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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  40K, Love, Hate, Love - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By kraynlex - October 23 - 3:35 pm

  After 40K I can say that I generally I like the vehicle. I take issue with the alignment of (or lack of) with the trunk, rear taillights and exterior pillars (all of them). The transmission can be erratic as well. That said, I have not had any major issues, not even with Sync. I travel a lot and rent a variety of cars. The best testament to the Fusion I can give-I fall in love with it every time I get back in it, only to hate it in a few weeks, only to love it again after driving all the other crap. It is the best crap on the road as far as sedans go.

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  Never buy a Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By momstractors - October 22 - 7:41 pm

  Bought the 2010 Fusion new, pile of junk, 3 door switches replaced along with Chinese lug nuts and emblem that was delaminating. Rear brake caliper locked up, covered under warranty, its locked up again but not covered under the 60,000 drive train warranty. I would think that brakes are an important part of the drivetrain. The brakes are not a new problem, they have plagued Ford on these cars for the last 10 years. The car rides like a lumber wagon, motor idles rough and trunk seal fell off. Car has been on the road for 3 1/2 years, 40,000 miles and I guess I can look forward to the throttle body going.

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  followup 3 year 88000 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By coloradobell1 - October 22 - 12:19 pm

  no problems. New tires this years but that given. 3 Colorado winters 5 passes no problems. We take our Explorer in every June for yearly its oils, transmission changes. We just brought small camping trailer and you cant even tell you towing the thing. heading up Yellowstone next summer. cant wait. 58000 to start, now 88000. In 27 years of marriage its still best car hubby & I have owned.

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  Ford F150 Lariat - 2007 Ford F-150
  By slim1950 - October 21 - 3:08 pm

  Bought my truck new, have over 120,000 on it. Have had every oil change done with Joe Machens in Columbia MO. Have not had any problems with my truck at all. It is a great truck.

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  2006 Escape 3.0L FWD - 2006 Ford Escape
  By osu2 - October 21 - 1:24 am

  I absolutely love my Escape! I Bought it a year ago with 140k and it has honestly been the most reliable car Ive ever had! It now has 175k and is a champ, the 3.0L engine really sips gas for a V6! It runs like its brand new still. The V6 engine is very peppy! It gets up and goes when you need it to! Dont let the FWD fool ya either, Its pulled out of mud ruts with no issues! Right now I use it for commuting back and fourth to college and I honestly could not of made a better choice. I know the Escape has a lot of bad reviews...its basic maintenance and you will be fine. I use synthetic oil every 3k, I get my transmission fluid changed every 20k because of its age. Love my Escape!!!

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  Best Ever Bolivia - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By chainjp - October 20 - 2:11 pm

  I live in LA Paz Bolivia and bought my 04 expedition on 07 with 70,000 miles. Now it has 162,000 and it just been crash twice really hard. Safety is the best issue with this summer. The roads are of the worst quality and the sun still feels really strong. It has never left me down or hanging and that is a plus five here in Bolivia. Traveled all over the country with absolutely no disappointment. I can really say ford Is built tough. I had even had to tow one of my other big truck uphill and it felt awesome for my truck to be able to do that. The best car ever!!!! I just wished it would keep a better value. But all the other pros outweigh the resale value. Just great

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  Strong running truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By fordfan95 - October 19 - 9:59 pm

  truck is now over 11 years old, and is still running strong with 84,000 miles on it. truck tends to be problematic in the large 5.4 version with cam phasers and broken spark plugs, however the 4.6 does not suffer from these problems. this past winter we have had more snow and more colder days than in decades, and having it sit in below zero weather for 3 days straight, it cranks first start without missing a beat. parts are EXTREMELY cheap being as the 4.6 is the most common fleet vehicle engine, so parts are easily accessible and readily available. the body and frame are extremely durable and after 11 years in the heart of the salt belt, its completely rust free.

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  Worst car ever - 2014 Ford Focus
  By hatemyford - October 18 - 1:51 pm

  I have the Ford Focus SE. I bought it with an automatic transmission that I paid $1300 for. 6 months later I find out it has a manual transmission with 2 electric clutches that no longer work. In 1 year the transmission, clutch, alternator, steering and interior have been repaired. My "automatic" transmission performs so poorly that I feel unsafe in the car. Do not buy this car. Once you own it, no one can fix it. It also depreciated 70% the first year. When it was 9 months old I was offered $7500 to trade it in. I paid 23K

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  Frequent Renter/New Leaser @ 1,200 miles - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By oldsnwbrdr - October 18 - 8:17 am

  My last six cars included four Acuras and one Mercedes. And I am VERY pleased with how the Fusion feels when I drive it. I have the SE with the 1.5 ecoboost engine. Options include black 18" rims, MyFordTouch with GPS, sunroof, luxury package, and remote start. I really wanted a 2015 with the Terracotta package (love the color, and the package throws in the sports seats from the Titanium) but the deals on the 2014s were too good to ignore. Plus I loved the silver SE with black rims on the dealer lot. VERY sporty yet the ride with the 18" rims is fine (dont get the 19s as the ride gets jittery!).

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  Fantastic little blue Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By moabjeeper - October 17 - 11:16 pm

  Bought this car new January 2011 and have had no problems and have had nothing go wrong with it. It now has 49,000 miles. We have the automatic transmission and once we got used to the way it behaves, have had no complaints. Test drove a manual and the auto beats it hands down. My daughter drives it commuting to school and loves it so much she calls it "her" car. It consistently gets close to 34 mpg in mixed driving. My Son is getting his drivers license and wants a green one.