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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  lots of car for the money - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Ray in Erie - April 2 - 4:02 am

  Ive had my Taurus now for 4 years, and am absolutely delighted with it. I have about 105000 trouble free miles on it. The only problem I had was the remote keypad on the door went bad, and that was replaced under warranty. It gets great mileage on the hgy (27mpg). with the price of gas I sometimes think of trading it for a 4cyl Ford Fusion or similar vehicle, but their mileage isnt that much better than the V6 in my Taurus.

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  Best Little Car! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Jen - April 2 - 3:58 am

  I bought my car brand new, other than normal maintenence, Ive had no problems, never been stranded. Its getting older and the seats arent what they use to be, but old age will do that to you. Im wondering how many miles my Black Beauty will see.178,000 and counting.

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  Mos fun in years - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Michael - April 2 - 2:46 am

  I looked at a lot of SUVs and came upon the Sport Trac almost by accident. This car/truck is roomy and fun mine is equipped with almost every option. The gas mileage seems to be pretty good so far.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By autenb - April 1 - 10:41 pm

  This truck is the most fun and practical vehicle Ive ever owned. Not only is it the fastest truck on the road, but it can also tow or haul nearly anything. Only drawback is lots of high octane fuel.

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  Super Dependable Transportation - 2001 Ford Escort
  By JVZX2 - April 1 - 4:58 pm

  I bought this car because it was all I could afford at the time. After seven years I have only replaced the tires, a lightbulb and one door hinge (fixed free of charge). Even the brakes are still good. Unbelievably dependable. Bought it in California, drove to the desert the first week. The engine is loud above 75 mph but the mileage is unbelievable at 34 MPG. This car drove to Washington state and crossed the country, no problems. Around town it handles like a sports car with great pickup and excellent turning radius. Engine really cranks up to 5000 rpm and gets to 60 in no time. 5 speed standard transmission is very dependable and the clutch is still tight at 60,000 plus miles.

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  Franken GT - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By AMMotorsports - April 1 - 4:23 pm

  Bought this car clobbered, was hit in side and warped like a banana. So I bought another cut them in half and put them together, quite a job but the car is one of the most fun to drive cars Ive owned, love the drop top. decent power. But sad to say I must sell her. I need the down payment for my 2003 cobra convt. Rock On FORD!!! Keep bangin them out!

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  A good mix - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dan - April 1 - 11:20 am

  I absolutely love the versatility of this vehicle. Ive loaded a fridge, mountain bike & TV stand in the back and carried 4 adults in the cab. You just cant beat that versatility. Its not a superior truck, nor a superior passenger vehicle. If you need a dedicated truck, buy a truck. If you need an SUV to haul the family, buy an SUV. However, if you want a vehicle that performs both jobs well (not perfectly, mind you) then you cant go wrong with a Sport Trac.

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  One Bad Pony - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Eduardo - March 31 - 10:09 pm

  What can i said im a Ford lover. This is my Mustang #5 and all I got to say that is a beast on the road. Awesome performance, body design, nice retro dashboard. Bottom line Ford did it again, great work! My only suggestion is the suspension should be dropped at least 1.5 inches. Car needs to be able to handle better in curves.

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  Excellent SUV - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Steve - March 31 - 9:00 pm

  I love everything about my Limited. Its the perfect vacation-mobile. The sound system, the ride, comfort, utility, etc. are all excellent. I even put a bike carrier in the hitch receiver and take my sport bike to the track. I really like the copper metallic color too. This is the first vehicle Ive ever owned that I cant think of anything I would change. I havent had even one problem with it (knock on wood). This review almost makes it sound like I work for Ford! I dont.

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  Great car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By howardcy - March 31 - 8:58 pm

  No problems, just a great car. Super sharp looking car in tungsten silver. I am averaging 22 mpg around town. 28- 29 mpg on higway trips.