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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  What a transporter! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By RM - March 26 - 9:33 am

  Wonderful vehicle that keeps getting better. This vehicle is very quiet on the road especially on the highway. Speed control best I have ever used. The transmission is truly flawless. The ride is well controlled and steering precise. I have owned many high marque brands including BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, and a VW Phaeton. Ford has done a tremendous job with this vehicle. Presently averaging 23 mpg with city and highway miles. Anyone interested in a people mover/ luxury drive not so full of pomp but great fun to drive should check this vehicle out.

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  One of the best cars - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Phil Springer - March 26 - 8:13 am

  Absolutely love this car. One of the best I have ever driven, fun every time I get in it. Really changes the concept back to driving and away from commuting. I wish the mileage was a little better, especially since it takes premium. Also, it eats tires like the Cookie Monster, but it is a fair trade, I will take it any day. Cant say enough, too bad Ford stopped making them, not enough performance. It definitely isnt a drag car, but luckily, the real world has corners, and that is were this car puts a HUGE grin on your face!

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  Fun Truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By lupal - March 25 - 11:13 pm

  This is a great looking truck, the best I think. That is the main reason I bought the FX4. The interior is great, has so much room in there I compare it to an SUV. Fuel economy cold be much better, and it is costly to drive these days, but as a owner of a single cab 02 V6 F150, then upgrading to this 5.4 V8, I can see that Ford did get better in its fuel economy, but hey, if you drive such a big truck, you better expect the gas to be high. I have noticed some things that i dont like about it, but all Fords at all dealerships had the problems, one being they roll back on a slope, the other being the steering wheel shakes a bit too much for my liking at speeds of about 70mph.

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  4DR Titanium - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jaybar2 - March 25 - 8:48 pm

  Weve had the Focus Titanium for a couple of months now and all I can say is that I cant believe this is a FORD. This car drives and handles like a much more expensive car and the best part is the handling. My wife who is not a car person commented last week that she likes how the car handles. This from a person who doesnt know the difference between a BMW or a Yugo so if she noticed the handling you know it has to be good. The gas mileage is pretty unbelievable and I mean unbelievable, yesterday I was cruising at a steady 65 MPH on the highway and eventually the computer showed 45.2 MPG! In town Im getting well over 30mpg, the highway mpg is in the diesel range! 40-45mpg.

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  Commuter - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Jeremy - March 25 - 1:46 pm

  2007 SES sedan 5MT. This car was purchased as a commuter car to keep from putting so many miles on the Mustang and to do my part to help reduce my carbon footprint. Purchased for its base cost, fuel economy, and because its a Ford (Im a Ford guy). So far (after 7 months and 14,000 miles) it has met my expectations for an economy car. Fuel economy has been between 30 and 37 mpg, and power, although not overwhelming, is acceptable with the 5-speed. Styling is more grown-up than the 1st-gen and the current Focus. Everything works like it should. My cars are all well- maintained, so Im interested in how this one holds up over the years.

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  What a beautiful car! - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By jessyebtbird - March 25 - 9:25 am

  I bought this car from my cousin and I thought I got ripped off! But after 5 years of a wonderful ride, I totally stole it from him for $1500 with only 99,000mile. My bird has never let me down but I take good car of her! Had the front end almost completely replaced, upper and lower ball joints, tye rods, shocks and struts, didnt need the work but rountine maintaince is nescessary when taking care of your pride and joy, and my t-bird is my pride and joy, with a little over 169,000 miles on her and she still will take off from the line in a cloud of smoke! FOr a v6 the motor is pretty strong, I think I may be have a little intake leak, been finding antifeeze on the drive

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  Tried a few - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Pierre - March 24 - 11:18 pm

  I didnt need or really want a new car but decided hauling a wheelchair around folded and on its side was no longer an option. My first choice of cars was the Toyota Highlander and what a nice car it is. It handled well and has good power but the dealer wasnt in the mood to drop his price too much so I tried a Honda Pilot. Another nice car but it seemed a bit boring and under powered. Car three was the Buick crossover. Another nice car but it just didnt move the soul. When I drove the Edge my mind was made up pretty quickly. It looks great, has good power with a nice but not fancy interior. The rear seats are spacious and the ability to lay back was a selling point for my friends

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  My second chance Escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Matt Burkart - March 24 - 9:50 pm

  This is my 2nd Escort, my first one was a builder car. At the time the car was still pretty new so I liked it, but it had its problems. My second one is identical to the first and I love it. But what is not to love about great gas mileage, and pretty much just general maintainence. It has 154,000 on it and just had plugs, wires, and an alternator put on it.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By sandtrap - March 24 - 3:09 pm

  Im 70 yrs old and this is the car I have been waiting for. So much fun to drive, Mine is dark candy apple red with parchment top. Always good comments. Boy, could I have gotten into a lot trouble if I had something like this in school.

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  Satisfied in NY - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Central NY - March 24 - 8:40 am

  Love this car. I have had it since new and have 92000 miles on it. I have driven this car 11 hours in one day and never get stiff or cramped like other cars I have owned. Gas mileage is great at 24 mpg love the leather and sunroof. The traction control was worth every cent of the upgrade price. Have never had a problem in snow. I will say its a typical ford as far as brakes go, I am on my 3rd set along with 3rd set of tires. But even after 92,000 mile the car is as steady on the road as the day I picked it up from the dealer. Wish they didnt rename it to Taurus I think the car would have done better as a 500.