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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  Love it - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Michelle - April 7 - 10:33 pm

  This is my second Fusion I had a 2010, trading it for another vehicle was my worst mistake. It was a great car. So I had to have another Fusion a 2016. Love it, comfortable easy to manuver and an all around great car. The gas mileage is great. You cant go wrong with a Fusion.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Noryn - April 7 - 7:06 pm

  I have been looking at Escapes for several years. Early this year I purchased an WRX (awesome car) but found myself needing more of a SUV. So 2 times this year I have been researching and testing vehicles to drive. The Escape was hands down the best vehicle I tested. I tried a Jeep Liberty which was sluggish and stiff--the difference was night and day. For some reason above it wouldnt let me choose the 6 cylinder option which is what I have. It has awesome pick up and gets decent gas mileage--I get about 20.5 mpg but I live in the city. The interior is gorgeous, especially at night. The vehicle is very stable, even in steep curves. Ford has done a great job on this.

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  Impressive engineering - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Richard - April 7 - 3:52 pm

  I have owned the car for less than a month and have put on 750 miles so far. The car is beautiful to look at and well engineered by Ford. I love the smoothness and power of the V6. The car is a pleasure to drive around town or on the highway. It feels solid and sounds great with a slight rumble, especially on start up. I think Ford is making a huge mistake in phasing out the V6 in the Mustang. If anything, Ford should tweak the engine a bit more to keep up with the Camaro V6. I chose the Mustang over the Camaro for its looks , styling and better visibility and pricing. I chose the ingot silver and have had lots of compliments on the car at gas stations and parking lots, etc. I am thrilled with every aspect of this car except for the lack of leg room in the back seat and the lack of a spare tire. Ford seems to think an air pump in the trunk will get you home rather than providing a donut spare tire. I ordered a spare tire on line which will come via FED EX tomorrow. Ford needs to reevaluate sending its customers out on the road without the proper equipment to drive home safely. Great car, great pricing, great engineering. Be sure to ask for a spare tire before you conclude your deal for a new or used 2017 V6 Mustang!

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  Love my Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Michael - April 7 - 9:44 am

  I love my 05 Escape. It looks a lot better than the previous years. It has an excellent ride (no bounce like other Fords usually have) and great pickup! I love the room inside. I think it could have better gas mileage. I get average 19 mpg (I drive about half city and highway). I would really recommend this car. 30,000 miles, and not a problem so far (knock on wood).

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  Nicely done - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Value - April 7 - 6:26 am

  New alloy color, tinted windows and the Pirelli tires turns heads. Excellent handling & ride. Glad for the fuel economy of the 3.0L engine. Im sure the 2008 w/3.5L will be more fun to drive. Incredible value for family still raising kids. Nicely done.

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  10 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Kmlucas89 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  It is the best car money can buy

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  Reliable old Ford - 1994 Ford Escort
  By deec - April 5 - 11:53 am

  My Ford Escort is 12 years old and still running great. It had only had 2 problems before it hit the ten year mark: the alternator and the fan. The fan was covered under warranty, and the alternator cost less than $200 to fix. Now, it needs things fixed regularly, but the repairs are still fairly inexpensive. This car is the best purchase Ive ever made - cheap and dependable. Also, its a manual, so it has some acceleration. It handles well and is fun to drive. For many years, it got 40 mpg on the highway, but now its down to 35. This is the Energizer Bunny of cars.

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  Magic Carpet feel of driving a car - 2017 Ford Fusion Energi
  By SSK - April 5 - 11:33 am

  Excellent ride in all respects. The only possible drawback would be with the trunk if a full size trunk is needed because the battery takes up about 1/2 of the typical trunk space. You do get a large glove compartment, storage in the center console and doors and use of the entire rear seat if not occupies. However for families that often require the use of an entire trunk with rear seat occupies, this would need to be a considerstion in the purchase of electric vehicles such the Fusion energi. : )

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  a fun drive and quite responsive. - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By bob hudson - April 5 - 10:26 am

  check out if the rear swaybar needs replacing also the water pump as people have had them replaced like I did before 30000 miles. I have had to spray the front shocks with wd 40 every so many miles as they start to squeak. other than that I give this car a lot of credit for driveability and pep at 305 hp.

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  Impressive - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By charliech47 - April 5 - 8:07 am

  Just bought the 2013 at Edmunds FMV. Very nice machine. Trip MPG is 47-48 if you stay at or bellow 65 MPH. If you drive with a bit of finesse and use the little cruise guide on the display on the left in city and cruise control on the highway youll get very close or better to the advertised MPG. It does take a little practice to get comfy with the infotainment but practice makes perfect and only a bit more complex than my GM Saturn vue. If you do lead foot it youll be surprised. Brilliant automotive engineering by Ford!