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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  American Quality - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By mdokell - April 29 - 1:12 am

  I have always loved the Broncos. When the opportunity came to purchase one I jumped. This thing is great! I can park it anywhere, even for its size. It is equally at home on the road as off. Ford should do more research on this type of vechile to promote sales.

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  Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Cheri - April 28 - 1:40 pm

  I just bought the Focus SES 4 Door, I love this car. I am a late 30s something female, and my 15 year old thinks this is the coolest car. I have had my share of muscle cars (Mustang Gt, Chevy Corvette), but I tell you this, dollar for dollar nothing beats this car. The handling is tight, the pep at take off is impressive. Like some of the other reviews, I too get looks like "what is that car". To make the ride fun get it tricked out!

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  Never Again - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Clark - April 28 - 8:59 am

  After driving only Honda and Toyota, we chose this car for its 8 passenger seating. The car has had the A/C panel, battery, radio and alternator replaced. In addition, it has had rear liftgate window leaks repaired twice. Although the dealership has paid for all repairs, the cost of time and aggrivation have gone on and on.

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  For my wife - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Yves Soucy - April 28 - 3:43 am

  My wife was thinking of getting a new car. I surprised her with a new Mustang. I was gonna buy a coupe but my dealer gave me a great deal on a convertible. As there are still so few convertibles available we were lucky to get one and are we glad we did! Its screaming yellow just like all the print ads. I added the GT grill and fog lights and the car is a real head turner. We love it! The car is a blast to drive and the V6 has plenty of power. No need for a GT. This is the best Mustang to date.

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  2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Love My Explorer - April 28 - 1:16 am

  I have nothing but praise! Sits 6 easily. I have a daycare and have 4 car seats that I have to load kids in and out of 3 times a day. I wouldnt have a different SUV! I feel very safe driving the kids to and from school in even the worst of our winter storms. Cold outside. Safe, warm and secure inside my Explorer. It also has the safety clips for the 4 car seats which is just another secure advantage for me. It has never let me down in over 3 years that weve owned it.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Chucks 04 PCR - April 28 - 12:32 am

  I love my bird! For the first year, all I had to do was sit down behind that little hood scoop and Id get this enormous grin. Like the others have said, you get a gazillion comments and many envious looks. We got the PCR for the grey top and interior since we were going to move to FL and didnt want the heat of the black top and interior. For those who dont know, this is a Lincoln LS shortened by 6" the LS is essentially a Jaguar S-Type with a de-tuned engine. So I have to laugh when I see or hear comments about the "little" car! The lines are so perfect that you dont realize its full-sized, but I have to pay a small weight penalty with my FL plates every year! Keeping it forever.

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  Excellent work truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Dave F - April 27 - 10:50 pm

  Bought this vehicle to replace my old work truck, a 2000 f-150 XLT SuperCab with 400,000 km. So Far, this vehicle has considerably more power, tighter ride, though the visibility is somewhat less. the deeper box is handy, but do miss the 8ft box. Handles back roads and work trails better than most of the competition. Overall, a comfortable, tough work truck.

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  AWESOME! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By med ib - April 27 - 5:22 pm

  Great car!

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  Sporty Luxury Crossover - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Richard W - April 27 - 3:31 pm

  The EDGE Sport has lots of bells and whistles including Front/Rear climate controlled seats and terrific safety features (blind spot, peripheral collision warnings, front/rear cameras, parking assist). Surprisingly excellent, effortless and smooth acceleration from a 4cyl. Sleek body style, keyless entry, remote start and comforts a plus. Fords SYNC system is a little daunting to setup, because of the 400K possible voice commands controlling entertainment, climate, comm, and nav systems. The spectacular panoramic moon roof stretches the length of the vehicle. Roomy lighted cargo area with rear seats up (including electric rear seat controls accessible near the hatch) and handsfree lift gate that sounds a safety alarm when opening and closing. It would be nice to have a handstrap on the gate for manual operation and a bumper step, otherwise, its solid. Lots of USB and accessory ports! The only downside is Fords 60K warranty. Doesnt cover all electrical. However, I found that the extended coverage was price negotiable. Overall a pretty good value for the $42K price (incl TTL).

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  2007 Ford Taurus SEL, Built Cheap - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By John - April 27 - 2:25 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Taurus SEL premium, and Ive had it for a month, and out of that month its been at Ford for 2 weeks of that month. I owned a 2002 Taurus and the quality of the 2007 feels cheaper compared to the last one. I think they werent focused on quality control when they were selling these as fleet cars. I am very disappointed in this car, and I have it for sale now, and I am going back to a Chevrolet.