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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  Its not a Mustang but it comes close - 1998 Ford Contour
  By stratus rt30 - March 14 - 12:05 am

  Im a teenaged driver and i got the car from my father in 2003. Most teens want sports cars or street racers. But when i first saw the Contour i thought it was weak. Then i got into the Contour. This car is a Mustang in 4-door form. I love this car its got the performance yet it also has the utility. The car has only required routine maintainance. I know Im a teen and I dont know cars too much . But I am a mechanic and my dad owns a dealership. If you keep the car in good shape this car will not disappoint

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  Not what I expected - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Joe - March 13 - 9:35 pm

  I had the truck back to the dealer 5 times for the rear and transmission making noise. They could never duplicate it the last time I took the mechanic out and we had to get towed back. They finally fixed it but I should have gone with a Tundra.

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  Not bad but not good - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By rambo76098 - March 13 - 5:16 pm

  This car is a decent car but is not good at anything. It is somewhat comfortable but has bad gas milage, can go fast easily but takes a while, works usually but often will have many minor problems, drives ok but often rattles, shakes, vibrates, Braking system stinks as i have replaced entire rear system and it has broken again. Car has good trunk room but seats dont fold down. Transmision occassionally clunks and misses shifts, etc. Overall its not a bad car, however usually a car has one thing it is good at stopping, going, gas economy, comfort, quietness, or something else, but this car is just mediocre at all of those things.

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  Solid Stang - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Paul Dunphy - March 13 - 4:24 pm

  Ive owned my 1999 convertible Mustang for 5 years with only 1 problem. I had a problem shortly after I bought it with one of the convertible top hydraulics going out. The car was used, with 17,000 miles on it, before I got it and apparently someone tried taking the top down with it still latched into the windshield and this caused the failure. Other than that I have had no mechanical problems with this car and it is used as a daily driver. The Mustang is a little bumpy because of the sports suspension and height from the ground but thats what you come to expect in a performance RWD car. Dont expect to be riding like a Caddy in this bad boy, but youll ride in style!

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  Black Thunder - 2001 Ford F-150
  By BlackThunder - March 13 - 9:42 am

  Fast stock truck and easy to install add-ons to enhance performance. Also eye appeal when I drive my Lightning.

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  Overall, not a good car - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Ian - March 13 - 9:19 am

  I thought that the car ran nicly, but after about 3,000 miles we had to take the car in to get the entire electrical system replaced. That was not the problem they found a problem that the dealer needed a specialist to fix. My children think that the rear seats are too low, and lastly the the interior is already ripping at the seams, literally. So over all this car is not a good car to buy and what I think anyone who is looking at this car to do is buy the competitive Mercury Monterey.

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  The Ford Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Andy - March 13 - 9:11 am

  This Windstar has 26,000 miles. She runs great! This is our second Windstar and they keep on getting better. The legroom and headroom is much better than the Freestars. I give this car a 10!

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  I am about to switch to a hybrid - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Claudia Schumacker - March 13 - 3:58 am

  My husband and I have traveled some fun retirement miles in our Escape Limited. I love the heated leather seats. We are ready to make the big switch to the hybrid. Gas prices are awful and I hear really good things about this Escape. The car is loaded and very comfortable on our long trips. The only remotely negative feature is the stiff bumpy ride and its a little too noisy. But, I wouldnt trade it for any other SUV.

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  Best American Car Around - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Darryl.G - March 13 - 3:09 am

  I have a 2009 Ford Fusion 4 cylinder and Ive owned this car the last year and Ive had nothing but good things to say out this car. I bought it last October with 200xxx miles. It now has 314xxx thats right I said 314,000 miles and its still working like horse. The only things I had to do is replace the serpentine belt and get a wheel alignment other than that I havent had to touch anything else. Just keep the oil changed and youll be set like a arrow. Heat still blows hot and air is still ice cold.!! If and when I do get rid of this car itll be 2011 all wheel drive but this car has shown be no signs of even thinking about giving up. I have nothing bad to say about this car other than the front and rear bumper sometimes coming apart on the sides. I would recommend this car to anyone young or old.! Its meant for everyone. One of the best cars Ford has made thus far that Ive seen

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  much better than expected - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tekawiz - March 13 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed better than expected in all areas, especially in fuel efficiency. I get about 26 mpg. Engine performs well and is smooth for 4 cylinder. I can go over 400 miles on a full tank of gas. Plenty of power to get up exteneded hill climbs and performes well on winding roads. Turning radius is excellent, an unexpected surprise.