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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  14 Body Style Coupe - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Joseph Hayes - March 30 - 12:05 am

  The Mustang lends itself to an endless list of personalization/customizing! So many sources and never a dull moment How many other models of any make have 50+ years of continuos production? Not Many! Its a popular car because its FUN

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  Lower then expected mpg - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dave - March 29 - 11:23 pm

  I liked the interior & exterior design and wanted to do the right green thing so I spent the extra dollars on the 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid. Now Im extremely disappointed with the 21 mpg city driving it provides. Certainly not the 33 mpg advertised. I drain the little 15 gallon tank in no time. It stinks.

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  A better roller skate - 2000 Ford Escort
  By jemjunior - March 29 - 10:16 pm

  I needed a car in a hurry. I had good working relations with a local car rental dealer. Picked up the Escort with 32,000 miles for a good price. It has been a very reliable mode of transportation. My teenage daughter learned to drive in it. I still use it every day for back and forth to work. I plan on fixing it and driving it until the wheels fall off. I havent had any trouble besides normal wear and tear items. Be advised - the Escort doesnt "DO" anything. It just starts up, drives, and comes home.

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  2003 Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Stang - March 29 - 6:30 pm

  Great car for commuting and medium distance trips. Trunk is surprising large and you have even more room if you drop the rear seats. Added a Flowpath chambered muffler and twin tip extension to give it a little better sound. The V-6 has good power, runs well. The 193 net hp V6 is close to the net hp rating of the 1965s 289 HI-PO model. ( 270 gross hp ). Given an much better auto transmission in the 2003, 0-60 times are actually one second better. Hard pressed to trade this in on 2005, even though they are even faster and handle better.

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  Never Again! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By RLGHDAVE - March 29 - 6:08 pm

  Bought used with 25k miles. Transmission (automatic) replaced with Ford rebuilt at 80K. Now at 140K transmission is failing again! This has turned me against Ford forever. Other downers: backseats very uncomfortable, rear seat belts torture passenger, poor city gas mileage, safety concerns with tipping over if tire failure, poor towing ability (UHaul wont even rent you a trailer), rear end wants to come around on gravel roads. Owning this vehicle for nearly 6 years has convinced me that I will NEVER AGAIN buy a Ford. My next vehicle will be a Toyota or Honda.

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  My Freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Jodi - March 29 - 2:21 pm

  Very reliable. A little lacking in power but a definite sense of security when you drive this vehicle.

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  A Big Little Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Joe.C - March 29 - 11:07 am

  I just picked up my used XLT to replace my weak, extremely uncomfortable, gas guzzling 04 Nissan Frontier. The exterior styling is great. The ride quality is dead on and interior room is outstanding. I am 60" with long legs and I am so comfortable. This past weekend I was riding around with 3 other adults in there. The 3.0L is a little weak but its not meant to be a speed demon. This vehicle had 36K on it when I picked it up and its great. My Nissan with only 5K on it had squeaks and rattles. I always liked Ford trucks and I am glad to own one. Great buy, best in its class by far. I should have bought this truck first. Live and learn I guess. I learned the Ranger is the best choice

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  A Big Little Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Joe.C - March 29 - 11:07 am

  I just picked up my used XLT to replace my weak, extremely uncomfortable, gas guzzling 04 Nissan Frontier. The exterior styling is great. The ride quality is dead on and interior room is outstanding. I am 60" with long legs and I am so comfortable. This past weekend I was riding around with 3 other adults in there. The 3.0L is a little weak but its not meant to be a speed demon. This vehicle had 36K on it when I picked it up and its great. My Nissan with only 5K on it had squeaks and rattles. I always liked Ford Trucks and I am glad to own one. Great buy, best in its class by far. I should have bought this truck first. Live and learn I guess. I learned the Ranger is the best choice

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  GREAT CAR! - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Jeff - March 29 - 10:45 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. Overall even better than my vintage Corvette! It wants to GO! And yet is has great creature comforts and a killer sound system. Eventually I will have to move on from my car with 120,000 miles. Unfortunately, Ford has chosen to stop offering this great car. Where will I go now?

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  Expensive Ride - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By John - March 28 - 7:43 pm

  Bought my Eddie Bauer Explorer used with 47,000 miles on it. First year was great, but after that, everything started breaking. This is the most expensive vehicle maintenance-wise that I have ever owned. The electrical system has numerous "gremlin" type problems, fuel economy is not great and the ride has always been less than smooth. Definitely not a "Suburban-like" ride. Added to this, I had to replace the transmission at 106,000 miles. I changed transmission fluid every 5-7K miles, and this should not have happened. Also, Ford never fixed the faulty rear-main seal configuration for this engine, so a small oil leak is the norm. Recommend against it unless you just love spending money on repairs.