the Ford F series truck. My next vehicle will be American.

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  V6 is fast enough - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By lmmmmm - April 24 - 10:23 am

  I went with the V6 instead of the V8. Glad I did. Its plenty zippy, Im at 40mph before I know it. After 3 days everything feels solid and no rattles or squeaks. Definitely get the Pony Package. Drives very well. I test drove both the manual and automatic. I went with auto only because Im tired of shifting in traffic everyday. But manual definitely more fun and in my opinion the exhaust sounds more throaty. Maybe because you can really wind the gears more than the automatic.

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  best vehicle we ever owned - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By love it - April 24 - 9:48 am

  it now has 209,000 miles we bought it for mail route no console shift full bench seats which makes it easy to reach mail boxes, We have done brakes 2 times, tires 2 times serpintine belt 1 time uses no oil runs like it did the day we bought it goes in snow front wheel drive heater and ac work great so we got our money out of this vehicle for sure we all so own 2 honda crv which are all so excellent vehicles for mail routes etc so yes the Ford has been great and still is excellent way to go Ford if the other owners are claiming all the problems they state , Well its hard to belive,

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  love at first drive - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Tania - April 24 - 7:10 am

  Ive had my car since the first of the year, and I still cant believe how in love I am. I love opening the moonroof on a breezy night and unwinding with the heated seats. Ive had many people comment on how "rich looking" the car is. Mine is tungsten silver with the black leather/black piano finish.

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  Great Car! Very Comfortable! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By owensry - April 23 - 6:29 pm

  It is the most comfortable car ive ever been in the seats are so supportive, looks great love the SEL and the V6 engine, great color "Vapor Silver" with the charcoal interior makes the car. Navigation is great!!!

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  EXCELLENT SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Sean Sudduth - April 23 - 12:35 pm

  This car is a dream come true. No problems at all. I just changed out the front disk brakes at 60,000 miles, although still they had plenty of miles left. I expect the Continetal tires to reach 75,000 miles. Engine runs like a champ. 5w20 synthetic all year round. Great acceleration on a 4 cyl. I think that ford could design a quite engine technology, that would be nice. The car gets awesome gas mileage, way above the EPA estimated 21 city / 26 hwy. Nice stereo system, Audiophile 300 w/ 10" sub in rear, all stock. I will purchase my next car from FORD Motor Company.