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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  Mustang review - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Brian Yates - July 18 - 9:36 pm

  I like driving my Mustang. It is a comfortable ride but the performance is not what I expected. I really expected more.

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  Fun, stylish, reliable car. - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Melissa - July 18 - 4:38 pm

  I have had my Focus for about 8 months and have put over 11,000 miles on it. It is doing great with no major problems so far. The only problem I have had is that there was not adequate adhesive sealing in the top of the front windshield, causing the windshield to pop out of place. However, this problem was covered by the cars standard warranty, and it was fixed easily with no subsequent problems. I like nearly everything about the car.

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  Love my Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Mark - July 18 - 4:32 pm

  My little 4 cylinder Ranger has moved me from NC to NY and back to NC. Hauled everything from couches (2 at a time) to camping gear to just me with no problems. This pickup is so easy to work with and on that it is a joy to own.

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  2016 Titanium Hybrid - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By tom hirsh - July 18 - 2:38 pm

  This is my second Fusion, I had a 2007 that I put 205000 trouble free miles on. Never had a single problem with it, only routine maintenance such as oil changes, brakes twice, tires ... a few bulbs. Traded it in only because it had 200K on it and I wanted a hybrid. I have been driving the 2016 Hybrid Titanium for 7 months ans 12500 now and it am very happy with this purchase so far. The ride is very quiet and seats extremely comfortable. Voice commands work well for phone, radio, climate control, navigation etc.... Gas mileage is averaging 45.5 MPG., close to 600 mile range per fill. Highly recommended!!

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  Great first 2 months - 2012 Ford Focus
  By red_racer - July 18 - 1:50 pm

  I have made it to 2 months and 2,000 miles. I have been very happy with my purchase. I had a Jeep Liberty which I liked but needed better fuel economy and I got it I drove to a job 48 miles away one way for 4 days and averaged 35.2 mpg it was city and highway. It has been living up to the rating. I got a full loaded model with everything but the parking pkg. An amazing amount of stuff in what is a compact. Way more than my Liberty Sport. The transmission seemed a little buggy especially the first few blocks that seems to be mostly gone. Only dilemma was the Navigation would not work. So had to have it fixed. But after a reboot and and upgrade in service no problems.

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  E for Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Blondie - July 18 - 11:25 am

  I just love my SUV. It drives much smoother than I thought it would. Has a great bit of power to it as well. Theres plenty of room for everything. You drive up high but without the bulk of a large SUV. Its great to take on road trips.

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  Saving gas - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Saving gas - July 18 - 9:56 am

  Traded one of our 8 cyl rucks for this vehicle. Couldnt be happier. Great SUV. Wanted the truck feel when we traded. Tried the car, but just couldnt do it when you were used to a truck.

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  2.0 L Titanium - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Richard M. - July 18 - 4:07 am

  Still new with less than 800 mi., but so far very pleased.

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  Pony Power - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Scott - July 17 - 3:32 pm

  Bought it used in January and have driven it daily. Got it for a really low price. Gets okay gas mileage.

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  Got a great deal - cash for my clunker - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By George - July 17 - 2:36 pm

  Wow, with a Cash-for-Clunker deal already from the dealer for $4500 (my 1991 Ford Explorer), and $958 tax credit Federal and $3,906 tax credit (yes!) Colorado, I got a great deal, so this Hybrid wasnt so expensive for us. Being a "Full Hybrid", both the Electric Motor and gas Engine drive the wheels at the same time, and usually electric-only under 40 mph unless you step on it. When coasting downhill over 40 mph, the gas engine is on, but not using gas, as the fuel injectors close. Amazinghow it all works. Great gas milage so far - 32 mpg mostly city so far and have driven less than 1,000 miles.