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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  Good car, not good mileage - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Chris - February 16 - 7:30 pm

  Wanted a mid-sized car, 4 cylinder engine, manual transmission, and good fuel economy! After driving several Fusions as rental cars (albeit with automatics), liked them enough to purchase. After 2 months, the only complaint is the sunroof has a small rattle (will take back to dealer) and fuel mileage has been low even without hard acceleration/stops.

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  Great Car, EXCEPT - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By urnews - February 16 - 5:50 am

  Our 2007 V6, 6-speed automatic transmission AWD SEL Fusion is a fantastic car EXCEPT for the horrific in-city gas mileage, a pitiful 13 mpg after 1,800 miles. Our terrain is flat as a fritter. The climate is mild (56 degrees on Feb. 27) and we are both conservative, gentle drivers. The car did, however achieve 26.5 mpg (going) and 24.2 mpg (returning) on a recent 360-mile trip. Its the in-city, stop-and-go travel, 95 percent of our driving, that is the killer. I find it incomprehensible that a 3,300-pound, mid-size car would have such terrible in-city mileage in the year 2007. We enjoy everything else about the car. Ford has a winner here. But the mileage situation needs to be addressed

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  Unbeatable - 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
  By eflatblues - February 15 - 8:20 pm

  This is hands down the most dependable, well made,and has the most value of any vehicle I have ever owed. I purchased from a local dealer for 14,400, (original sticker in glove box @ 30k). There is absolutely nothing available tht offers what this car does for that kind of money. Unfortunately, I was hit by a drunk driver going about 15- 20mph while I was stopped at a corner. The drivers door took all of the impact from his 1989 Buick Park Ave. I was not injured and 3 weeks, a new door and paint later the car was back to me in perfect shape. Quiet, comfortable, fuel efficient, (20mpg mixed cylce) and unbelieveable safe. Why Ford quit making these is beyond me. Great Car!

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  Hate My Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By JaxFL - February 15 - 5:33 pm

  This car is not what I was told when I bought it. If you have kids, buy another car. The price is great, but the cup holder built into the seat with cloth velour seats is crazy. I was told by the dealer to just buy seat covers. Well, guess what, there were none available anywhere for about one year. Then my car has no adequate storage inside, because it has a lot of "little" compartments, but none large enough to actually store something in, especially the glove compartment. I have owned a Ford since 1999 (SUVs) but with the cost of gas. I hate my car. The inside doors cannot be cleaned when dirtied by a seven year old. he bottom rides too low, its too long, etc. Wipers stink.

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  Unsafe - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Dorf - February 15 - 11:33 am

  I absolutely loved driving this vehicle. The quick acceleration, smooth ride, and exceptional sound system made my hour long commute to work enjoyable. Unfortunately, the car was totaled when I hydroplaned in a heavy storm and went off the road. My concern is that the air bag did not deploy. I dropped six feet off the road and slammed into a group of trees at approximately 45 mph. The engine was pushed up off the engine block, both tires were out of the wheel wells, and the hood nearly crashed through the windshield. The crumple zones worked as designed, but I seriously question the alignment of the impact points in this vehicle. Current owners, please have your air bags checked!

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  explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By swolfe - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable truck for us. We have had no major repairs needed at 130,000 miles and it is still running strong

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  GREAT vehicle - safe - enjoyable - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Rez - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We love our new Expedition. Has all the bells and whistles. Smooth - quite ride. Good sound system

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  2005 Ford Focus ST - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Shelton - February 12 - 9:53 pm

  Outside of a water leak and a bad customer service from the dealer at purchase time, spent first 40 of 60 days in their shop trying to fix the water leak, the car has been extremely dependable and excellent to drive on the highway. Very nimble around town, not too many turns this car can not navigate with ease. Not a headturner, but brings some sleepish performance to the table.

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  Great truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By jeffk123 - February 11 - 7:03 pm

  Great for towing a twenty eight foot camper. Very agile for such a large vehicle. The triton 5.4 v8 is a great engine.

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  Lots of Repairs - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Chauncey Townsend - February 10 - 3:27 pm

  I loved my Explorer! Bought w/ 90k on it. Drove 1 year fixed brakes, transmission went out. Fixed it, brakes bad again. Got rid off after 1 year when Ford replacement transmission started slippping again. Great ride, awesome 4wd- just costly to own. Be wary of high mileage Explorers and brakes wear fast in hilly areas.