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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  Wow - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Larry - September 15 - 4:33 am

  Very fun to drive, love the style.

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  I wasnt sure at first... - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Baller5ft - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I hate Fords. I hate SUVs, yet I bought a Ford SUV and I LOVE IT!!! I sell them and after selling one recently and driving around getting it cleaned, etc. I said, this thing handles like a car. I compared it to the only other small SUV Id driven (Rav 4), only this thing was FAST!!! 2 days later I bought one, and sold one to my dad the same day. BEST CAR!!!

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  everything ive ever wanted - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bo94 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  this car is stylish, and very comfortable. my friends and family love driving with me.

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  HEAVY DUTY!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By GM FOR LUNCH - September 15 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS HEAVY DUTY! I LOVE THE CAR INSIDE AND OUT. THE AZURE BLUE COLOR REALLY ATTRACTS ATTENTION. SEATS ARE COMFORTABLE AND, THE POWER DRIVERS SEAT IS EXCELLENT. THE CAR HANDLES GREAT AND HAS A RIDE SMOOTH ENOUGH TO USE AS AN EVERDAY DRIVER.

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  Wow, Ford built a winner - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Terry - September 14 - 1:50 pm

  I bought my Edge after a very bad experience with a Toyota. I have had my Edge for only three weeks and have over 3,000 miles on it. I drove it from Michigan to Maine on vacation. The Edge handled flawlessly. It was very comfortable and except for a little wind noise at 45-50 mph from the outside mirrors is was like driving a luxury car. The looks, vista roof, audio system and overall driving experience still make me smile. There were no issues of quality at delivery. There are none now. I hope this is an omen of things to come. It looks great,it handles well, is very comfortable. As long as I stay around 70 on the road I get about 24.6 miles to the gallon. Good Job Ford.

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  Its all that! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By tzem - September 14 - 11:30 am

  This is the best truck Ive ever owned. Ive got 46k miles on it, and it drives like the day that I bought it. I dont know why people have all of these negative comments about gas mileage. People have to learn how to drive economically. Its all about driving style. I drive 90% interstate, and regularly get over 600 miles out of my 30 gallon tank.

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  Comments after driving 1800 miles - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By willy - September 14 - 8:30 am

  I drove it to Tennesse and back immediately after buying it. 1449 miles at 70 mph and a little city driving in Knoxville. Used exactly 44.1 gallons of 87 octane fuel. Very nice indeed. Four wheel disc brakes are very nice. Rear wheel independent suspension is "sports car like" in feel. This car seats 5 adults comfortably and the fold down split banch rear seat is very nice for carrying bulky items. I really enjoy driving this Fusion.

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  Good First Stang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang1 - September 14 - 2:14 am

  Had this Mustang about one month and the only drawback is the gas mileage. Am planning on upgrading some basic parts on the Mustang to free up air flow and fuel economy. The basic model is a great place to make add ons. I love this car and waited about 30 years for a real performance car. Good looks and nice 68-ish design. The V6 is good enough for me and has enough power. Great comfort and styling have nothing bad to say about this Mustang.

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  Crash test - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By kat08 - September 13 - 11:36 am

  After much research 2 months ago we puchased our first new car in 20 years. I loved the car! The features, comfort, gas milage (up to 35. But the the very best we were in a multiple car accident and hit from the rear at 45mph with absolutley no bodily injury or even sore muscles. The vehicle is a total loss but it did its job we are all OK. I cant talk up the safety enough. Now we get to fight for another one. I really loved the car we test drove the Toyota Camry, Mazada 6, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura before we decided on the fusion. We used the market value sheet from this website to negotiate the sales price. It worked wonders, they actuallly beat that price.

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  Great used truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Captain - September 12 - 3:22 pm

  Its a great truck. I paid less than 6500 for it and am very satisfied. Only problem to date is a airbag warning light. Right doors rattled a bit but tightening them resolved. Great styling, great looks. I would recommend it to anyone.