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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  My 2001 is so fun! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Marci - May 31 - 7:31 pm

  I purchased my Escape and havent looked back. It has enough power for me (got the V6)and my husband. He also loves it. It only had 47,000 miles on it and talked the dealership down to a great deal (after 2 days!). We live in northern California and already drove it down to southern California and it drove like a dream (I wouldve liked a little better gas mileage though). Its perfect for someone going from a car to an SUV. Its not too big and yet has PLENTY of room. You also have a good seeing height. Recommend it. Love it!

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  Tough and looks good - 2008 Ford F-150
  By MtnRoad - May 31 - 6:02 pm

  I own the 2008 Ford F-150 regular cab 2WD with the 4.2L V6, auto trans w/ OD. It has 80,000 miles as if this review. There are two types of regular cabs. One that has no 3rd and 4th opening doors and one that does. I have the reg cab model that has the little side opening doors. You have to open the main doors and then the sides open up to add tools and stuff to store behind the front bench seat. It is awesome to have this. I only recommend having the little extra room like I have, or the larger capacity with fold down bench or the crew cab. The reason I suggest this is because the little side window that comes on those 3rd and 4th opening doors is crucial to being able to look through before changing lanes. Okay here is my review....this truck is pretty stout, and looks damn good. I also own a 1995 F-150 and the 2008 F150 is much larger, higher, and has a lot of room inside. The area between where you sit and the side of the door is further away than the older models so the engineers obviously had safety in mind when designing this model for side impact. The truck sits much higher than older models and gives you a commanding view of the road. The 4.2L V6 is plenty for what I need and gets really good gas mileage in my opinion. The auto trans w/ OD is nice for towing and also for city driving. I prefer auto trans on trucks because in some cases with manual you have to slide the seat forward too close to the airbag to engage the clutch. I did my research on the 4.2L V6 and it is bullet proof. It has the timing chain too so it should last the life of the truck. I dont want to talk trash about other engines offered during this time period so I will just leave you to do your own research. If youre a lead footed driver that likes to abuse your truck and race all over the place the 4.2L V6 is not going to give you that 0-60mph in 2 sec performance you seek. If you drive moderately and cruise 75-85mph on the freeway the 4.2L will do fine and still has plenty of power left to pass if you need to at those speeds. Youll drive past gas stations if you drive with any respect for your vehicle. I expect to get many miles out of my truck as it has performed great for me and still looks like a new model. Only complaint I have is the bed of the truck sits high and if you like to load and retrieve things from the side then you better be 6ft tall.

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  Amazing and reliable vehicle - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Emilee - May 31 - 4:21 pm

  Bought this as my first car, still loving it. It is safe, reliable, and cheap. Brakes are great, engine is great, and has a nice look.

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  Get one! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Nate - May 31 - 2:57 pm

  Bought this car used from a private party. Granted the transmission Ford outsourced may be the weakest link and I have taken it to the dealer for repairs. Otherwise the car runs smooth and drives great. The seats could be more comfortable and the dash is a little plain but the performance and bang for the buck this car provides is worth it. I love being part of the history of a great automobile name.

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  Mustang Gt Review - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Alex - May 31 - 2:53 pm

  Its a fun car to own if you are handy with a tool box. I like the car but I dont trust Ford quality. Fords use of plastic in critical engine parts is senseless. The intake manifold cracked (4.6L engine). The cheap use of plastic vacuum lines behind the dash. You have no leg room in the rear. Its an affordable sports car to own. It has plenty of power. There are plenty of aftermarket parts to keep your Mustang looking good. Be sure to get a good maintenance manual to save you money on the repairs.

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  nice car - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By tlfmd - May 31 - 2:08 pm

  Eye catching, smooth and truly a style show. Trunk is a obligation, not a storage compartment, as the tonneau cover fills it up. Consider where youre gonna store the top in the summer

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  Love My Pony! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Deb - May 31 - 1:53 pm

  I was looking for a convertible and test drove the 40th Anniversary in December, to "take it off my list" because I was sure it was going to be too small. Once I got in it I knew it was mine. It is fun to drive and fun to own!

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  Great Vehicle for 20K - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - May 31 - 10:29 am

  There are a lot of reviews bashing some really minor points about this car. But, face it, this is just looking for reasons to complain. For $22K or less you get a solid, safe well built, good looking car. I use mine for towing a bass boat and it is like the boat is not even there. This car puts all other SUVs to shame in terms of value for money. Ok, it does not have a chrome plated steering wheel. Who cares. Go pay an extra $15k and you can have one along with the high priced maintenance. You cant go wrong. I love my Explorer.

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  Good Design-Marginal Quality - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By William - May 31 - 1:30 am

  A intermitent rattle around the pasenger door has never been found. Ford engineer just denied hearing the rattle, so now we people ask what the rattle is I tell them that there is no rattle. The brakes are horrible, rotors warp at 10,000 miles, at 32K I am having up graded rotors & a third set of pad installed. I understand that this is a problem Ford has been having but the dealer / Ford, in the true form is denying any problem. I love the design & functionally of the vehical, just wish the quality was there.

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  Like It Sporty - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Tom - May 30 - 9:16 pm

  Best car I ever had. Got the Merlot Red finish, with black cloth seats. The cloth seats are softer than the leather, though the leather ones are better looking. Transmission is smooth, love the added extras like the buttons on the steering wheel that work the cruise control, volume on the radio and the temperature control on the climate control. Other nice features are the autodimming mirror and moon roof. Best of all, the car has great handling on the road, hugging the corners with ease. I did 70 and barely went above 2000 rpms. Nice.