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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  It Wont Die! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By xc6793 - January 11 - 11:05 am

  This car was originally purchased by my dad in teh fall of 1996 (I was only in middle school, but I remember going with him to buy it). Since then, the car has been driven by my mom, my sister (took a lot of abuse, as she learned to drive in it), and finally me. I use it primarily as my second car, particularly to transport my big dogs back and forth to the park (hard to lift them into my suv). It has 217,000 miles and is still going on the original engine and transmission. Sure, its definitely showing its age, but it amazes me how well this thing still drives. Also, Im amazed at how many of these things (96-97 model years) I still see driving around.

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  Really regretting my purchase - 2013 Ford Escape
  By adolle - January 8 - 1:14 pm

  Ive owned the Escape for only 3 months now and regret it! The microsoft sync touch system is failing miserably. Some of the functions on it freeze making things like the phone and ipod unusable all together. The navigation system can drive you in circles, literally, then just fix itself a few minutes into the drive and now the screen has just gone black, completely turned off, while driving. A few minutes after it goes black a message comes up saying "updating". Ive been reading these things happening to many people but because its not an issue with the car itself, but with the computer, the dealer just "updates" it, which fixes nothing then sends you back on your way.

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  Great compact SUV - 2011 Ford Escape
  By andyman2 - January 6 - 4:16 am

  I love my Escape Limited 4cyl 4wd, I was hesitant about buying a 4cyl, but Im happy with it. The power is ok, I knew it wasnt a power house going into the purchase. The gas mileage is decent especially being a 4wd. It handles well in snow. Ive read many write about a vibration when idling, and mine has the same annoying vibration but it goes away when the vehicle is warm and it is only really an issue in cold weather for me. The only thing I wish I could change is the heated seats only have one setting. My old car had a high and low, and I was able to always have it on low and the one setting in the Escape does not allow me to do that because sometimes it becomes too hot.

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  Great SUV - 2012 Ford Escape
  By brendino140 - January 5 - 3:44 pm

  This was my first ford vehicle and probably will not be my last. I got the 2012 model because of the big changes for the 2013 crossover model. The escape provides a nice ride and great handling. I feel very safe driving in poor weather conditions. The interior design is great and provides great visibility. But, I recommend the V6 model for the best driving experience.

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  30,000 miles in 18 months - 2012 Ford Focus
  By whitfoc - January 4 - 9:24 pm

  Overall, I liked the Focus I purchased new, but as time went on, several issues popped ip. Interior quality is much improved and I loved all the techy features. I had the Titanium with premium and winter packages, moonroof. No Navi or self parking though. After several updates, the Sync and My Ford Touch system was finicky to use with an iPhone, steering wheel controls would do the opposite sometimes, moonroof would reopen when trying to at 70 mph. Sync does not understand "yes" very well. Several rattles in drivers door and headliner area when cold outside. Auto/manual transmission leaves little to be desired even after the refresh. Great handling car, firm but comfortable ride.

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  My first Mustang! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By justinc8 - January 2 - 7:18 pm

  Ive always wanted to own a muscle car and Mustangs always seemed to intrigue me the most. I didnt have much knowledge about automotive performance before I bought this car, I shouldve done more research but I do not regret my purchase. This car is VERY fun to drive on the street. I know 300 horsepower isnt much in todays standards but dont let that number fool you. The car does still pack a punch. Gas isnt so bad either, of course when buying a car like this that shouldnt really matter. I average about 19mpg. Ride quality is decent but not horrible. The seats are nice and comfortable which is a plus. Bottom line, the car is nice and extremely fun to drive!

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  Not my favorite but Im thankful - 2008 Ford Focus
  By lad87nek - December 31 - 2:02 pm

  Bought this car with 47k miles. Im at 104k now. This car was always dependable as far as starting each morning and getting me where Im going. Now when it came to the doors always opening or buttons that cost 250 bucks to replace breaking... well that was my experience with my focus. The back door mechanisms completely fell apart FOUR times in 2 years. Also had problems with buttons and knobs breaking. My last car was a 1992 and didnt wear down those things so fast. Talk about cheap. But what wasnt cheap was to fix the things that broke. I will say that I was involved in a rollover accident with my focus and totaled it. Rolled it 3 times and walked away unscathed.

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  No heat in the back seats - 2013 Ford Escape
  By jriley3 - December 31 - 10:14 am

  I am very pleased with my vehicle. It handles well and is great on gas. The only problems I have are there are no cupholders or vents for heat amd AC for the back seats. When you live in Maryland, which gets really cold and hot, there is a need for cool air and heat, especially for small children, who now have to sit with blankets across their legs until the spring. I was told by Ford to use the vents from the front and turn them toward the back. Thanks Ford!!! Who would think to check for vents in the back seats when purchasing a car? I thought it was a standard. So the new thing is to pay more and get additional vents in our vehicles to keep our children warm? Really?!

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  On a different plane... - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By keboss302 - December 30 - 9:39 pm

  Having considered an Explorer Limited since the 2011 redesign, my wife and I are glad to have waited a couple of years for the Explorer Sport. Trading off a 2007 V8 Explorer XLT, the Sports Ecoboost V6 and Taurus SHO driving dynamics made us completely forget the V8. This is a fully modern, refined and fun-to-drive vehicle that exists on a completely different plane from the body-on-frame Explorers of yore. Its tight, solid, carefully constructed and (to our eyes) very handsome. The dual-panel glass roof, ambient lighting and Star Trek dash layout create an interesting and special interior environment, especially at night. It feels upscale for a Ford. And at nearly $49K, it should!

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  On the road again - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By spikes1gambit - December 30 - 2:18 pm

  I bought this car new in Feb and have since put over 15,000 miles on it. Ive been through the desert, up over the continental divide, over hills, through woods and stuck in traffic. Average Commute is 38 mpg, Ive hit up to 44 on the hwy. THe back seat is a little cramped and the arm rest is wimpy, other than that, I love hitting the road in my car.