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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  Bad seat cover material - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By CheshireCat - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The material used on the cloth seats is a huge problem. Water marks eg. rain spots etc, tend to turn black, and stay that way. The material gets dirty and is impossible to clean. I am most disapointed with my seat covers.

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  my 5th Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By frewly - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Ford, and my second Explorer, this one replaced my 2001 XLT Explorer, no comparison, this one by far is more comfortable, roomier, and handles much better, not to mention the great ride

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  first time mustang owner - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By kidkimchie - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have experienced so far is that I do not seem to have a cruise control indicator anywhere that I can see.

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  Wow - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By xcaptain - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a really cool car!!! I cant believe you all came up with something so powerful.

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  I Love My Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SuzyQ - April 10 - 12:06 am

  All I can say is I love my Freestyle. We are in the construction business and so it is great when I have to load up the car with anything from paint to 2x4s. We also need to haul our daughter & her friends everywhere. It hold 7 easily and they actually love to ride in the very back seats. The DVD player is great for those long trips. We have taken several trips and we get 27mph on most trips. We live in the mountains and it gets 19mph most weeks but 17mph if I am going to work up on the mountain.

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Curtis Woods - April 9 - 9:22 pm

  This is it, great truck for the money. Rides like a expensive car, do not even feel the transmission shift.Two years and still get compliments. Powerful V8, pushes me back in the seat. Leather seats are great for long rides, COMFORTABLE. Great sales person at dealership, still checks on me.

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  Bought Used... - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By JoAnn - April 9 - 11:38 am

  Purchased this used at 44K miles last year after having a 4 cyl Altima. First I would not go back to a car. Sitting this high is awesome. The truck itself is great and I have had no major problems. The tire monitoring system goes off when the car is cold but otherwise no major mechanical issues. DVD is great for my 3 kids and I added XM radio so this is like a home away from home. Owned the lemon Ford Tempo many years ago and vowed that I would never own a Ford again....maybe not a car but the SUVs are great. That is one thing that Ford is good at.

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  Fun Driving Workhorse - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jay - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I originally bought my Focus for the gas mileage as I have a 190 mile round trip daily commute. The zippy engne, and great handling have been a nice suprise. With 30k miles in 11 months the quality has been consistant with no problems to report. Really a great car.

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  I love my Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By spybgl - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in my 2004 Ford F150 for a 2008 Fusion 4cyl SE. I dont miss the V8 like I though I would, but i love my current fuel economy. The 4cyl engine has a lot of power considering the size. Great overall comfort too. Almost got leather, but didnt really need it. Handles great in traffic and on the curves.

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  Gave American Autos a Chance - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Mike - April 9 - 6:57 am

  I decided to give American made vehicles another shot at my business. Ford did not fail me. I have owned my Focus for 3 years and havent had any mechanical or interior defects. The car looks and drives as well as it did the day I drove it off the lot. I had to get back on Edmunds and let anyone that could or would read this that my Ford experience has been fantastic. I am so pleased that I have found an American auto maker that is building a quality vehicle.