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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  2010 Ford Excape Limited, 6 cyl. - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Larry - MO - November 3 - 4:46 pm

  We ordered the vehicle and picked it up on Sept. 18. We have driven it over 1100 miles. It drives and handles like a much larger vehicle. The performance is great and fun to drive. The gas milage so far has been good. It is averaging about 22 mpg overall. The interior noise level is much quieter than the 2006 Escape we previously owned.

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  Still one of the best values on the road - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By MikeD - November 3 - 2:03 pm

  The re-designed For Explorer is now a few years old, but its still one of the best looking SUVs on the road. The fuel economy stinks, but it handles well in rough weather, is roomy enough to seat 7 (though your cargo space suffers), and the sound system is great.

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  excellent Crossover - 2010 Ford Edge
  By GJ - November 3 - 11:13 am

  drove a liitle over a month. Its good Vehicle in this category. The engine is queit but the initial speedup from 0 to 30 takes long time after that the engine is powerful. The suspension system is very good for 20" tires. rear and side view is not good. but it has wide angle mirrors on both side mirrors. so actually make it safer to drive when you change lanes. The speak bass is good but overall speaks quality is not good even as my Winstar! The dashboard looks like cheap. The vista roof is awesome! Overall its very good car that can compete with Lexus RX series if you dont mind the brand name.

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  Huge improvement from last years Model - 2014 Ford Transit Connect
  By okshaw - November 3 - 12:30 am

  This vehicle performs excellent in almost every category that I have thrown at it. We also own the exact same model in 2013 and by far this Van has better acceleration, load space, and the features for Sync are much easier to use then the previous versions. The van now drives like a car then a van and handles like a dream at all speeds. This vehicle is much more stylish then any previous version. The gas mileage on it is much better then the model from last year.

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  Transmission problems - 2008 Ford F-150
  By car624 - November 2 - 8:08 pm

  Have a 2008 Larit love the truck but right now its in the shop with bad transmission. Beaware I was told could be faulty parts in trans.,they said my bearings whent out messing op gears.. Then after they where replaced the value body is bad.. Running in circles with this dealer ship cant get a straight ansewer on what caused the problem. Waiting to get it back with the rebuilt transmission..

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  Absolute Best Car Ever - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Brooklyn - November 2 - 6:38 pm

  There is absolutely no way that a vehicle could ever score perfect on any single spec, but this car has pulled some pretty crazy stunts for me and has never had any problems internally. Excellent take off, excellent gas mileage compared to more recent cars, and a crap load of interior space perfect for trips, sonce Ive been on plenty with it. My next vehicle will be a 97 Ford Taurus and I will cry when this one explodes or something in a few years.

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  2010 Ford Focus - 2010 Ford Focus
  By J.Fish - November 2 - 4:05 pm

  My wife and I love our new Ford Focus.The 2.0 engine has plenty of get up and go and the fuel economy will knock your socks off.28-30 in town and 35 or better on the road.The SYNC system was a plesant surprise.This the first Ford I have owned in 40 years and I am glad to say I am a Ford owner.

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  Very Good - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Larry - November 2 - 11:13 am

  I have driven the vehicle for three months. It is really fun to drive. It is easy to get into and out of. The mileage around town is 18 to 20 mpg. On a trip from Jefferson City, MO to Dayton, OH and return it averaged a little over 25 mpg. The vehicle, for a small SUV, has lots of room and the rear seats fold down for hauling larger items. The engine has plenty of power.

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  Love my Bird ! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Angie - November 2 - 10:23 am

  My son wrecked what I thought was to be my last car-- a 2004 Mercedes c230 coupe that I dearly loved ! Searching the net for a replacement I came across a 2004 T-Bird at a "give away" price.Took a look and I was hooked !! Im a 71 year old woman, alone now, but when I drive my T-Bird, top down & Elvis playing, oh boy, the joy and the memories !! It doesnt get the 36mpg of the Mercedes- but is a gas saver anyway- cant fit the family so I get chauffeured around a lot ! I havent regretted buying this car for one second-the stand out design in todays world predominated with S.U.V.s and hybrids brings a big smile to my face whenever I look at it ! Its a beauty !

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  Awesome SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Brando - November 2 - 3:56 am

  Ive had this truck for 4 1/2 years and its been flawless. I used to be a diehard GM customer but my last 2 vehicles have been Fords and I have been very happy with them. Its unfortunate that Ford discontinued the Sport since it was the perfect size for someone without kids. The reliability has been excellent and I still love the looks of it as much as when I bought it.