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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  05 Focus after two years - 2005 Ford Focus
  By htw - June 20 - 5:08 pm

  A six-speed auto tranny would boost mileage. Seat belt for driver hard to snap into holder due to console. Auto up/down on both front side windows would help as would rear disk brakes. But, somehow, its great fun to drive!

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  Love my Limited - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By BD - June 20 - 3:46 pm

  I really enjoy driving this to and from work each day. All the features that come standard on the Limited are wonderful. DVD keeps kids happy but sacrifices rear visibility as it blocks the mirror. Would definitely recommend to someone interested in a sub $50K SUV.

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  I enjoy my Expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Bob - June 19 - 5:07 pm

  Getting this out of the way, yes, the gas mileage is terrible. Everything else about the Expedition I love. Its great on the highway filled with kids and luggage. Very comfortable ride and plenty of room. I also enjoy riding high up it gives you better visibility of the road.

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  Great truck with a peppy efficient engine - 2015 Ford F-150
  By SocalSurfer - June 19 - 10:01 am

  Great truck with a peppy efficient engine, the 2.7L engine is surprisingly powerful and extremely quick off the line, I love the engine on this truck! I average a little over 21 MPG with mixed freeway and around town driving conditions. I have tried to be excessively light on the accelerator but have not even close to the advertised 23-24 MPG, they must have done the MPG testing where there are no hills, wind, and on any engine that was well broken in. Overall though I really like the truck. The one thing that could use improvement is the instruments. Climate control could have a digital read out ( ex. 72) versus hotter/colder. Browsing on the radio ( Sirius in particular) is a little clumsy. The dash seems to have a lot of unnecessary buttons. My biggest complaint is the autostart button, just plain annoying and screams replacement starter in 2 years. To have and turn it off every time you start the truck is silly, they should have a permanent off option. Overall pretty small complaints for for what has been a great truck. 7/25/2016- had to get the door handle replaced, it literally just fell off. Ford was quick to replace at no cost. Very happy with the way they handled it. Considered selling for better MPG vehicle with new job change, but I am completely upside down. The truck is worth considerably less than I paid for it, definitely does not hold value like my Toyota did. If you buy this truck be prepared to keep it since value tanks very quickly.

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  Good Midsize Value - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - June 19 - 2:43 am

  Bought the Fusion Sport to replace an 09 Jetta with a manual transmission due to traffic in the DC area. Price with rebates is very attractive. Fit and finish seem good but it is too soon to really tell. V-6 provides smooth acceleration and 6 speed automatic is a joy to drive. Car is sportier than the Camry; costs less than a similar Accord and handles better. A solid choice for a person who needs a family sedan but wants something that is sporty but doesnt require premium unleaded.

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  Ford dies fast - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Greenmustang - June 18 - 3:02 pm

  I initially bought this car brand new in 2000, and it was awesome. However, it quickly started to have some serious issues. I had to replace the alternator at 45K, and the rear end work at 55. My check engine light was on for 3 years, after multiple repeated attemts at fixing it finally was fixed. I had an Escort before the Mustang, and it had similar reliability issues. My next car will be a Honda or Toyota.

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  Lovin It!! - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Pete Quimby - June 16 - 12:17 am

  We have been leasing our F-150 SXT Sport 4x4 Supercab with the 5.0 Flexfuel V8 for two years now and overall we are very happy with it. Average highway mpg is 19-20 and local driving is 16-18 depending on the season. I do wish it had a backup sensor or camera. It is difficult to judge where the rear bumper is when backing since it cant be seen in the mirrors. My only other issue is that there has been, and still is, an annoying little vibration in the front wheels. Ive had the tires rotated every 5K miles, the balance and inflation checked regularly, and the alignment checked. Im told (not by my Ford dealer) that the issue may be coming from having the 20 inch tires instead of the 18s. Overall we would give the truck a 9 out of 10.

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  Love It So Far -- Hopefully Will Hold Up - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Nelson - June 14 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had a little over than a month with this car so far, so it might very well be still the honeymoon period, but the comfort and the fuel economy are great. It has the power available when you need it, and is sensibly designed. No real weaknesses that I can see.

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  My Little Ford Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By CLO - June 14 - 9:03 am

  This truck has lived through being driven as a first time vehicle by my three sons. Each one has "rearranged" the body, but the little truck has always come back. This last time, my youngest son drove it into a tree. Lucklily he wasnt hurt, but the tree is dead and my little Ranger may be totaled due to the cost of the damages. I really enjoyed this truck and it has helped me build a business over the last 7 years. Its tough having 3 sons - the Ranger has been much easier to live with.

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  Solid - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By hams - June 14 - 9:00 am

  We bought this van because we got a great deal on it and we were looking for a reliable vehicle for our daughter to drive with a good safety rating. Weve had good luck with Fords in the past and currently own a 99 Windstar with 108K and a 95 Explorer with 118K. We fully expect this baby to give us another good 100K.