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 must be lucky - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By doug - June 26 - 12:55 am

  I bought this car in 1998. I have put over 90,000 miles on it since. Not having problems with the transmission just average maintenance done and a few minor repairs but has been a very good car for me and my family. Sorry for all of you that had all those problems.

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  Family trip vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Bud - June 25 - 10:35 am

  So far the diesel engine and all the other features have been tops. Only a few small glitches and three Colorado and 6 trips over 1500 miles with two under three year old kids and this is the way to go. Tuned the computer with micro chip and now get 21-22 miles per gallon on the highway--in this tank, what a way to go. Only had one adjustment early on the diesel and one tank of contaminated diesel which cleaned out just fine. You cant beat this for loading up and hitting the highway. Gets up and roars when the accelerator is pushed amazing for a vehicle this size.

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  Relaxing Drive - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kat - June 25 - 10:30 am

  My new Freestyle is incredibly comfortable. I first noticed it going around corners. You glide through the turn and experience very little swaying. The seating is just wonderful, and the storage when the seats fold down is amazing. I usually buy a car and just drive treating the car like just a car. This one took me by surprise--great handling and braking, comfortable ride, and good gas mileage. I love my Freestyle.

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  My Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By EAM - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this SUV. Fun to drive and no problems so far!

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  Great all around vehicle - 2002 Ford F-150
  By sal - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Graet truck for weddings or yard work or boat and camper towing(5.4 engine) or soccer practice with the kids-you get the picture!!

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  3.8L V6 1998 Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Gucci - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The Mustang is surely one of the best muscle cars in todays market. The design is very original and distinctive. Both the V8 and the V6 versions offer plenty of horsepower and make this car very fun to drive. Handling is good and predictable, but could be improved. The seats are confortable and the overall build quality is very good. The interior is stilish but the door handles are way too cheap. The trunk is surprisingly spacious and functional. This car is perfect for everyday driving.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Em - June 25 - 7:50 am

  The Sport Trac is a great vehicle for people who consistently need cargo room even though they live in an urban area or want to avoid the gas-trap of larger trucks. Ive used the truck to haul hay and grain for my horses (which it does easily) as well as to take guests and friends to more formal events in town. Very versatile!

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  Awesome car! Quiet, Comfy and 42.5 Avg MPG! - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Steve McCown - June 24 - 3:47 pm

  Updated 12-7-2016 I now have 82K miles on the car and have had no mechanical issues with the car. I still love the ride and overall comfort of the vehicle. The fold down rear seat has come in handy for transporting 10 foot lengths of PVC and baseboard trim when our other vehicle is busy. :-) I would highly recommend this car to anyone. Ford has a real hit here. BTW my lifetime fuel economy is 41.7 now and I have a heavy foot! I purchased this car as a work vehicle. I am a salesman who needs a comfortable ride for myself and clients. The Fusion Hybrid SE has been the perfect fit. The car is quiet and road noise is minimal. I have owned mine since May of 2013 and have driven it 68K averaging 42.5 mpg. Rear seat passengers always comment on the comfort and roominess of the rear seating. The 2.0 liter hybrid engine has plenty of pep when you need it and the CVT is smooth. My wife is not a "car person" and prefers trucks and SUVs but has stated on many occasions that she "likes" the Fusion. Overall I really love this car! Positives: Great styling, comfort, quiet ride, great handling, fuel economy, responsive, front and rear seats are very comfortable, auto adaptive cruise is a great feature, fold down rear seat is handy when shopping or carrying long or bulky items. Negatives: Bluetooth voice commands get garbled and people you are talking to on the hands free have trouble hearing you when climate control fan speed is above 40%. I have had to turn off/down the fan to make a hands free call or use voice command gps navigation.

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  Love these Trucks - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Patrick - June 24 - 1:10 pm

  My 2004 is the second Excursion we have owned. We tow a 10,000 lb. trailer and it has no problem handling the trailer. We get 21 mpg on the interstate when not towing, and 11 mpg when towing. Factoring what we tow, 6 adults, and gear, we are getting fantastic mileage. Hope Ford continues to build this great truck.

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  Techno Crazy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By gnelson1 - June 24 - 6:28 am

  I had the chance to get a skeak preview of the all new 2012 and it is avery nice looking ride inside and out! The new styling is very well designed with unique curves and lines. What really impressed me is the all the techno cool stuff. The Ford first SYNC by Microsoft with the Ford My Touch. The New stiffer framing made from very expensive, ultra strong Boron steel. It will be available with features like remote start and Park Assist ( it will actually parallel park its self with little assistance from the driver). The kind of upgraded features you wouldnt expect to see in a vehicle in the C class. But its the power and handleing that sold me on the vehicle! It is Responsive!