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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  Driver Discomfort - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By wildturkeyhh - August 16 - 2:00 am

  We find the driver seat very uncomfortable as cannot stretch out my leg due to the hump on the left side. I have to place my leg in an uncomfortable position under the brake pedal. Otherwise we find the vehicle easy to handle and maintenance repairs have been very minor and acceptable. Nice car.

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  2010 SEL 3.0 V6 with sport package - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By SCS - August 15 - 6:06 pm

  Before I purchased this car I looked at the Accord and Camry. Fit and finish I would say the Honda was a hair better but the Ford was much nicer then the Toyota, especially in design. Performance and driving were very close with all models but I found the ford more fun. I liked the idea of a V6 without having to go to the sport. Mileage was about 27mpg during the summer but Im down to high 23s this winter. My 3.0 doesnt seem to like the winter blend. The car is very fun to drive and with a manual transmission it would be almost perfect. I do have two issues, one is a high pitched wine from the fan motor and a clunk from the drivers side rear door. I will be taking it in shortly.

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  Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jerry Paison - August 13 - 11:30 pm

  This car is the best "comfort" car I ever owned. The engine/CVT are smooth and quite. The interior seats are comfortable, and interior space is huge. The truck will carry a lot of luggage, golf clubs, etc.

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  Good Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By skippyspaniel - August 13 - 10:40 pm

  I have the SE 5 speed AUTO. Its a nice car, looks nice and drives smooth. Takes corners very well. I am averaging 28mpg, better than my previous car which was a Focus. Wait for 07 model when 6 airbags will be standard.

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  2005 Mustang V6 auto - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Larry - August 13 - 9:40 am

  I purchased the vehicle in April of this year for $22,800, its the first one that I have owned. I am very pleased with the fit and finish. The body style screams Mustang. Its sonic blue with white strips. Interior is tan with cloth seats and Shaker 500 stereo system. I was very surprised with the ride on the highway; it is very smooth with no wind noise -- in town its a little bumpy. Performance is good for a V6. I get 19 MPG in town and 25.7 on the highway. I guess the only complaint that I have is the engine is a little buzzy around the 1700 RPM range, other than that it is an excellent buy.

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  Bullseye! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By scape2 - August 13 - 7:16 am

  Ford and Mazda hit it right on the money and many dont like it! This SUV had a rough start and many took advantage of initial problems and let them be known. I am a proud owner of a 2001 V6 XLT 4x4 in beautiful black. Loaded with stepbars, sunroof, bike racks, tint, 6CD changer the works. I take it skiing, fishing and tow my jet skiis. Granted, the interior needs a little updating but its no worse than a Suzuki, or Honda interior..

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  My Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Ron J - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this Van. It is a very comfortable ride and the engine has good get up and go. The only drawbacks are the middle seats are too close to the doors, so it is difficult to get in the back(this was supposedly corrected in the 2002 model. Ive had some minor problems(so far) with the electronic passanger sliding door and front passanger door lock. Otherwise, I love this Van.

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  Old reliable - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Old Bull - August 10 - 1:43 am

  There is nothing like the ride of a rear wheel drive car. Nothing exciting in this car but a solid performer and a rare affordable big car.

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  Porsche Cayenne for way less - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Allen - August 9 - 4:45 pm

  I actually test drove the Porsche, Audi, BMW, Lexus and Audi analogues to the Ford Edge Sport. Saved not less than $15,000 (and more like $25,000 for comparably equipped) and the Edge is every bit as much the drivers car. Steering is a little on the light side but extremely responsive. Acceleration is very strong (coming from a current Mustang GT Boss owner and a former Audi S4 owner). Brakes are solid and while I havent beaten them up too much, they dont seem to fade even under hard use. Fit and finish is generally very good but not quite up to the Lexus or Audi standards. Unless you walk around the car with a ruler though, you probably wont notice any real hiccups. We bought a completely decked out model so it has pretty much every bell and whistle. All seem to work well but youll need to spend some quality time with either the user manual or your dealership to figure it all out. The major control are straightforward and can be controlled by either real buttons or the touchscreen. I highly recommend the adaptive cruise control. Its a little freaky at first but not having to constantly jigger your speed is a very pleasant experience. My only negative, and its not a big one, is that we sprung for the 21 inch wheels. They look great but Im not excited about the Pirelli Scorpion tires. They are a little on the noisy side and Im not super confident with their wet traction (then again, I live in Arizona so not a big issue here). If I were to do it over again, Id stick with the 20" wheels and thus protect my rims from curbs. Overall, unless the reliability becomes an issue, I dont think you can go wrong with this car.

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  Great car - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Benjamin Nance - August 9 - 11:33 am

  I would have to say, the car is great. I have a SE Hatchback Focus Black with Black Leather. The only problem I have with the car is the lack of Horsepower/Torque. I have 160HP with 130T which is very little. I do have plans on upgrading, ut I will wait till the warranty is up. 3yrs 36000 miles and 60000 powertrain. All in all, I recommend this car. This car is soo much better than my last car. 2012 Ford Focus. I could name many reasons I really disliked my 2012 car. Might be woth adding, but im running out of room to write. FYI, Ford Focus cars are great if you steer clear of year 2013-2014 models due to Gearbox issues.