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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  1 1/2 years late...... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By josh37 - October 4 - 9:08 pm

  I poasted a review of this car when i first got it in the begining of 2010. I have done NO engine or transmission work to this car. It has been very reliable and has never left me stranded. I did have to have it painted because of the cheap paint that ford used. This was my first car, and its special to me, i named him "black stallion." My AC doesnt work, buttons started falling off the radio so i got a JVC radion/cd player installed. The ride isnt bad, the car doesnt jar your neck when you hit a bump like my grandpaws 2010 mustang. I tell myself that i want a new car, but everytime i get in "black stallion" i say, what was i thinking, this is my baby. Gas millage isnt that bad either.

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  Good buy - 2006 Ford Escape
  By zadie - October 2 - 4:42 pm

  I bought this in 2007 for work with 20,000 miles. It is now 2011 and has over 145,000 miles on it with no problems. Its been a great SUV and my dogs love the sun roof.

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  2012 SEL FWD V6 - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By jrbrillo - October 2 - 1:58 am

  The 2012 Fusion is an excellent family sedan and deserves serious consideration. It is roomy & comfortable to drive. We found the 4-cylinder engine to be a bit gutless on freeway entry ramps which is why we decided on buying one with the 3.0L V6. It accelerates far better than the 2.5L I-4. This is important for us since it will occasionally carry 5-people in it. The soft touch interior pieces are nice. The cabin is well insulated from road noise. The sun roof is great but it may be compromising for taller folk. SYNC is awesome as is the Sony 12-speaker sound system. The blindspot mirrors are a very useful and theres plenty of rear seat room for our 3-kids.

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  1 Month Ownership w/Auto - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By stardude82 - September 27 - 10:57 pm

  What a fun little car. I dont know why I like it so much in spite of its sluggish acceleration, body role and bizarre low speed transmission behavior! Despite what Ford marketing will have you believe this car is a compromise. But its on I live with without regrets. I found the back seats in this car perfectly adequate and more useful than the big brother Focus. Im averaging 38 mph in mixed driving.

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  Best Car Ive ever had! - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By mikehs2 - September 25 - 2:17 am

  Its a Mini Van, but I say car. To bad Ford doesnt have the foresight, or hindsight to keep building these. I guess they last too long, and are just too reliable to be manufactured by an American Car company. Very Efficient, Very Comfortable, and extremely reliable. Its the greatest and most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned. Bigger than other mini-vans. Its a car. No, its a van. Wait its a truck. Its just a great, great vehicle. No matter what youre planning on buying, check out at least one good condition Aerostar.

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  Will never get another Ford product - 2007 Ford Escape
  By dab1983 - September 23 - 10:30 pm

  Purchased brand new with 11 miles on it. Was trouble free for the first year and a half, then the tranny blows at 22k miles!!!! Of course it was replaced under warranty. Appx six months later I started noticing that sometimes when I put it in reverse, it takes a few seconds to engage. So I took it back to the dealership and they were unable to replicate the problem. 3 months later, the tranny completely goes out....again!!!! Had truck towed to dealership and they replaced it again under warranty. Now, at 62k miles, my transmission is slipping, yet again. Not to mention, my warranty is up. Will never purchase another Ford product again!!!!

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  SO FAR SO GOOD !!! BUY ONE IF YOU DARE !!! - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By billbert - September 23 - 3:56 pm

  Bought a v6 305 hp 2012 6 speed manual trans 3.31 axle with performance package ...Empty nester mid fiftys ex 60 s 70s muscle car owner.. I am tickled to death so far..A lot of minor conplaints by others mostly about chinese made getrag trans BUT knock on wood.. I did not buy this to hammer the crap out of it or modify it heavily..COMING from the old days I cant believe the value..Like going back and getting a new small block chevy corvette fastback..GET the performance package..worth EVERY dime..This car is fast/nimble/taunt/economical/good looking/and comfortable for two..recent windows down 30 mpg roadtrip in mountains doing 65-82 mph..OLD muscle car would get 15 if your lucky.. FUN CAR!!

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  Solid Car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By pointswest - September 22 - 11:42 pm

  Purchased this car to give to daughter. I have driven it the most , not a sporty riding car , but comfortable , quiet, good mileage, and dependable. Has a huge trunk and the rear and front passenger seat fold flat. One trip we filled the trunk with luggage , when we arrived thought we would treat ourselves and take a stretch limo from the airport to hotel ... the driver almost broke his trunk lid ( and our luggage) I recommended he trade the limo for a stretch Taurus .

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  love it! - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By titor - September 22 - 4:47 am

  I love my little truck!!! 1990 ford Ranger Xlt 2wd. 5 speed. This truck i have fallen in love with. has been well taken care of, i bought the truck 2 years ago. truck now has 200,000+miles and is still strong! i really love the style and everything about it. Great Gas Saver! (2.3L) Power Steering, rear anti-lock brakes, and my favorite...Sunroof!!! really like it and i will keep this truck forever! never been in accident. Love it! Great! Reliable! Gotten my baby over 90mph! great for a lil 2.3L Strong! Comfortable! Fun To Drive! only needed regular maintenece on it :)

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  Just picked up my new 2012 Taurus SE today! - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By macmovieman - September 21 - 7:08 pm

  I just got out of a 2010 Taurus with about 71,000 miles and into this 2012 and there is very little noticeable change. I even have it in the same color? The good news is there was little wrong with the 2010 model and I am hoping to have the same luck with this car. The position of the power outlets allow me to use the rear one for my inverter that powers my laptop, the one in the center console powers my iPhone so I can listen to my music, and the one up front powers my Zumo 660 GPS unit so I do not gt lost during the day. The car rides great, the music system sounds great, plenty of room in the trunk, and excellent power. I will be back in 2014 or 2015 if they continue to be this nice.