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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  taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By roldog - March 29 - 10:00 am

  very reliable and good on as and drives smooth..

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  good - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Pluto1990 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car i have ever had. I wouldnt buy any other car than this one.

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  Far better than I expected - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By ceooftnfya - March 28 - 9:53 pm

  Rented this car while mine was in the shop for one week. Initial reaction. No low end torque (read: no get up and go)but nice and responsive when anywhere past 20Kmph. Quick sporty feel, handled well. Very pleasently surprised with this Ford product. Compared to a seven year old Civic it rattles far more when the stereo is turned up showing, to a degree, overall build quality. Very enjoyable drive and I will miss it although it would be in tough competition when I buy next.

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  Great- But Drinks Gas! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Ashley - March 28 - 5:40 pm

  I love this car. Its great for a family of 4. Its very roomy, and has a large storage area in the back. Only 2 bad things is that it drinks gas and I wish I could lock my hatchback opener on the keyless entry pad. Sometimes going down the road, touch it and it flys open..

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  Great Daily Driver - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Marauder Fan - March 28 - 4:30 pm

  This is a great family car and daily driver. Much more personality than an Asian appliance car. Maintenance was easy and low cost, and interior fit and finish are good. The rear brakes had issues with pad life but Wagner Thermoquiet fixed that. I like the CVT, took some getting used to, and with regular fluid changes, at 100K miles I have no issues.

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  Ford finally gets it - 2007 Ford Edge
  By usafastaners - March 27 - 4:25 pm

  I was shopping for an SUV for 10 months. My choices were down to Lexus RX400, Mazda CX9, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. For the price the Ford Edge was the winner by far. It handles very well with quick cornering response. The 263hp V-6 is a hot engine. I hear Ford is already thinking of dumping it. Dont do it! I love the Vista Roof. Its like driving a convertible SUV. I have to agree with a previous review. The navigation system is wonderful but no free updates. That stinks for a $1200 option. All in all I love this vehicle and recommend it to anyone looking for a car.

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  Great on gas, bad in snow. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ScottK. - March 27 - 11:45 am

  I had my Focus for one year and put on 15k. I didnt have any mechanical issues at all. The car was great on gas, about 25-36mph, city/highway. The car was unstable at highway speeds in snow even though it had traction control. I crashed the car in snowy conditions and was able to walk away with only 2 small scratches. Id get another one, but wouldnt drive it long distances in poor winter weather.

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  Very happy with 2014 Explorer - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By WestMich - March 27 - 11:38 am

  This 2014 Explorer Limited is my second in a row. Company cars. I have around 60k miles on her and she has been a workhorse at over 30k miles per year. When you drive this much and spend so much time in the car you learn what you like and do not like about a car quickly for everyday use. Pros: Comfy seating, heated seats in front and back, cooled front seats, HEATED STEERING WHEEL (not an option in any Subaru and many other winter-built cars which blows my mind), large capacity rear storage and very functional, push-button rear seat/storage configurations, adequate acceleration, adequate GPS. Great back-up camera and love the audio back-up notification if something is in the way. Confy ride on the road. Has given me no mechanical trouble since day 1, which may be my favorite thing about it. Cons: The infotainment system is a total fail--complicated interface, controls stink and voice recognition is infuriatingly horrible. Those designers need to be reassigned to shipping and receiving. Randomly freezes and re-boots. Second row of seats has poor leg room for an SUV this size. AWD system selection that adjusts torque/gear ratios based on selection is not my favorite. Had to get snow tires for decent snow traction, and ground clearance could be better--I have been stuck in 6-8 inches of snow. Nit-picky things: The front console storage is poorly designed in my opinion: just a huge cavity--how can this be practical? Anything that goes in on the bottom is necessarily inaccessible if you put anything else in there. Also, the storage under the touch screen is just as bad--had to access the USB ports and it is just a cavern where things are jumbled together.

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  More than Youd Expect - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Bob - March 26 - 11:22 pm

  There are enough bells and whistles for convenience. Too bad theres only 153hp under the hood! Rides great on smooth highways -- jittery on any thing less or in heavy crosswinds. Handles OK but somewhat ponderous for parking and around town. Huge trunk. Comfortable seats. Too soon to know real world mileage but the computer says 28 highway about 26.5 in town.

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  Great Daily Driver - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mshuler09 - March 26 - 7:57 pm

  Purchased from a family member who got it from a Ford dealer used. As an auto tech student Ive done some work to it. Since Ive had it, and the only problems Ive found with it are leaking valve covers, and the thermostat on it got stuck open. Pretty easy fixes, and nothing that will leave you stranded. Overall its a great car to drive everyday.