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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  Impressions of my first CUV - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Tom Randazzo - October 16 - 7:43 am

  This Edge is my first venture into the SUV/CUV segment. Having dismissed these vehicles as heavy, rough-riding, gas-sucking and prone to roll-over on the highway - this Edge shatters those perceptions. Looks, ride, power, and a surprisingly roomy interior - this CUV has it all. It achieves a true 18+ mpg in the city and 23+ on the highway, plus it has stability control. Having always been a car or mini-van person, Im perfectly happy with this Edge.

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  20087 Fusion is surprising - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ss100x - October 15 - 10:13 pm

  I downsized from a Lincoln Town Car to get better gas mileage. The Fusion 4 CYL with the 5 speed auto gets me 33MPG on the highway - 5 more than the EPA rating. It is quiet, sporty, excellent build quality and has many surprising features that you dont expect on a car in this price class

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  Suprise Escape - 2007 Ford Escape
  By James H. - October 15 - 9:25 pm

  I wasnt even looking for an Escape when I started shopping and ending up there on chance because the Toyota dealer messed me over and I walked out. Anyway, I was surprised by the performance, look and feel of the 2007 Escape. It has been a great ride over the past year. The only thing I have noticed is breaking really hard is a little sluggish but over all a great ride. I am very happy with my 2007 Escape.

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  Love it. - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Cogiej - October 15 - 4:35 pm

  I bought this truck new. In over 5 years, It needed brakes once, a ball joint, and a set of rear springs. The factory steel bumper needs a repaint. Thats all the bad news. Now for the good news. On the highway the 4.2 liter gets 20mpg for real! It can tow a 5800lb trailer at 65mph and still get 12-13mpg! The truck has never let me down.

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  Best small SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 03ExplorerSPT - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I received my 03 Explorer Sport XLT Premium on 4/30/03 as my high school graduation gift. I used to drive a 95 Explorer XLT. This new one is much better. The power of the engine is remarkable compared to the old OHV V6. The gas mileage is a bit better than my old Explorer too. Definately a great vehicle!! It is worth the extra money for the XLT Premium!

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  Best Conv/Racer out there!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By John Reid - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Smoking my tires as I left the dealership I felt no regret whatsoever purchasing the dream car. It comes stock with a beautiful body but the exhaust did need some help so I put flowmasters on it. The sound system was great and the MP3 was very nice :o)~ I do encourage SVT to make it standard or an option to have the Mach 1000 in the Cobra as opposed to standard Mach 460 (which is still very nice).

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  My Tweety Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By reinasoleil - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this truck so far! It has all the power a truck its size would need. It has a classy look, but will do its work. The ride is quiet and the suspension gives a feel of sturdiness without being rough. The front seats are extremely comfortable. Its pleasing to drive & it makes me smile just looking at it. I think Im in love!!

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  Can it possibly get any better? - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By graphicguy - October 15 - 1:46 am

  Having been a "hard core" sports car fan, this is the first "American Sports Car" Ive owned. It would be an understatement to say how impressed I am. Its got it all; the style, the muscle, the refinement, the "growl" and the attitude. Aside from the startlingly great straight line performance, the suspension strikes a surprisingly good balance between handling and ride comfort. The seats are comfy while holding you in place. The Interior Upgrade Package with real aluminum dash is quite the looker. Shift feel is positive and quick. Brakes haul you down with "right now" stopping power. Build quality is among the best Ive experienced in any car. Its tight and solid

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  Finally - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Iman - October 14 - 9:10 pm

  This car has only one problem. The space on the speedometer between 55 and 80 is to thin. You will get into trouble if you dont keep an eye on your speed. No rattles, squeaks, or defects. As for the ownership experience, this car was built on August 8th and was not delivered until October 7th.

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  My F-150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By LUIS - October 14 - 11:09 am

  I used to drive a Silverado and its performance was OK, but its interior design cannot compare with the one from the F-150. Now I can pull more weight as my boat and work requirements demand. Its engine is quiet and powerful, so I recognize that I have to maintain it properly.