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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  Dangerous Windshield Glare - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ed Farmer - January 23 - 6:10 pm

  This is my third Explorer and is the worst due to really bad design. Chrome trim around the instrument panel produces so much glare in the windshield that it is both distracting and dangerous. Read the car reviews online and notice that all of them complain about the terrible glare problem. Ford was supposed to fix this safety problem but has done nothing. This trim is on all models so you can not avoid it. My recommendation is to not buy an Explorer until this major design flaw is fixed. The glare affects every minute of driving and becomes worst in cloudy/rainy situations.

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  Better than basic transportation - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By keepitsimple - January 23 - 12:05 pm

  This car was from a rental fleet, so it came with some mileage and wear on the seats. The only real wear problem we had with the car was the cloth seats. It was a very peppy engine, nice styling (we had the rear spoiler and alloy wheels), and sound, controls...all good. The biggest problem with the handling was U- turns. The turning radius ridiculous for that size car. I say "was" about this car because my wife totalled it this week. She went to sleep on the interstate and smashed the passanger side front into a hillside. The rearend swung around and smashed on the driver side. The passenger compartment survived almost without damage. Impressive. She walked away almost unhurt!

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  ford done it again , ford car still #1 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By verdale - January 23 - 10:13 am

  awsome car to drive,and loaded up with everything. a limited can have

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  Best In Class - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By heritage - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my first eddie bauer after looking at the toyota, nissan and GMC. The Expedition provided the most comfort, space and had the best overall ride quality. I have really enjoyed the truck so far and received a great deal from Ford.

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  My Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Flash - 1 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I would like to have the fender liners inside the rear fenderwell of the bed.They do have them on the 250 series.The Overdrive Button on shifter is too easily, accidentily turned off,should be more recessed.

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  great ride - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dtfancy - January 23 - 10:00 am

  we have traveled across country and back 10000 miles to be exact and it is just a great car to ride in the seats are terrific it feels like they surround you like a sports car seat would cannot say enough good about this vehicle

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  Better than 28 MPG ! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By cjones - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Love this car.... I work for a Ford Dealer and decided on this car after a customer passed on a great deal. I havent looked back. I drive agressively and average better than 28 MPG with an EPA rating of 20/25! Its a joy to drive, but does need more torque at lower RPMs.

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  Wisdom of Solomon - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By James Dean - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Only for the wise, best value, only for experienced human beings who are not purchasing a vehicle simply for the illusions of others.

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  Blast Off With Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By BobP. - January 23 - 6:16 am

  The Fusion is so much fun to drive you cant believe it! The handling is excellent. The acceleration is mind bending...what a "blast"! Total package is perfect for many different driving segments.

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  Built Ford....Doh ! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MLR - January 23 - 1:26 am

  Varied intermittent problems pointing to poor quality. Radio turns on with no key in ignition. Rear defrost bars in middle of window dont work. Interior is cheap. Plastic around window controls separates from door. Leather is more like pleathor. Brakes/backing plates made with cheap metal. Rusts easily. 4 wheel drive in to be repaired. Replaced transmission at 44,000 miles. Car has had two recalls. blah blah blah blah blah. Maybe I got the only bad one.