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 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Osijek31 - October 29 - 2:46 am

  Never believed a car could feel so good. The ride is superb. The style is unbeatable and the technology is amazing .

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  Champagne on a beer budget - 2016 Ford Focus
  By bc72393 - October 29 - 1:49 am

  I leased my 2016 Focus Titanium in March, and I have put 7,000 miles on it since then. I absolutely LOVE this car - I look forward to driving it every single day. I have owned a 1999 Volvo V70 XC, a 2011 Mazda3, and most recently a 2005 Acura 3.5 RL, and this is by far my favorite out of all of them. Coming from the Acura, the Focus drives and feels like a bigger, more expensive car than the price tag would suggest. It is solid, with a smooth, buttoned-down ride, and exceptionally tight handling and steering feel. It feels much more solid and smoother than my Mazda 3 ever did, and it has much lower levels of road noise as well. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even over extended periods, and the level of technology is impressive. I love the Sony stereo (which is powerful and has punchy bass), the navigation system, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and the SiriusXM TravelLink (which has already saved me from several traffic jams). The remote start has been great in both the cold winter weather AND the humid summer weather that plagues New England. Best of all, the gas mileage is far superior to that of any of my past vehicles, especially when it only costs about $20 - $25 to fill the tank. The only true downsides are a lack of rear-seat legroom for taller people, and the dual-clutch PowerShift transmission, which can get a little confused at lower speeds. It is worth noting that I test drove a 2012 Focus back in 2011, and it is MUCH improved over the earlier model years. Certainly not a deal-breaker, and not nearly as bad as some of the reviews claim, just something that takes a little bit of adjusting to. A little more power would be nice as well, but I was spoiled by the V6 in my Acura, and the increase in gas mileage more than makes up for it. Overall, I find my 2016 Focus Titanium to be a fantastic car for the money, and I do not feel I downgraded by switching from a luxury/premium brand. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a high quality vehicle without breaking the bank

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  Best Vehicle Yet - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Burt - October 28 - 3:58 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle I have owned to date. While it is a large SUV, it handles and rides more like a car and the interior is as luxurious as my wifes Lexus. Ive had so many comments already on the styling and the interior.

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  The Unknown Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By peterz_98 - October 28 - 9:10 am

  We enjoy driving this vehicle. It is nicely laid out inside and attractive on the exterior [I really like how it looks}. It has more than enough power on the highway and is a pleasure to drive about town. The ride is smooth and steering tight. We care for an elderly parent and getting her in and out of the vehicle was a major concern. Entry into the vehicle is aided by a well positioned handhold and generous legroom. It is also a good height for her, not to high or to low. The seating is comfortable and the rear third row is accesable with minimal effort. We have had no issues mechaniclly with our Freestyle. The Freestyle is almost unspoken of by Ford. We feel like we got winner

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  Working mans sports car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By P51 Flyer - October 28 - 8:26 am

  Opted for 5 speed and 18" polished Bullitt style wheels. Overall Im very happy with my purchase. Looks good and has enough oomph to get you in trouble. Almost couldnt keep the car cause I didnt tell the wife about it. I have a bad habit of trading cars in every year! This is my 3rd Mustang and it keeps getting better and better. Will keep this one for at least the life of the loan. Previous ones I had were model year 2000 and 2002. Im a fan of American muscle cars, old and new. This has high "bang for the buck" factor!

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  FX4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By GD - October 28 - 4:50 am

  FX4 with leveling kit, cold intake, Magnaflow dual exhaust. The throttle response is much better with modifications and even a little better gas mileage.

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  Wow - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By big tom - October 27 - 11:50 pm

  What a ride, my kids really enjoy the ride, gas is ok on long trips. It beats taking two cars with gear. It also pulls a load well

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  210,000---Need I say more - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jen - October 27 - 9:26 pm

  210,000 miles has not broke down once! No motor problems at all. Now that I wrote this review it will probably break down---right! (Actually I am knocking on wood). I think I have been very lucky with this truck. Do and would recommend to anyone.

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  Edge of Greatness - 2007 Ford Edge
  By George Kozak - October 26 - 11:13 am

  I like a lot of things about this car. Perfomance of the 3.6 is very good. The interior styling is comfortable and stylish. Controls are easy to master and reach. The car is versatile with fold down seat options. Gas mileage is good compared to my older explorer V8.Power is as good or better for the V6.

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  I love my Ford Aerostar - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Steve - October 26 - 10:40 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever bought. It has never been towed. My son is 3 yrs older than the van and he is driving it now. I have replaced the spark plug twice and it is because I felt guilty. I do change my oil every 3000 - 5000 mile. I have performed minimum maintenace on this vehicle. I still trust it more than my newer vehicles. I wish they did not stop making them. Thanks Ford for a great vehicle. Oh, it has driven 270,000 miles already and still sound great.