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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  Showing Its Age - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By brendan - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Now that this car has almost 50k miles on it, Im hearing rattles and clunks on all but the smoothest roads. When I drive through parking lots, the car bucks a bit. There are large paint chips where there shouldnt be. I even think my gas mileage is suffering (never mind the mpg rating for this car is generous to begin with). A shame its turning out this way, because when I bought it I felt I was driving a car worth twice what I paid.

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  Great Van - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Superdad - July 1 - 7:16 am

  This van replaced my 1999 150 van with the 4.6. It is night and day. Granted 1/2 ton to 1 ton jump but the difference was huge! I wish they made more of these in diesel. One tough van!

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  Better Than Any Truck On The Road - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Kyle - July 1 - 4:28 am

  I just turned 19, and my mom and dad bought me this truck 4 months ago after I flipped and totaled my 02 4-door Ranger Edge Plus. My mom has a 4.6, and I wasnt expecting my 5.4 to have that much more power. I was wrong. It is listed as having 260 HP, but I believe it has more. I have had some truck experts I know that say it pushes almost 300. The gas mileage is low, but considering the size of the engine, it is rather good. It gets much better mileage than my girlfriends Avalanche. The body style is great, interior is also very stylish (do not get the leather, as it tears easier), no need for 4WD (I didnt need it, and I get through mud holes fine), it is a great, comfortable ride.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Wendy - July 1 - 3:46 am

  We did a lot of research before spending the money, and cant say anything negative about the Escape. Feels good to drive a clean car. Comfortable ride, handles well. Plenty of room for one Great Dane in the back seat, plenty of leg room for people too. Feels substantial and solid. Looks gorgeous in black. High crash test ratings or wouldnt have purchased. Plenty of power when you need it. Didnt get the navigation system, so not positive what mileage has been. Nothing like the Explorer it replaced though, this sips gas. Seems to be almost silent at slow speeds, so be careful of pedestrians. A good match for our needs and I have been wholeheartedly recommending it.

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  Ford Focus SVT 2 door - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer - June 30 - 7:23 pm

  I really like this car because its fast, cute, and is a 6 speed! The only complaint I have is the gas mileage; not good. I get 90 miles each quarter of a tank city, and about 95 each quarter of a tank highway. Other than that its an awesome car.

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  The best one Ive driven! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Dexter Brown - June 30 - 6:36 pm

  Before I bought my 06 Mustang I was considering the 06 Chevy Cobalt SS, 06 Acura RSX, and the 06 Mazda RX-8 but I fell in love with the Mustang. The 210 hp v6 engine and the exhaust was the first thing I fell in love with. When I drive it I feel as if Im Batman in the Batmobile.

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  The "Old" Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Rod Gayda - June 30 - 12:10 pm

  The car is built very well. The convertible is a little more "bouncy" than that of the Vettes, but the trade off for me was having the back seats for my kids. This is a very fast, fun, safe, family performance car as I like to say. One doesnt realize the true performance until you get the RPMs up around 4500, then the car is a monster. I was a Chevy guy, but for the price the Cobra was a far better buy for me. Over 400 hp for under $35,000, and an open top find a better deal.

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  All FORD Acronyms Apply - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Ed Mann - June 30 - 11:56 am

  Bought new. Less than 50k in almost six years. Paint peeled after 3rd year, power steering rack and other components replaced at 13k AND 43k, front disc brake pads replaced at 25k AND 48k, two power door locks intermittent, stereo cuts out on one side, head gasket failed at 43k, rear brake lights constantly failed (replaced sockets), gas mileage under 20 MPG. Whats next? Will not buy another Ford product. I have had great success with Toyota products and will go back to them next time we are in the market for a vehicle.

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  Not a bad vehicle - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Andrew - June 29 - 8:59 pm

  I bought this vehicle to use for a courier service. I have put 10k on it since the purchase over 2 months ago. Was doing pretty good, then the transmission went. Such are the joys of a used vehicle without maintenance records! If you need a cheap minivan thats cheap to maintain, these are still a good purchase. Just look out for body rust (especially along the seams on the roof), electrical problems (power windows and locks) and transmission noises/leaks are bad news in this van. Braking is good, but these vans are known for chewing up front pads/rotors, since the front brakes do all the braking. The AWD (also known as E4WD) version can be expensive to fix.

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  Enjoy it. - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By nina - June 29 - 6:37 pm

  This is a dream to drive. Just hate the fuel cost. I thought it would be too big for me, but it has been easy to maneuver.