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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  Good choose - 2008 Ford Focus
  By smitty - December 9 - 9:13 am

  We like our Focus. The mileage is 41 highway & 30 city, very good for an automatic. Have a squeak in suspenison is hand brake cable in hanger in front of rear axle. Ford has a fix a new grommet. We think it is a very good buy for the price. Looked at Toyota, Nissan, Vibe, Mazda

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  Still new - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Richard McDaniel - December 9 - 8:09 am

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  Its OK - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By DC - December 9 - 2:40 am

  This car is OK. It isnt the greatest, and it isnt the worst. It is comfortable, but underpowered with the 4 cylinder engine. An Accord or Camry would leave this car in the dust. My car had door panels which rattled, and rather than waste my valuable time going back to the dealer, I tightened the screws myself. Where is quality control? Anyway....the car rides nice, and it is obvious that American car making has improved a lot. Regardless, for what amounts to the same price as an Accord or Camry, this car is missing "the little things", things like a coin holder built into the center console, and a locking gas cap.

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  Jacks Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Jack2427 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The 6.0L diesel is great gives excellent performance and on highway I get 19-20 MPG, in city gets 15-16 MPG. Drives like a truck-what it is. Feels secure on road at highway speeds. I will keep this vehicle as long as possible, is a great tow vehicle and carries a load besides. Downside is needs lots of room for U turns, is not a city commuter. I would buy another if they are available when this one wears out. Have had only one problem with a sensor in fuel system, fixed rapidly by dealer.

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  Pickup - 2004 Ford F-150
  By tom jones - December 9 - 2:00 am

  an awesome truck in every way

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  not the best car...... - 2003 Ford Focus
  By designgrl - December 9 - 2:00 am

  bought this car 5 months ago, has been in the shop 4 times, and will be back again next week! electrical problem, brake problem at 400 miles(!), the windshield motor was broken when i drove it off the lot, a strange ticking noise in the dash that they cant seem to fix, and a defective tire that they wont replace- 1 tire badly damaged after only 6k for no reason (no curbs, potholes). also, during 1 repair, dealer broke my transmission dipstick while trying to force in, will not replace!

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  Kevins cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By KT Ward - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I was going to buy a Mach I and saw this and just fell in love. Its fast,stylish and the 6 speed is just unbelievable when coupled to a super- charged 4.6. I was cruising down the highway when a red mustang ran up on me , so I just gave it more gas, doing 115 mph and he kept up. Im thinking "what?" it was another 03 cobra, just had to start laughing, but it was great! All around its just alot of fun to drive, especially off the red lights!

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  Mach 1 Review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By cidvicous - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car about two weeks ago, and i love this car. I was looking at a nissan 350z also, but when i drove the mach 1, i fell in love with it. I love the performance and exterior design as well as the interior.Awesome car, and it is a 40th anniversity mach 1 , i will keep this car for a very long time.

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  Love My Underrated Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By CSForest - December 9 - 12:36 am

  Loved my 95 Explorer & was looking for another SUV or Crossover. Just couldnt see myself in a mini-van. Was concerned at 1st about CVT & 1st yr model (Id had a 1st yr model Chevy lemon years ago). MPG is really good (21 city / 28 highway). Absolutely love this car! Wish Ford had advertised & sold more! The 3rd row seating w/rear storage behind is wonderful. Works like a trunk when hauling small loads of groceries home or can fold seats flat for the larger monthly Costco runs! I plan to hold onto this one for a long time to come.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bill lee - December 8 - 2:13 pm

  Looked far and wide for a 4 cyl/5 speed FWD. This is a great drivetrain. Have gotten 31 MPG several times. Overall I get 28+MPG on my mostly highway commute. Snow is no problem with FWD. I run good snow tires and have had no problems even in deep snow. Not as good as my old jeep but never got stuck. Get the 05 and up vs the 04 if you can. Much better interior design and the bigger 2.3 motor gives better performance and fuel milage. Looked at the Toyota and Honda, but were much more expensive and much smaller. My son is 63" and fits in the back with no problems. Also no $300-500 timing belt to worry about on these cars. Has been very reliable. 60,000 miles and no problems what so ever.