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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  Modern version of the Model T! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Just keeps going! - June 19 - 9:04 pm

  In 1903 Ford started off building reliable, easy to drive, inexpensive to buy, and reliable cars...the Model A. The Ford Escort and newer Ford Focus prove that Ford never lost sight of their heritage! (except briefly with the Pinto!) We bought this 1997 Escort new off the lot in 1996, when they first came out with the new generation Escort. It was improved in every way over the older Escort that I traded in. 150,000 miles later, I can honestly say that it beat every Honda and Toyota I ever owned, dating back to 1971! Reliable to a fault, great mileage, durability, easy to drive. Just about the perfect transportation car.

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  Great deal! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Luv my Fusion - June 19 - 4:51 pm

  Our 1995 Ford F-150, 189,000 miles called it quits this year. We have a Dodge Durango (love it), but much too expensive to drive for commuting and now worth 1/2 of what we owe. We decided on a car and test drove everything we could.The Fusion was last on our list and we were wowed by this car. It is fun. It is comfortable and it has the biggest trunk I have ever seen. Two kids in hockey and both bags fit plus 4 sticks. The front seats are awesome and feel as though they wrap around you. I cant say enough about this car and still get excited when I see it in the parking lot.

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  Love the Car! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By bayliner2255 - June 19 - 1:07 pm

  Bought the car 3 years ago with 40k miles and now have 82k miles and I want another one! With mix driving i get 28.6mpg and thats with my own math! It gets up moves when i want it too and i love the sound of the v6 in it! Very comfortable car to take on road trips! I love the exterior styling of the car! Everytime i look at the car I fall back in love! I do think they could have done a little more on the dash to make it more stylish but i still think the dash is very nice and user friendly! I do recommend this car to anyone and everyone. Good on fuel, stylish, and fun to drive!

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  Best Car Ive Ever Driven - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Vic - June 19 - 10:54 am

  For looks, comfort, performance and fuel economy, this car is extremely impressive. The only negative I can see is that the high-mount brake light in the back window slightly obscures the view through the mirror.

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  A Great Pony - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Snotrocket - June 19 - 9:13 am

  I bought mine new in July of 06. v6 Legend Lime w/pony package. I went with the V6 due to price and insurance cost. After adding a S&B CAI, Predator tune, and GT muffler, I bumped up the hp to that of a small block v8, about 240hp. A 4:10 is going in shortly to makeup for the automatic. The v6 is a great platform to start off on if your on a tight budget. Responds well to S/Cs which take the v6 to the 310hp range. I dont have that many miles on the car, but I havent had any issues with it. I still get many compliments from people when I am out and about. I have no regrets with this car. Its a blast.

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  Very Happy Owner - 2008 Ford Focus
  By David A - June 19 - 1:33 am

  I test drove an 08 Sentra, an 08 Civic twice, and I rented a Corolla for a couple of days. I test drove the Focus twice and I liked it a lot more than the other cars I drove. I did a ton of research before getting this. I actually traded an 07 Toyota Avalon for this car and it was a great decision. The Avalon was in for rattles twice and still had rattles, and it was in the shop for several days over 2 visits with oxygen sensor issues. Now Im saving money on gas, insurance, and I actually like my car again. Nice ride, fun to drive, and great stereo.

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  Surprising Package - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By NocFlite21 - June 19 - 12:43 am

  I was entirely surprised with all this car has to offer (GT Premium). The seating and layout is so much more comfortable than my last sportscar (Porsche Boxster), the interior design is ergonomically well designed, and the on board computer is easy to operate and really helps squeeze out the mpg. Additionally, the power of the engine is incredible, this car performs and drives like nothing Ive ever tested. Ive never been a Ford type, and I was looking at Corvettes before I test drove the Mustang. But when you consider the vast price difference and the better livability of the Mustang, its just an amazing value.

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  Very Fun - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Alistair314 - June 18 - 9:34 pm

  Im gonna start off by saying I love this car. It was my first sports car and I miss it very much. Its underpowered unfortunatly. For some reason Ford managed to get only 192 horsepower out of a 3.8 liter V6. It oversteers tremendously and driving it in rain or snow is a funny joke. Its just something about driving a Mustang that is just amazing.

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  Better than my Acura TSX - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By RickInSanDiego - June 18 - 3:46 pm

  I truly believed that no car would ever be able to beat out my 2004 TSX in terms of fun-to-drive quotient, luxury and quality. Well, I was about to trade in my 2004 TSX for a 2009 until I saw this new Ford. Finally a car from an American car company that I can be proud of, not just settle for. My friend who will "only own a Mercedes" drove with me last night and said he is going to buy one when his lease is up in a few months. This says a lot (if you knew my friend). The ride, stability, quiet interior, fit & finish, both inside and out are all major pluses. The turning radius is much smaller than my old TSX. I only have 250 miles on it and Im averaging 40.5 mpg. Good job Ford.

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  Fun - 2007 Ford Focus
  By d-dave - June 18 - 11:08 am

  I bought this car for my daughter but find that Im driving it more because its fun to drive, nimble and great on fuel. Very unlike my first car, with moonroof, heated seats and CD player, its a blast to drive and a terific value.