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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  Dont Buy A Freestar Van - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Found On Road Dead - November 26 - 6:19 pm

  Dont buy a Freestar van. Strict with Honda or Toyota vans. This is my last Ford. This van orginal cost was $30K. It cost me $3,000 to get this van fixed with only 40K miles and I still have problems.

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  Very Satisfied, Good Value, Unique & Fun - 2004 Ford Focus
  By NJ owner - November 26 - 12:41 pm

  Bought slightly used in 04. Opted for 2.3L eng. Great ride/handling balance. Fun to drive. V. good steering. Reliable: just brakes & some front suspension work after 5 years. Brakes could be better, but adequate. Excellent value, reliable, 27 MPG avg in interstate hwy / city driving mix. Purely on highway, at least 32 MPG at interstate speeds. Unique styling. Hard to find a non-conservatively styled hatchback. Im discerning, yet recommend this car since Ive got 101K on engine & car still works very well. Of course I maintain it well too, that helps. Good luck.

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  Pleasantly surprised from a Honda family - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By lh - November 26 - 11:44 am

  I come from a Honda family. We own a 95 Civic, 04 & 08 Accords. My mother has owned three Camrys, including an 09. I regularly drive the Camry. The Fusion is right up there with the Hondas and the Camry. In fact, its quieter than the Hondas and the Camry. Totally trouble free with over 20k miles in the year+ Ive owned it. You would make a mistake buying a midsize care without checking out the Fusion.

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  Great experience - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By deb - November 26 - 10:11 am

  I was so surprised to see the changes Ford has made in their mid-size cars. I owned a Lincoln Mark 8 for 11 years. I test drove everying under the sun...all high end cars costing 38-60 thousand. I was so impressed with the NEW taurus limited and the Price was excellent for all the style and interior excellence. AND 0% interest for 36 months! You gotta see this and test drive. I bought it and LOVE it.

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  dont buy a fusion - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By mathewh87 - November 26 - 7:49 am

  I have recently purchased this vehicle with 18000 miles and have had more problems with it than my other vehicles.

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  Newest Gadget! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Marci - November 26 - 7:10 am

  I desperately needed a new car last year. Im fortunate in that I can afford anything non "exotic." NOTHING on the market appealed to me visually. When I heard that Ford and Lexus were making hybrid SUVs I was interested. Last summer, I first test drove a Lexus 330 as it was the most similar thing they had to the delayed 400H -- lovely to look at but ergonomically it was VERY uncomfortable. The Escape is much more functional, and WAAAAY too basic on the interior, but was more comfortable, so I bought it. The CVT is fun; sort of a crossbreed. The brakes were hard to get used to; the stopping distance is further. The interior is CHEAP! Not even clothing hooks for dry-cleaning pick-ups.

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  Worst vehicle ive ever owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MichaelWall - November 25 - 9:12 pm

  I bought this Exploder from my grandparents best friends in 2007. It had 69000 miles on it when i bought it for 7000 dollars. At 79000 miles the 4wd went out, right after that the o/d light would blink the airbag light would stay on and the service engine light came on and wouldnt go off. I serviced the vehicle regularly and and 84000 miles the transmission went out. I paid the dealership 4300 dollars to get a new tranny and now im at just over 89000 miles and its back at the dealership getting the 2nd tranny put in it! I will never buy another ford ever again. I you wanna read more, google "02 ford transmission problems and see for yourselves

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  Great car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By merlin07 - November 25 - 2:53 pm

  Ive been wanting one of these since I first saw it and traded in a 1996 Plymouth Breeze to get it. Love the car, excellent comfort, great in the winter, has heated seats!!! Even a year later I still grin like an idiot, yes I know its a mommy wagon (and me with no kids) but I just think this is the best car Ive ever had.

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  Lemon in the Making - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jim Stewart - November 25 - 2:51 pm

  I have the brake grinding noise and Ford has no solution. If you live where there is humdity, water or salt in the air, you will have the problem. Ford and the Dealership(Kelly Ford) in Melbourne, Florida have no solution. I am working on the lemon law process, do not buy this car. Besides the noise, the stopping distance is affected. Also, if you go to look at one, lean on the door and watch the metal bend, very cheaply made!

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  Gene - 1991 Ford Probe
  By Gene - November 25 - 1:47 pm

  I am the original owner. I have a V6 Automatic that just turned 205,000 miles. Transmission & engine never taken a part. Not even a valve cover gasket!! This car has never stranded me, still starts better than my 2005 Honda Accord! Fun to drive with great visability.