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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  So far loving my new Fusion! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By cruzefan2 - February 4 - 8:59 am

  I upgraded my Chevy Cruze to a Ford Fusion Ecoboost 1.6L about a week and a half ago. I was wanting a roomier car. The Fusion drives very nice. The interior is very quiet! About the only noise you hear is the engine getting up to speed. So far as far as fuel mileage I just took a trip over the weekend and on 65-70 mph interstate roads I got 29.8 MPG but I only have 600 miles on the vehicle so Im assuming this will only get better. Does anyone else have the 1.6L Ecoboost and what are you getting for mileage? The only recommendation I would have is the passenger seat sits a little low to the ground so maybe have height adjustable seats? Other than that no complaints about the car!

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  Big yet fun to drive. - 2013 Ford Flex
  By caraddict1 - February 3 - 11:22 am

  I was looking or a larger car yet didnt want a sit up high SUV. I liked these when they first came out yet was hessitant so waited a few years and I am glad I did. It glides real smooth when driving it has great handling and turning radius. Not hard to park. The eco boost is awesome. It gets up and goes when you hit the peddle. Great for long hauls and short hauls. Highway and back roads with all the curves. I have over 3,000 miles on it and cant complain. Teenagers and friends fit in fine. can carry 4 dogs 4 adults and some with no problem. If you want a minivan look at this first. Has all wheel drive too.

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  Nice upgrade.....you think? - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By basterisk - February 1 - 1:47 pm

  Bought the 2012 Ford Fusion SEL FWD 3.0L V6 certified pre-owned, have been driving it a little over a month now. Previous vehicle was a 98 Dakota pickup, so yes lol, quite a difference. I love the driving experience.....handles great, nice acceleration when the higher revs achieved, especially using the manual automatic mode. Comfortable, quiet, pleasant leather interior, enjoyable sound system. I look forward to driving it each day. A few complaints, for no vehicle is perfect. The transmission can shift awkwardly at times, especially in mid-RPMs. Rear visibility takes getting used to, and windshield rear-view mirror gets in the way when looking right. Glad i got the car......

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  A Must Have Car! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By policemustang - February 1 - 11:23 am

  I recently purchase a brand new Ford Focus Titanium. I am very happy and would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a cool-looking ride with great fuel mileage in mind. My car has everything except for a moon roof. Its a little tight on room but you must consider that I am 304 lbs. So, of course its going to be snug. Everything works great and the transmission shifts just fine. Its quiet and smooth and in my honest opinion, the best Focus that Ford has ever produced. Purchased at: Mac Haik Ford-Lincoln in Georgetown , Texas. The Titanium package is the way to go! Or as an alternative, choose the SE model with the 201A option package.

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  Very Pleased - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By whereismyhair - January 31 - 8:26 pm

  I am really happy with my Explorer. I think it is a good looking vehicle, I get 23 mph even when the 4wd is on (I live in the UP of Michigan and use it in the snow), and I like how it drives. The speed control with the auto slow down is great and it helped stop me when a car recently stopped suddenly in front of me on the highway. I have towed with it, filled it with a very large light item and many smaller heavy items and still it drives fine. I traded a F150 for it and dont regret doing it.

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  The 2013 Focus - Great Car - 2013 Ford Focus
  By 48hours - January 30 - 12:32 pm

  We have owned the Focus for one month and it has proven to be a great car to this point. We have had none of the transmission problems we read about in other reviews. The vehicle we have was manufactored in December of 2012. The car is very responsive and has very good fuel mileage and is near the advertised MPG. The controls are easy to reach and clearly displayed. Ours does not have the navigation system, but all other functions have had no problems.

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  Great First Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By stanggt915 - January 30 - 11:35 am

  This is such a cool car! A perfect blend of everything. Great styling, very reliable, comfy, big sound system, cool wheels, high modding potential, and it is quite quick. With the new Borla exhaust I added it now has incredible muscle car sound! For my first car I would have it no other way.

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  Loving it so far!!! - 2013 Ford Edge
  By pete_man - January 29 - 4:45 pm

  I recently moved from a 2010 Nissan Murano LE to the Ford Edge Limited with the 302A Package. I loved my Murano and got rid of it due to an accident. I had an Edge as a rental and liked it so much I ended up buying one =) Honestly I considered another Murano but it hasnt changed since my 2010, I was looking for something with a little more technology. I considered the Chevy Traverse and the new Pathfinder but settled on the Edge.

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  Love my Expedition had it for atleast 7 years - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By lihartke - January 28 - 3:05 pm

  Had my expedition since 46K miles and now have 155k. Plan on driving her till she drops. Regularly maintained and have almost no unnexpected need for a mechanic. The only thing bad about her is the rear window wiper. The motor quit many moons ago. Windows roll up extremely slow for some reason. Heat and cooling work great and distribute wonderfully. Tows a 21 ft boat with ease. With regular maintenace hopefully, Ill get to 200k.

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  Awesome CAR! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By dsande - January 28 - 1:12 am

  Ive had 3 Mustangs a 1993,2006 and my current 2010 Mustang Gt awesome Car.Its Better than the 2006 all the way.Bought both of them used had the 2006 for about 11months then found the 2010 Mustang Gt 4.6liter in Kona Blue,favorite color.I thought the 2006 was good the 2010 Mustang is Great handles better and it even has the track pack,heated seats and 19wheels.I get stares at all the people who wished they had one.This car overall handles better drives quiet and if your use to a sports car ride ,its Allright with me.No kids in the back seats to mess up the leather and I keep the music Crankin.Allways wanted a Mustang since I was a kid Im on my 3rd one,this is the only car Ill drive FORD #1