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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  Give me an american V-8 and rwd anytime - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By hy-gear - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Except for a few minor quirks this car has been great.It handles good , is comfortable,gets 20+mpg and can haul the mail when you want it to its hard to beat for the money

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  Best big suv on the road - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By zak - June 16 - 2:00 am

  this is the suv for the traveller who puts on the miles and wants the safety and room to travel. (as long as you can afford the gas and dont mind the shock at the pump when you fill it up.) you couldnt drive a more reliable road hugger on the highway. off road, the truck is solid , tough, and powerful as a bull. No vibration, sway or dippp\ing with this baby. No sir and no maam. Ford tough! Ford Quality. Youll be proud to be an american driving Fords Biggest SUV. Built by americans in Kentucky who have a lot to be proud of with this Ford product!!!

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  Review for Base Model - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lmg911 - June 15 - 2:47 pm

  Before I purchased my C-Max I read the online reviews. I continue to do this and am surprised that most posters complain that they dont get the advertised mileage. Well I felt compelled to write. This car teaches you how to change your driving habits to actually get the 47mpg . If you pay enough attention to it and learn to use the gauges (complicated) you will get the 47mpg. In my case , Ive become obsessive and actually get better mileage. Actual mileage also depends on the terrain where you live. Hill country gets less then the flats of the mid-west. But I live in New England so .... Also , if you use the heat/ac it will cost you 1 mpg. Extremely happy with my purchase. !!!

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  Lot of Fun - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Pony Boy - June 15 - 2:40 am

  My 2005 Mustang Convertible lived up to my every expectation. Beautiful car in every regard - if you like if from the outside you will love it from the inside. Sitting behind the wheel with the long hood, throaty exhaust and heavy feel of the car is not unlike driving a Corvette, without that cars acceleration. The 6 cylinder has some power but is best for cruising. A real eye catcher from the outside attracts some stares and comments, the inside is beautifully designed and extremely comfortable. Top is easy to open, nice feature of automatically putting down the windows before opening, closing top. Shaker 500 system sounds great. Just waiting for the summer to get here.

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  81k and going strong - 2001 Ford F-150
  By G D - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I have 81k & going string. I have put 75k on it myself and the seats are better now than ever. Treat the seats and theyll last. Yes I have spilt everything on the seats from ice cream to beer to an ice chest w/ an open plug on a back seat. adds character! Anybody who gets in for the 1st time says, "THIS is leather!"

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  Great Value - 1996 Ford Contour
  By John Snider - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This has beren a great vehicle! The only major repairs have bee replacing the timing belt at 90,000 miles and the front wheel bearings at 102,000 miles. The car holds the road great and still has good acceleration. It has been paid off for a few years now and is still running fine.

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  This truck is great - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By J Mattern - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I got all I paid for this truck and then some. The newly configured 6.0 turbo diesel is great onfuel and low sound. the interior has everything a person could want.

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  Big Time - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Furball - June 14 - 2:00 am

  48,000 miles in 2 years. Hauls everything, 4 kids, 3 pets, boats, snowmobiles, every weekend, everywhere.

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Cobra23 - June 13 - 5:43 am

  This is my 8th mustang including an 03 Cobra and 08 Bullitt. This car is outstanding in all areas and I am super impressed with the build quality and performance. I have owned 40 cars and this one is in the top 3.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By K6 - June 12 - 6:20 am

  Bought in Feb 07 and have found it to be a great vehicle, fun to drive, and very roomy. Ford all around did a nice job for a 1st year vehicle and entrance into a new market. Looked at Toyota Highlander and Saturn Outlook. Even looked at a couple of vans and went with the Edge. Mileage is OK. Im now getting 17.3 around town but you have to let the mileage calculation span over a couple of tanks of gas to get a more accurate reading. I would definetely recommend seriously considering it if youre in the market for new vehicle.