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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  I Really Like It - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ira - August 20 - 5:06 am

  Based on my first 1000 miles I achieved 29.4 mpg. For a car this size and with AWD I am pleased with the mileage. The vehicle has a stiff European type ride and responsive steering. The symbiotic relationship between the electric motors, gas engine, generators and battery results in a smooth, seamless ride. The car is not a luxury vehicle so dont expect frivolous amenities. The car also has good acceleration (153 total horsepower), but the right armrest is too short and the seats could use a little more padding. Overall: Im very pleased

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  Built Ford Tough - 2003 Ford F-150
  By bmwm517 - August 19 - 4:55 pm

  This is the second F-150 I have owned, and I would own nothing else. This truck is extremely stylish, reliable, fast, and very gas efficient for its size. I bought the last year of the "old" body style because I think Ford should have kept their styling the same into 2004 and on. I have added a K&N cold air induction system and I would recommend this to any owners, as it significantly adds torque and horsepower, along with gas mileage. I would also suggest adding dual exhaust as it adds a "head turning" sound and also adds horsepower and torque.

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  I Love this car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Carl K - August 19 - 7:06 am

  I had an AudiA6 4.2 that went out of warranty, so I started looking to replace it. While the Fusion is no Audi, it also doesnt cost over $50k. The "step down" I thought I was taking, is not a step down at all. I love this car. I love the mileage, the looks, the regular gas, and all of the premium type appointments -even the stereo- which has long been weak in Fords. I bought SEL V6. I truly love it. If it didnt say Ford on it, I would never believe it. It is a winner all around. No other car that I looked at can give all of this for this price. Leather etc. put a Camry into the $30s. No brainer for me. I only wish it had Parktronic rear sensors. Other than that, I am very very happy.

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  Wonderful Family Van - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By madmax-ooohhh - August 19 - 3:55 am

  Best value over all of the competitors right now with the Family plan and substantial $6000 rebate. Because of this, it is about $4000 less than the competition which makes it a great value. It is not the nest in any category, but is very good in overall ride, comfort, fit/finish, fuel economy, accessibility, practical storage, and passenger comfort.

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  Back to Ford - 2006 Ford F-150
  By tomt - August 18 - 10:20 pm

  Ive only had my new F150 for three weeks. Love this truck. I had my Chevy truck for 10 years before this, but no regrets for the change. The second day that I had the truck I took it to the mountains and used the 4WD in the snow. This truck is well balanced and handles great in the wet, dry or in the snow. The interior design is excellent, great quality materials. The pop out cup holders are the only thing that seem a bit weak. Power seems great, but you do have to be careful not to speed since the truck is so quiet. Love this truck.

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  2005 Taurus - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Diana - August 17 - 2:53 pm

  I love my Taurus! It is perfect to hall my grandbaby and two other people in the back seat. The lumbar support is great for my ailing back.

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  F150 Lariat Off Road - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Andy Jackson - August 16 - 10:37 am

  I use my F150 for work to haul my boat as I am a fishing guide. It is a well built truck that very adequately tows. The only complaint that I have in towing is that the engine can use more low end torque. This is due in part to the fact that it is a SOHC engine versus a pushrod design which is known to have much stronger low end torque. The ride and handling is first rate. The quality of components and their assembly is far superior to the domestic competition and the ruggedness, durability, and beefy frame and suspension makes you realize that the Japanese trucks really fall short in these key areas in comparison. Ford trucks continue to be the best built trucks on the road today.

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  Great truck - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - August 16 - 10:34 am

  Truck has been great mileage 19 city 22 highway. Awd is perfect in the Indiana winters. Heated seats loaded up Ford made a winner. just wish i had the 3rd row seat like the 2000. Ride is quick and smooth. Not as smooth as my 95 ltd but smooth. I have 111,000 miles no wrench turning as of yet.

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  C-max Sel - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By z51hdtp - August 16 - 3:36 am

  Had a 2012 Ford Focus that I liked very much except for the rough shifting trans and cramped rear leg room. Drove the C- Max and fell in love with it. Better visability, more comfortable seats, Love the cvt transmission, floor it and it just goes, No gear hunting, good handling and good rear seat leg room. As others have stated gas mileage is not as good as advertised. Cold weather really effects mileage. Driven as instructed in the owners manual in 50 degree weather have averaged 46 in suburban driving on one tank, when its cooler 42. Highway mileage over 60 is 38 to 40. To get the best highway mileage you cant go over 60. Most hybrids get better mileage in town than on the highway.

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  Strange issues - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By SFV-Man - August 16 - 2:37 am

  The charm and joy of driving is great. The quirks heating (SaunaBird) of the interior when idling is awful, transmission still slams into Drive, clock (third) still runs slow, rattling top, electronic bugs, lack of amenities (like a stripped Lincoln LS), etc. For the price this is a slapped together car. Too bad. Many trips to dealer did not work out the problems. Ford didnt help. Ford made this car an orphan and dropped it at the orphanage. Bill Ford should be ashamed.