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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  Janices pony car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Janice Waldrip - April 26 - 9:06 pm

  The Shaker 1000 stereo is loud but the CD player needs to be completely redesigned. It skips, and shoots out CDs; very sensitive, only plays certain CDs. Ive had 4 so far and mine still doesnt work. We are waiting for a fix from the dealer. The front end pops when turning hard. I love driving it and the red/black color combo is great! I have the My Color on mine and just love the entire Mustang experience.

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  Get Real New Car Value - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - April 26 - 6:38 pm

  I bought a 2016 1.5L Turbo SE Fusion with navigation in November and I was pleasantly pleased with the purchase experience. The car handles wonderfully and is comfortable both front and back. It is both economical and peppy, and really is a bargain vs. marginally more "upscale" vehicles. I have owned Lincolns, Acuras , Cadillacs, BMWs, ect. and this, in my opinion, is thus far, and by far, the best new car value I have ever obtained, even though may not be considered a "luxury " brand or model.

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  Happy Renter - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Happy Renter - April 26 - 3:55 pm

  I rented this car for a short trip, total 300 miles, in one day. The best part of this trip was driving this car. It is so fun to drive and comfortable to be in for long periods. The extras like the floor lights, and the ipod adaptor made my teenagers very happy. This car had amazing pickup and power. It feels like your barely moving when your going over the speed limit.Id love to own this car.

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  Great truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By kyle - April 26 - 12:46 pm

  My ranger has the 3.0 and does pretty good off-road its all stock. Ive gone througn some ppretty good mud holes and creeks that a friend of mine wouldnt go through in his cuumins that is tricked out. And i have yet to get it stuck. The truck could have a little more power and Ford should definatley consider dohc. I average about 20 mpgs and thats a mix of highway, city, and farm road driving. the only problems ive had are o2 censors but with 100,000 miles that can be expected. all n all its had a pretty tuff life and i doubt that a colorado tacoma or frontier would still be running. Low end torque and hp could be better but if you put on an intake exhaust an chip you be rollin

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  No more vans since I found the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Michelle - April 26 - 10:20 am

  I like this vehicle, It is good alternative to a minivan or SUV. The visibility is good and with the adjustable drivers seat it makes it easy for even a height challenged person to drive comfortably. It has a smooth ride and it is very easy to drive. You have to keep an eye on your how fast you are going because with the smooth CVT transmission you can easily exceed the speed limit. The leg room is quite good even in the third seat. And the ability to fold down the seats makes this a all purpose vehicle. Good work Ford; I hope this vehicle is a real success. I am glad I waited to purchase my new vehicle until I found the Freestyle.

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  Great value - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By cj - April 26 - 5:14 am

  Much better than I anticipated for the price. Not overpowered/just right. I love the handling with a composed ride. Glad I got the V6, Four was noisy. Very good legroom.

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  This thing is a FORD?! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin - April 25 - 10:00 pm

  My review title was the first thing that entered my head upon test driving my future Fusion S. Very well composed ride, handling characteristics, soft touch interior materials, and overall a feeling of a great vehicle. 6 speed auto started shifting a bit rough but now that I have some mileage on it and its gotten used to my driving patterns, its silky-smooth. Huge trunk for a mid-size. Alloy wheels standard on basic model. Returned 32 MPG on first tank of gas. First car Ive owned that didnt need to return to the selling dealership to fix something after the sale.

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  Got a Good One! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By mv - April 25 - 9:35 pm

  I purchased my SUV new and have been relatively happy with it. I got a good one! Ive owned my Explorer for almost 12 years, have more than 224,000 miles on it (original engine and transmission) and its held up pretty well. Only persistent problem seems to be a roaring in my wheel bearings, which Ive had serviced a few times. Other than that this was a good purchase that has paid for itself over the years. Standard service intervals were always stretched (e.g. oil changes every 4,000 to 6,000 miles) - perhaps that is the secret to this longevity. Ive owned three Fords before this one, and I hope I can make my next purchase a Ford also.

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  Well Built Very Reliable - 2005 Ford F-150
  By bob g - April 24 - 2:42 pm

  I was a japanese truck buyer for years.. I own a farm in Waco and pull large trailers. I needed something that can pull. My tacoma could not. I bought my 05 Lariat FX4 4x4 Crew brand new with 26 miles expecting to get 80k and dump it. Now i have 211,460 as of right now and has been great. Only repairs were headlight bulbs, tires, fluids, and brakes twice. The 5.4 is a real workhorse and still purs with 211k. Toyota? my tacoma had a new tranny put in at 120k and 195k.. This is far more comfortable. I strongly recommend the Ford F series truck. My next vehicle will be American.

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  T miss her.. - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By fomocobro - April 24 - 11:00 am

  My mom purchased car new in 99 because I recommended it, Nascar, and its 5 star crash test rating. LOVED IT. Great Performance & Style, what made it was the opt. DOHC 24V & spoiler makes the car look 100% better (esp. in black). I inherited it in 06 w/ 47k mi. after it sat neglected in Fl for over a year, got it running & drove it back to home to its origin in PA w/ no problems. Fixed it up and did some mods 2 up performance & looks, man did it make a difference. Engine purred even when stock, growled w/ aftermarket exhaust. I LOVED this car & made it into something beautiful, sold it @ 73k mi. because was time 2 move on to something that fit me better..Cobra. Farewell T..