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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  Average Truck - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By JF-MO - April 25 - 11:10 am

  Replaced 1995 Dodge Ram 4X4 with this truck. I have to admit that I wish I would have paid a little more attention to the competition (especially Toyota and Dodge). However, this truck was priced so much better than the competition, so it was a no-brainer. For what is expected, the truck performs fine. The interior panels are starting to rattle at 18,000 miles. This is aggravating since I have never taken the truck off-road! I have to say that the ride is exceptional compared to my old Dodge. All in all, this is a good truck for moderate hauling, getting through snow, etc. Average truck - I got what I paid for.

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  Found a good one - 2005 Ford Focus
  By drivealot - April 25 - 10:31 am

  I have owned this car for more than a year. Purchased used. The front disc brake rotors need to be turned. They were like this soon after I purchased. Other than that it has only had normal needs new tires, wiper blades and oil changes, it has been low maintenance and trouble-free. I get 40MPG highway and close to 30 in the city. I drive with fuel economy in mind. Mine has an auto transmission with a overdrive button on the shifter. I use overdrive for any driving over 35 MPH and it helps the in-town fuel consumption a lot.

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  Built Ford Tough....and still rolling! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Cisco - April 25 - 8:06 am

  Test drove 3 SUVs, this is the best one! This is my second Ford (1st:1993 Explorer). I have nothing but praise for this vehicle.Great for my real estate business, and, after a hurricane. The ride is smooth,even on rough roads!Great for long distance trips with 2 kids! The engine is quiet,great towing capacity! Lots of space for legs & cargo. Pulls strong and runs best with less fuel comsumption using premium. Elbow room with 7 people on board. Commanding views of the road from all seats without blind spost for driver. Great vehicle to be in bad weather, secure and safe. Smooth and effortless power.

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  The Best - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tkirkman - April 25 - 5:30 am

  I purchased my hybrid last mont and had not a clue how far Ford has come from the days of my Ford Vans and Mustang. The car surpasses my expectations and we call it it our American Benz. All the comfort and features you could have in a car for less than $30,000 I would recommend this car over my BMW.

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  Pretty good truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By amo - April 24 - 8:58 pm

  I bought my Explorer with 33,000 miles, now Im approaching my 2nd year of owning and have 98,000 miles on it. Very comfortable for driving 100 miles each way to and from work. My alternator went out at 60,000 miles. Replaced battery. Bought the truck and the A/C wasnt working and had to have it serviced twice, now the A/C finally works. Stereo could be better, I replaced the speakers with inifintis. The brakes need to be replaced again: got them done at 36,000. Annoying clicking noise when moving at a slow speed. Poor gas mileage. Im going to a Honda soon.

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  Fine car - 2008 Ford Edge
  By PIerre - April 24 - 8:15 pm

  I couldnt be happier with my Edge. Great visibility and looks. The 20 inch wheels look great too. What a pleasure to finally drive American.

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  Second Expo, still happy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By happycamper - April 24 - 8:00 pm

  This is my second Expedition. I have 102K miles and other than tires and brakes, havent touched a thing. I get respectable mileage (16+mpg)considering the size. This truck is fun to drive, handles like a much smaller vehicle. Have had problems with F series but the Expeditions are tops in my book. Tows my trailer with ease. Always plenty of power when needed.

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  So so - 2000 Ford Escort
  By fee1234 - April 24 - 7:28 pm

  This car started off pretty good for me and I put a lot of miles on it but after about 100,000 the motor started ticking and the transmission started to go. The car always had a bad shake to it and would not make a good family car (too small> good for getting around town and not long trips.

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  This is one heck of a car. - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By L. Erickson - April 24 - 12:52 pm

  Traded my 2005 Ford 500 for the new Taurus. What great improvements over the 500. The engine is very responsive, the car is very quiet, the looks are excellent. Fit and finish are excellent. I believe the reliability will be equal to my 500. You count not ask for more car than the Taurus, especially value for the dollar. This car is a winner .

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  Nice Style - Poor Quality - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Bill - April 24 - 12:48 pm

  Get the V-8. I get 20 mpg on a trip at 65. Nice looking truck but poor Ford quality - Ive had it 4 mos with 2 major breakdowns. No problems with the transmission. The dealer was great and Im glad I got the extended warranty. The 18 chrome rims look great. Ive previously had Pilots - not as nice looking but far more reliable. I am impressed with the ride and how quiet it is at highway speeds.