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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  Not a Mustang but ... - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - December 14 - 11:01 pm

  My Taurus has performed flawlessly for 2 years. I put Toyo Observe Ice/Snow tires on in the winter and she goes where I point the hood. I average 23 mpg. While the design architecture is dated, but it still creates an easy on the eyes profile. The stereo could stand a few tweaks but is more than commute adequate. Front wheel drive wander is noticeable, but slight. The ride is smooth, very quiet, and at the edge of luxurious. Its a shame they were the rental fleets #1 choice for so many years. That coupled with the "you pay what we pay" incentives of this past summer/fall drives down trade in value. All in all I enjoy my Taurus. I will trade it in on a new Ford 500 in 2 more years.

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  Love the car, good fuel milage & looks - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Kathy Bedell - December 14 - 10:10 pm

  Have made cross country trip and the car handles great. It is comfortable for long distances. I feel the low end power lacks but once you adjust to the slower acceleration its okay. I like the interior design with dash compartment for small items. Very large & comfortable car, truck is super large, its great for traveling.

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  Ford has a winner - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By urnews - December 14 - 10:10 pm

  Our 2007 SEL AWD V6 Fusion is an exceptional automobile with many features you might expect in a car costing thousands of dollars more. Its distinctive, bold styling was one of the deciding factors as were the reliability statistics. This cars superb handling attributes are one of its significant pluses. My wife and I highly recommend this car to anyone who is in the market for a quality, mid-size family sedan that is fun to drive.

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  I Love This Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By LOTTOPOP - December 14 - 6:22 pm

  This car is an absolute kick! Ive had several Lincolns (T-Cars & Mark 8s & Sebring convertibles), & this car is my true favorite. Its quick & classy, and a ton of fun to drive. I cant wait for spring to drop the top. I had it down on day #1, & hated to put it up but ... I live in Chicago.

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  Good Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Ken - December 14 - 12:51 pm

  I purchased my 1997 Ranger new. I bought a compact 4 cylinder standard transmission truck I like. Its not a power, gas guzzling demon, like some of the V8 and V6 trucks I looked at. This truck has been reliable over the years and only had small problems. I had to replace the brakes, tires, and one oil seal in the rear axle. This Ranger rides like a truck on bumpy country roads, but on the interstate its not bad. Still I know Im driving a truck. The only complaint Ive got is this: steep hills require downshifts, but its only a 4 cylinder engine. Ill keep the Ranger till I have to junk it

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  65 to 05 stang.... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By M. Rieffer - December 14 - 12:09 pm

  My driving review is sort of biased as I buy mostly Ford products because I have mostly good experience with the vehicle and the dealers I have visited. The Mustang is reminiscent of another era in my driving experience. It is safer and more reliable that the cars of the 60s, but reminds me of them. I have a 1965 Mustang and it is neat to have them side by side and 40 years apart.

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  Ford Escape Hybrid Fun To Own - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Sammy - December 14 - 6:00 am

  I have owned the Escape for almost 14 months. It is fun to drive and is great on gas. I have had no problems and am happy that I am driving a Green vehicle.

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  great car! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By CraigFred - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I looked and looked. Its a great value and a great car. I never thought of purchasing one till my teenage sons suggested it. I took it for a test drive and I was impressed.

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  New Purchase - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By yesem - December 14 - 2:00 am

  It is a lot of drive a convertible specially living in southern California. Overall performance is average, noisier than expected, heavier on gas than the manufacturer claims. Clean interior design though with lower quality materials. Hand break plastic cover is already thorn after 4 weeks. If you like convertible as a fun to drive second car and dont want to spend an arm and leg for this is a good alternative, but as a first car I would pause, think carefully before making the commitment.

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  I love my ESCAPE - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Corrupted Coroner - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought it with 3 miles on it and now have about 9000. No problems at all. Great on gas. Its easy to handle. I went from an 02 Ranger to this 04 Escape and I am glad I did.