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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  Whats This? - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Den - September 30 - 9:53 am

  Does Ford even know this vehicle exists? Solid performer, found by accident. No marketing on a decent family vehicle. 08 Taurus X FWD SEL. Recent family vacation, 2 adults, 4 crazy kids and way to much luggage. The true test of this vehicles function. Strong drive train performance, no problems on steep grades at all. Fuel averaged about 25mpg highway. Interior was comfortable and held up well. 3rd row, two medium sized kids, 12hr ride, no complaints. Overall decent vehicle. Ford could have a winner here, but guess they will drop it for the new Flex.

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  My Ford F150 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By papaglide - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The only fault I can find in this truck is: Paint is cracking in the roof rain channel. I havent taken it back to the dealer yet, but I know they will fix it.

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  Awesome 4 the Buck - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Ernie/Miami - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Incredible enough but I have yet 2 change my rear brakes since the purchase of car in 1999. Talk about reliable! I have close to 80000 miles and I have not had a single engine problem. I rate this car a must buy, except 4 us tall guys.

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  Good Value - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Michael - September 29 - 9:49 pm

  Bought a SEL Freestar 4.2 used with 15,000 miles. Very pleased with it. Wife has a 2003 Honda Odyssey which I consider a great minivan and we bought the Freestar as an extra minivan since that one has high miles and for my personal vehicle. The Honda seems to be built much better, but was twice the price and had no room for negotiation because of popularity of model. However, they both drive great and for the money, I would buy the Ford over the Honda in the future! The sound system is pretty weak as well since it only has 4 speakers.

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  Tacoma to Ranger - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By jrob - September 29 - 8:59 pm

  I am sure Im one of the select few who have "traded down" from a 2006 Tacoma to a 2007 Ranger. My brief 2.7 5M SR5 Taco experience included two trips to the dealer for a bad rear end (in which the whole "pumpkin" was replaced) and two trips for a clutch/shift problem that wasnt resolved. The Tacoma is vastly over-rated. My 4x4 was bone jarring on the road, had no torque, shifted like a bucket of bolts, and got just 20-21 mpg. But so much for Yota bashing. My 2.3L XLT gets GREAT mileage (31 mph), shifts smoothly, and has enough power to get up about any hill without downshifting. Yep, the platform is dated, but it still looks good, works hard and is really worth what you pay.

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  Perfectly Satisfied - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Rusty - September 29 - 3:23 pm

  I have had my 06 GT for about 3 weeks now and have put over 1,000 miles on it. The handling and the power on this car is fantastic for a car priced under $30,000. I couldnt be more satisfied with this car at this time. The handling is very responsive, and plenty of power for what I needed. Mileage has been pretty good as well. Getting 26 hwy at 70 mph, and 20 mph in city. Also if you like to modify your ride there are plenty of modifications for the Mustang.

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  Fusion dollars and sense - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By fastrider0507 - September 29 - 9:03 am

  As a foreign car fan I must say; for the dollar Fusion is the best deal, If you want a Camry or Accord and are willing to pay almost $30k then the Fusion is not in your market. My opinion is Camry is a lot less dependable car since 2001 and Honda well Honda is a great car but it is steep in price. Fusion is far and away a great deal for the money. If I was going to pay $30k for a car I would buy a Maxima and since I paid $20k I got a Fusion. Well beyond price Ford created a fine machine that will last you for years I have never liked Ford cars because of comfort and reliability but I am the first to admit they have come a long way and deserve consideration when shopping for a new vehicle.

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  Exceeded expectations - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dave - September 29 - 8:40 am

  My wife and I were hoping to pay off our 2002 Jetta, until mechanical issues began cropping up. I decided against sinking a large chunk of change to pay it off, and buy new again. Test drove larger SUVs (4Runner, Pathfinder). I really wanted a Honda Pilot. I loved the ride and handling. Reality set in, and we opted for a smaller SUV because of price. It was between the CR-V and Escape. We bought the Ford because of rebates, discounts and pleasurable buying experience from dealer, and its grown on me more and more each day. Very surprised by the amount of room, power, and handling.

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  Excellent family car! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Mima - September 28 - 11:24 pm

  Excellent car for a family. Very reliable. Had great fun with a lot of trips with it. Good riding, like a newer car. Overall - very satisfied of it.

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  Great Car for Families - 2009 Ford Flex
  By M Solfronk - September 28 - 8:56 pm

  We love our SE equipped with Sync and self folding 2nd row chairs. The ride is fluid and the gas mileage is reasonable for the size of the vehicle. The interior is very nice and the Sync system worked as advertised. Front and Second Row legroom is expansive and Ive even sat in the third row myself. Its a little more tight but you can usefully carry around adults back there for longer stretches. The steering wheel needs to telescope for my 63" frame. Other than that I highly recommend reviewing.