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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  Happy Camper - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By cwiltz - August 3 - 2:00 am

  The only problem that I have had is that the timing chain was making a rattle on my V6SOHC engine. Fun to drive and great for a small family. I definately will consider the Explorer with 3 rows when it comes time to purchase again. They could improve slightly on the drivers seat having a little more room. Also the rear wiper seems to be in a spot where it can be bent easily.

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  LOVE IT - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By DAN JONES - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had the truck for three years now and no problems have come. I get 27 mpg with a mix of city and highway. The only thing that was ever serviced on the truck have been a set of warped rotors from me driving too fast. I installed a Tv/nav system in the dash along with full audio and sound insulation. The stock tires were just replaced at 58,000 miles but still had tread left on them. In my opinion this is the best handling, most fuel efficient and most practical small pick up currently on the market.

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  New owner - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By dbmash - August 1 - 6:43 pm

  We just purchased this vehicle so this may be too soon to rate it. However, this is a useful new car owner impression. We were sold on the safety ratings we read and what the dealer showed us. At 63" 195lbs i really appreciate its roominess both in the front and back seats. The trunk is incredibly big. Yet in spite of all this room, the car doesnt look that big. It is also easy to get in and out of as the seat is at just the right level. Driving home from the dealer on two lane country roads the mileage showed 30 mpg. It rides extremely well. It handles great. I had to swerve to avoid a car that pulled out of a driveway and it responded great.

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  I traded my pickup for this - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Texas Boy - August 1 - 1:00 pm

  After looking at cars for over 2 years, I chose the Focus over the Mustang GT, Jaguar, Volvo, BMW Z4, and BMW 3 series. The Focus is not as fast, nor does it handle quite as well as a BMW, but it is as comfortable, it gets better mileage, it handles fine, has to be more dependable than the imports, and is $20k less expensive. I am not thrilled with the front wheel drive, it not being as driveable on ice (dangerous in my opinion). Road and engine noise is higher than Ranger pickups, and too much plastic is used in the interior. Brakes are ok but not as good as I think they should be. I was in need of a good little car that is good on gas, and the 2005 Focus fit the bill.

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  Who could ask for more?! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Tayllor - August 1 - 4:36 am

  I never thought I could find a car I liked better than my last two, both Toyota Celicas, but I was wrong. Ive had my 2005 Mustang for a few weeks now and its everything and more than I could want! Although it feels so much bigger than the Celica, its very nimble. It feels good, looks good and sounds good. Who could ask for more?

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  Great Driving Machine - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By tjhsncc1701 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with only 38,500 miles on it and it has (Knock on Wood) had no major problem. The only thing I have had to replace on it is the Mass Air Flow Sensor ($60 at Auto Zone) and the Turn Signal Switch. All in all it has been a great car.

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  This is why we need an Excursion. - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Ron Greisel - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my families fifth Excursion. We make 50 mile round trip to take 5 kids to school each week day and 50 miles to pick up in afternoon. Also 200 mile round trip to the city each weekend for shopping.

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  An Escape, but even better - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Gecko - July 31 - 2:20 pm

  I own (and my kids drive) an 02 Yukon XL; 02 Honda AWD CRV; 05 Vibe; 06 Vibe; 05 Escape AWD XLT and now the 08 Escape Hybrid AWD. I love all of my cars and now the Hybrid Escape is great to drive in all weather but gets gas mileage like the Vibes. I really like the build and quality of the 05 Escape and the 08 Hybrid is just that much better, plus it is the perfect size now that my 4 kids are moving out of the house. The Hybrid is our around town car and the Yukon is our car when all 6 of us need to take a road trip. So far the Hybrid is everything I was looking for and I am very happy... BTW I also considered an 08 CRV and the 08 Santa Fe but went with the Escape.

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  I LOVE MY NEW TRIPLE BLACK GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Heather T - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I just got my new 2003 Mustang GT Premium. It is awesome. It is a triple black convertable. It has every option and what options they are...it has the Mach 1000 6 disc in dash and what a system...it is well worth the $1300.00 for the option. It is so loud. The exhaust is excellent as well it has chrome exhaust that matches the 17 inch chrome rims. It sounds great...who needs a flow master when you have this car. Although I have only had it for 2 days...I am in love....it is my first Mustang and in 2 years from now if it is still awesome and no rattles....I would definately consider another one. totally satisfied so far.

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  good car for me - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By jefe - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ever since i got my 2001 ford explorer sport, ive been happy. I just bought it a couple days ago and its been fun to drive ever since. Insurance wasnt bad and 20 bucks nearly got me a 3/4 a tank worth of gas, not bad for an suv. I got it at a really good price, fully loaded XLS. I wish i found a 4x4 but im happy with my two wheel drive. really fun to drive and the engine sounds good. seats are super comfy and stereo is better than average definitely. im really happy with my car!