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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  Awesome Truck! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Eric - March 31 - 7:51 pm

  I bought this truck about a year ago and I love it. It has the 4.0 liter sohc V6 engine which has plenty of power and is very reliable (except the alternator goes a little wacky sometimes - the plug going to the voltage regulator goes bad sometimes). But I still wish Ford would make the 4.6 liter v8 available for the Ranger.

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  fun in the stang - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By mustanger96 - March 31 - 1:40 pm

  I bought this car in November 2005 from a wholesale auto store. Was not sure what I was getting but I changed all of the fluids. The check engine light was on when I got it, the students at the local community college-automotive tech program checked it out and I needed a purge solenoid - $10.00 part. I bought two new tires and got it aligned and its been great! 79,000 miles on it and its still turning heads.

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  Problems Problems - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By pcof - March 31 - 10:59 am

  Tranny blow out at only 37,000 miles. Ford no help! This is the second Ford we have owned with this problem. 1st was a 95 3/4 ton turbo diesel. Tranny and torque converter blew at 8000 miles, under warranty, but nothing but problems after. Total lemon. Traded in in 1997, leased an Expedition for 2 years, multiple recalls then stupidly purchased this one in 1999. Nothing but recalls and problems again. Ford does not stand behind their cars! Will never purchase another Ford again. This car likes to float all over the road, unreliable, faulty parts etc. Never again!

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  Workhorse in all weather conditions - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By CoachBob - March 31 - 7:33 am

  The vehicle is very practical in all situations. I am a part time coach, and need the room, because it is hard to estimate how many players I need to get to and from the games including their equipment. I have the 7 passenger seating. The fold down seats make it a breeze for all seating/cargo possibilities. Plenty of power, (even fully loaded), the AWD is has never let us down, (even in a raging blizzard of snow and ice). Terrific road manners, SYNC provides the kids the opportunity to use MP3 players so that I can concentrate on the road, and not having to find appropriate radio stations.

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  just change the rear-view mirror - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By brucebrecher - March 29 - 6:23 am

  great car; I am averaging about 39.5 mpg for the first 540 miles. I love the blis lights on the side view mirrors that tells the me that someone is in my blind spot. Only 2 minor complaints;first the rear view mirror is too low on the windshield-taking away from my front vision and there are too many buttons on the dash-should have used dials. Overall a great car, but a bit on the expensive side and could use a drop more power.

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  Love My Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Morris MINTON - March 29 - 12:33 am

  Came out of an Escape, needed more room. Freestyle fit the bill to a tee. Rides and drives like no other. CanÂ’t wait to see whats on the board for it when I need a new one

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  what a ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By kate - March 28 - 10:07 pm

  I went from an SUV to the Mustang and I thought I would regret the size change but let me just tell you this. WHAT A RIDE. I have no regrets and think it is the best car I could have ever bought. It handles like a true sports car should. Want to let your hair down and have a great ride. Get a Mustang.

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  2003 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ricardo Salinas - March 28 - 5:29 pm

  Everyday I enjoy driving around in my 03 Mustang GT even though sometimes its hard to stay below the speed limit.

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  Ford Did it Right - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Brian - March 28 - 5:13 am

  Purchased 2006 Fusion with auto transmission 4 cylinder. Handles very well, better than Accord or Camry. Very responsive and good braking - I have the ABS. Getting 29 mpg all the time. Good pick up and is an excellent passer even at 65 mph. I worked for Ford for 5 years and this is a better car than the Focus was when it came out. Only complaint is that there is some engine noise, maybe a little more sound insulation. All in all a very good car, my wife really loves it too and would like to get another one.

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  Excellent Surprise - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Tom Dillard - March 27 - 10:11 pm

  This vehicle has been an excellent surprise. It is comfortable is every seating position, quiet and totally reliable. The surprise is that it consistently gets over 20 mpg in highway travel. As a daily driver in town it drops to 16+. The secret is in keeping the tires at 34 or 35 psi. The ride is not soft, but the handling is responsive. I also find that, though no dragster, it is not a slouch. I get to check it out in the home city of the X5 that is rated so highly. This machine is more comfortable, has more room, hauls and pulls more and has more power than the X5. Now, if it would just keep the resale value....