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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  Great Mileage - 1997 Ford Escort
  By madhatter - May 20 - 6:22 pm

  I bought this with 30,000 miles. Last year she rolled 210,000 and just flat died. I looked around for a replacement, but couldnt find anything that was even close to a match for comfort, mileage and room. I commute daily and need carrying room. I opted for another engine. It took a bit to get the bugs worked out, but now I am super happy with it. My mileage ranges anywhere from 30-33 depending upon the weather. I use this in the most adverse conditions daily. It has been through -30 temperatures and 70 mph winds, closed roads and snow so deep you were plowing with the bumper. I just cant match this one for a commuter car - my workhorse!

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  Good truck - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By rangerman - May 20 - 5:07 pm

  I was very fortunate to get this truck from my friend that was the original owner. It was garage kept and drove only in the city. The XLT package is nice and mine has two-tone paint (light blue top/ light gray bottom).

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  Just had to Share - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Ivanna Drivitt - May 20 - 4:46 pm

  Looking for a car that was safe, comfortable with better than average gas mileage? This is it. This car is the most effortless driving experience I have ever had and I do 30k per year. The ride is quiet, compfortable and a joy for drive and passenger. I was used to driving big cars and never thought I could get used to a vehicle this size. Was I wrong. When I test drove this car I just wanted to keep going. If you are in the market for a car you must consider this one. Mileage is never bad. If you are looking for a superior value in an automobile, you just found it. This is a car that can be driven for a long time and then passed down to kids without them complaining. Drive safe.

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  Good car for a great price - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ODay - May 20 - 4:31 pm

  For never being a Ford person I was very skeptical even test driving this vehicle. After test driving the fusion and seeing all of the extras available I became a believer. I did my research and found this to be the best car for the price I wanted. After having this car for a while I have absolutely no regrets. I am just as happy as the day I bought it. I was suprisingly happy with the highway gas milleage as I am getting on average 31 MPG. Adding in city driving I got just under 27 MPG average.

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  This is the best vehicle ever!!!! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By cctuck - May 20 - 3:53 pm

  I looked and drove all of the full size trucks in the full four door category. The F150 Super Crew is second to none. This truck rides better than any car I have ever owned. You get a car like ride, and then have the toughness of a truck. Please stop by your Ford dealer and ask for the DVD on the 2010 Truck models and watch before you make any decisions. You will see the difference, both inside and out.

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  Long time coming!! - 2016 Ford F-150
  By clay sanders - May 20 - 2:38 pm

  You can buy ch

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  Fun to drive/poor quality - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By BOB - May 20 - 2:01 pm

  Bought the car in 2005 with 33,000 miles. fun to drive but gets the same, 20/22 mpg,in city or highway driving. Needs on more high end gear ratio so car doesnt stop when you take your foot off gas. Interior quality is poor. Automatic door lock dont work and the plastic trim is falling off. I live in AZ. and the air conditioner is very poor in hot weather. Car overheats, and a really big drag on the engine.

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  Problem-free - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Van - May 20 - 1:11 pm

  Love it! Have owned for 12 years, and have not experienced even a single problem. 3L engine is a bit wimpy, but willing to give up squeeling tires for good fuel economy. 4-speed auto. transmission is wonderfully smooth. Has never been tuned in 50,000+ miles, but pops right off on first try in sub- zero weather.

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  The Best of All Worlds - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Amy Mooney - May 19 - 7:10 pm

  I love my Freestyle. Its AWD, sporty, and has all the best interior qualities of a minivan. The gas mileage is about 24 mpg highway. It looks like an SUV, handles like a car, and the interior is roomy like a minivan. Its the best of all worlds.

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  1997 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By luckylady - May 19 - 1:05 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 11 years, bought it brand new and I havent had any major problems with it. It still looks and runs great. Its a timeless design, I believe. It never looks out of style. But the gas mileage is horrible, but what do you expect, its a 4WD SUV. I have had a lot of fun and Im not ashamed to drive it even after 11 years. It still looks brand new, especially after its washed and waxed. Ill be sad to let it go because its been the best car I ever owned.