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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  good truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Ken - December 23 - 10:26 am

  Had problems with steering vibration right after I bought it. Turned out balancing the tires did the trick, though first time in all the vehicles Ive bought Ive had to have this done right out of the gate. Ride and handling are great, 5.4 is a little sluggish but acceptable. Love the interior and like the deep bed as it gives more inside space with a tonneau cover. Fuel mileage is ok, compares with the 1/2 ton Chevy I had. Love the looks of the truck, again great ride and handling.

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  More Bang for the Buck! - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Fort Worth Flyer - December 23 - 5:30 am

  The positive factors including the low insurance costs, the smooth quiet ride, decent performance, and excellent crash ratings, make this AMERICAN car one sweet ride. I drive in excess of 50K per year so Im always looking for the maximum car for the least amount of money. This ride is the best going is this category. I bought my slightly used 2006 LX with 11,000 miles for under $15,000. I average 25.5 miles per gallon.

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  My new car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By craig arthor - December 23 - 3:26 am

  We had been looking into this class of car for almost 3 months and had decided on the Ford 500, for looks, size and style. We are over 50 and the ease of getting in and out of the car was a blessing. The safety features, solid frame, crumble zones, hood fire blanket and interior trunk release were a pleasant surprise but they overall package was a joy. The handling, the brakes, the visibility are exceptional. The look and feel of luxury matched up with practicality is a good concept Ford should expand on. We had a Taurus that had 157,000 miles on it when we traded for the 500 and if it gives us the service the Taurus did, no one will miss hearing our praises.

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  OMG I love this car! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jill - December 22 - 12:01 pm

  I have read many people saying the drivers seat is uncomfortable. I had the 1997 and 2000 Explorer - and this one is more comfortable for me. My seats even massage! I absolutely love this car. I just wish there was more cargo space in it....

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  farm ford - 2005 Ford F-150
  By gmomo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Operate horse farm have the tow package 10,500 lbs handles well with trailer over steers a bit on tight corners hyway mile/gal is about 17/18 without tow with tow 12/14 level ground (three horse trailer) in town driving 10/12 stop and go 10 all work related use is very good handles well when loaded (trailer or box)

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  Just Right - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By ccredbull - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car hits the mark in every category-it has loads of room, its fun to drive, and looks sharp.

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  beautiful automobile - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By parker jones - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 mustang is the most awesome car i have ever driven. The power is right there whenever you need it. The final drive ratio of 3:55 is just bad ass! Close gear ratio is unbelievable. Ford has done a outstanding job with this one. If any one is thinking of buying one do it now or if your local ford dealer doesnt have one put it your order now! you will be more than happy with it, you dont have to drive it before buying it.

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  Nice styling but problematic - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mrmeister - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Had a good experience with 96 Explorer V6. Really like the way the new design style and the 4.6L V8 engine. Too many trips to the dealership though to fix warranty problems - A/C system failed, driver side heat blows cold air, airbag light on, transmission hesitation, now the lift gate recall. Ford quality has decreased, I had no problems with the 96. This is the 3rd Ford Ive purchased since 96 but due to warranty problems this will be my last. What problems will reoccur once 36k warranty runs out? I cant be any worse off trying another brand next time.

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  Used to be scared of 4 doors. Love it. - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By raptor2002 - December 21 - 9:56 pm

  After getting past the 4 door aspect, and taking it for a test drive I actually fell in love with the handling, comfort, and interior layout out. Dumb things made sense, and access and storage is everywhere. Leather stitched seats are wonderful, just right and high quality, something almost no one would ever have said about a Ford car in the past. Driving: Handling! Man with the sport package corners on rails, balanced, smooth, very quite interior, and just a blast on twisty roads. I will suggest this car to anyone for a test drive!

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  Worst Car Ive Owned - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Charlynn Smith - December 21 - 8:41 pm

  I bought this vehicle to avoid nickel-and-dime problems that were starting to appear in my 2000 Sunfire. Little did I know that Id have the Focus in the shop four times over the last seven months. This has quickly become the most unreliable car Ive ever driven, and Ill never buy a Ford again. Ill be trading this car for what I knew I should have bought in the first place - a Honda Civic.