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 changer for Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Hassenfratz - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car. I was very impressed with ford. I just came back from Europe which is showing a trend of more impressive cars made and designed by ford. I anticipate that this car will hold its value base on its change from the "Basic Ford" look and feel. Elagant interior that is roomy. Lots of gadgets.

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  AMERICAN - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By CHARLIE2323 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  YOU CAN TELL WHEN YOU DRIVE THIS CAR IT WAS MADE AND DESINGED IN AMERICA. YOUR TYPICAL AMERICAN MADE CAR, WE MAKE THEM REALLY NICE BUT AS THEY SAY ITS WHATS ON THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS. IM SO UNHAPPY WITH THIS CAR ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWO TIMES IN FOUR MONTHS. I SHOUDA, WODA, BOUGHT A HONDA OR TOYOTA I WANTED TO BE PRO AMERICAN BIG MISTAKE.

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  the best car sence the first stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By holton - January 16 - 2:00 am

  im 17 and this is my first car..i have driven prenty of cars and this car just gives off a great feeling of joy when driving. i love this car and i wouldnt trade it for any other sports car thats under 100,000

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  Head Turner - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ganello - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive and you get alot of attention

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  great car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By odell scribner - January 15 - 11:13 pm

  This car belongs to my wife. I get to drive on longer trips. Fuel mileage is from 22 to 32 mpg. In the past she has owned Cadillacs and Lincolns, but this auto is at least as good as any that I have owned. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to have luxury and a great car

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  Way more fun than a Toyota Corolla - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Hocus Focus - January 15 - 10:39 pm

  I bought this car brand new, and have owned it for almost eight years. Its been a blast to drive and way, way more reliable than my previous car (Toyota Corolla). Only major complaint was an ignition lock problem in year seven, which by then was out of warranty and cost $250 to replace. Being a 1st year model it had a few recalls but they were fixed quick, free, and easy. Fuel economy (23 city, 33 highway) was a little lower than expected. Handling was a MAJOR positive surprise. Braking fine, replaced once at 51K. Front and Rear headroom impressive - a friend who is 63" fits in the back seat with no complaints... and he even works for GM. 5-speed manual shifts fine, clutch is a breeze.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dfe109 - January 15 - 3:06 pm

  I had owned a 91 Explorer and enjoyed it for 11 years. So I thought I would give the SportTrac a try. I like the dual use concept vehicle. The room and ride are great. I got the the XLT 2WD with tonneau cover. With the dealers discount and Ford rebate I purchased mine for $18,990 plus tax and title! All the options you need, cruise, air, auto, radio/CD, OLW wheels, roll down rear window. What a price! A good $4K less than nearest comparable vehicle.

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  1.5L SE with technology package great so far! - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin Ricks - January 15 - 9:11 am

  Almost bought an Accord. So far, glad I didnt. I bought the deep impact blue with charcoal leather heated seats. It looks like a million bucks! The tiny little 1.5L EcoBoost is amazing. You think "really? This big 5 passenger car has a tiny 1.5L motor and it moves like this?" Plenty of power to pass or climb hills. Think it should be quicker? No problem! Drop it into sport mode and things get a little more exciting. Its not a Charger SRT but it gets the job done while sipping fuel. Its VERY hilly where we live and as long as you doing 60+ mph, itll take all the hills in 6th gear, overdrive. Slower than that, theres not much torque left in this motor below 1500 rpm. The seats a very comfortable. The heat on your lower back makes you not want to get out of the seats. Huge trunk, quite ride. My only nit pick is theres a really nice place for your smart phone under the stereo, but the USB port is in the console under the arm rest. Shouldve been up near the radio instead of having to deal with a lose cord. Duh! The old Sync 2 system isnt as bad as they say it is but Im sure the new sync 3 coming out on the 2017 Im sure will be even better. Love the digital display panels too.

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  Not so fortunate as others - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Al - January 15 - 8:50 am

  Look out for used ones with leaking head gaskets. Typical problem for these. I liked the size and how it ran and even got about 20 mpg on the highway. But the upkeep is too high. Spent $3000 in 30000 miles. And now it is not running at all because of a head gasket which will cost $1000 to fix. And it only has 110000 miles on it. Why cant they make a minivan that is reliable?

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  MY CAR - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Steph119 - January 15 - 12:36 am

  I have been through 2 Mustangs. The first one the engine locked up at 400 miles and now I have another one and the transmission is messing up. I love my car but it seems that they have too many problems.