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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  2006 Ford GT Review - 2006 Ford GT
  By Jim Lackey - July 13 - 9:48 pm

  A most fantastic all round driving experience. The car performs beyond my admittedly high expectations. It is beautiful and has been very reliable so far. Extremely easy to drive. Very attention getting ride! The optional McIntosh stereo system is beyond belief and is one of the finest factory installed systems ever available.

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  Best car weve owned - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - July 13 - 9:07 pm

  This car is so roomy and quiet that if youre not driving it, you will fall asleep. The trunk is huge. I feel a lot safer in this car than our previous one.

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  Built Ford Tuff - 2004 Ford F-150
  By 04redfx4 - July 13 - 12:40 pm

  If you are thinking about this truck get it. It is a very fun truck to have and it is a blast to drive off road.

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  Amazing package - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By rt - July 13 - 12:17 pm

  I have the 2005 Mustang Deluxe and have been amazed with the car. The handling, looks/style, performance and most of all, the great highway gas mileage. I get about 32 miles to the gallon on the highway which is very satisfactory. I have owned many cars since the 1960s and never have I had so many people of all ages compliment my car like this 05 Mustang. The trunk is roomy, the handling and improved driver positioning is so much better than the 02 Mustang I had.

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  Dont buy a FORD! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By craiger1 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 V6 Mustang new, since then I have had nothing but problems...A/C went out the second time I used it, the power driver seat had to be replaced 3 times, the engine valves rattle, the convertible top had to be replaced after 6 months because it was splitting at the seams, the CD player had to be replaced twice! I could go on and on but way waste my time. In closing, the car is for sale now and I will NEVER by a FORD product again!

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  not perfect, but pretty good - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By caspian6 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used with 3200 miles on it. Saved about $5k over a new one. The car has been ok since Ive owned it, I have a couple problems with it though. First is the throwout bearing noise which Ford refuses to admit to hearing. Second is a rear chassis squeak that they of course cannot hear neither. I rarely drive the car now so these nuances are not that big of a deal. I just installed Steeda Sport Springs and I cant believe the improvement. Ford should have put these on from the start! Otherwise, I love the exhaust note and the power.

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  2003 Cobra - Ultimate Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gm056 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Its frightenlingly quick! Excellent acceleration with handling and braking to match. Congratulations to SVT for providing the "average Joe" with an affordable performance car that can go toe to toe with the likes of BMWs fabulous M3. Its great knowing I have NOTHING TO PROVE. There are but two American "production" automobiles that can out perform my Cobra. They are the Viper and Corvette Z06. Both outstanding cars that deserve every accolade accorded them. In the "Bang for the Buck" catagory, however, my Cobra beats them both, handily.

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  Great Car!! For the money that is. - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By fireballs - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in 12/2000 with 16,000 on it. Has all the features except leather. It has been great for me so far. I do agree with others that the Duratec engine performs well, but is quite noisy, especially at full throttle. Tranny could use some improvements in the decision making process. It seems to not know when to shift or shift to early. Oh well, its not a rich mans car, so waht do we expect? Im at 39,000 now, so well see what the future brings.

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  get one - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By getone - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Best new car I have ever purchased. We went all out and got a totally loaded Eddie Bauer 4x4. Get one today!

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  2002 Explorer XLT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By wicked witch - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV after driving 3 minivans. What a aonderful change. The third row seating option allows me the oppurtunity to still take along "friends" without having to take the van. The auto 4WD gives me added security in treacherous conditions. The leather seating and premium sound system leave me feeling like I purchased a more expensive vehicle. I look forward to driving my 02 XLT each day.