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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  Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By alles - March 11 - 11:22 pm

  Overall an exceptional buy. Paid $6,000 under MSRP. Fuel economy in first 400 miles is 18 MPG combined city & highway. Ride, despite others criticism, is much better than the pickup trucks I have owned in the past. Not quite as good as my Expedition but overall a good ride. Length of the vehicle is the same as a pickup truck with a long bed and regular cab. Fits in my garage with an Expedition just fine. It also gets 3 miles a gallon better mileage than my Expedition.

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  grrr! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By !@#$%^&* - March 11 - 8:52 pm

  This has to be one of the worst vehicles ever produced. In six years and 52000 miles, the transmission was rebuilt, courtesy of Carmax, after one month. It was replaced with a Ford rebuild at 62,000 miles. The head gasket and front end gasket were also replaced at this time, courtesy of an extended warranty I purchased. A month later, it left us stranded 1,000 miles from home, 13 hours into our vacation. Ford put in a rebuilt engine and gave me $125 towards a $700 bill to rent a small car to continue our vacation. The new engine runs worse than the first, stalling at the worst times and surging at others. The dome lights stay on when itÂ’s damp out making for a fun time driving at night. Now the ABS and brake lights are on.

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  Not what we were hoping for... - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By JennS - March 11 - 6:36 pm

  Ford hurt my feelings with this car. Have had lots of trouble with my Taurus. Thought it would be a nice, economy car with a long, worry-free life. Wrong! Lots of little annoying problems, like the door ajar switches sticking and making the lights stay on, numerous sensor problems, rotors, etc. Replaced the head and gasket at 80,000, radiator has "gunk" in it even after numerous flushes/cleanings. Can hear the "water" running when you turn. Now it is missing, again, after replacing spark plugs/wires 3 different times. Afraid the transmission will go any day. Other than that, I like to drive it and it is a comfortable ride. Just wish it was more dependable.

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  Fun for Everyone! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By joe champ - March 11 - 4:36 pm

  This car appeals to middle age me and my pre-teen kids. It draws more comments in the area I live in than a new Ferrari or Mercedes because it is fun. People follow me around to get a look at it. The car is pure fun to drive. The exhaust, wind in your face, acceleration is pure American Muscle; all this in a package that seats four and carries two plus sets of golf clubs in the trunk. What more can you ask for? The price is right. Exterior is stunning and performance dead on. I do wish Ford had spent another $2,000 to finish out the interior. I would gladly have paid for less plastic and more quality there. Overall, this car is a must have!

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  Cant beat a tough truck. - 2003 Ford F-150
  By fordfan - March 11 - 2:48 pm

  This truck has given me nothing but pleasure while driving. Ive put on over 10,000 miles, and have no regrets over my purchase. The heated seats are great on a cold morning, and the 4WD can help me pull through a soggy field without getting stuck. Not to mention the 5.4L motor can really haul. This truck also cleans up nice for when its time to hang out and go downtown. Overall a great truck, at what I feel is a great price.

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  Great car - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Swf - March 11 - 10:45 am

  This is one of the best cars I have owned. The ride is great and even in city traffic it is good to drive. The only down fall is the air conditioning isnt as good as the old freon systems and in the south you need great air. Overall a great car.

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  2000 Excursion / Roomy - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By MIKE W - March 11 - 9:50 am

  Vehicle has been very dependable. Plenty of room. Features are great. Better mileage than expected for its size and larger gas engine. If you need a large SUV and realize that it will not provide you with 30 mpg, this is a great vehicle.

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  One Fast Bird! - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Damien - March 11 - 2:18 am

  The Thunderbird SuperCoupe was the coolest car Ford ever built. Its a shame that they did not keep making them. The most fun car Ive ever driven!

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  2014 Fusion Hybrid at 36K - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - March 10 - 10:30 pm

  Because I reviewed this car at 12K and 22K, I will not be comprehensive in this (final) update. I hope my comments are helpful for anyone seriously considering a Fusion Hybrid. No unscheduled service or repair to date. The only break/malfunction in 36K driving has been the RF passenger grab handle, which suffered a broken retention spring. So, thus far, reliability has been absolute. The positives and negatives I mention in my two prior reviews remain valid at this point, from my perspective.

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  Ford Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By D Boudreau - March 10 - 9:53 pm

  Great to look at and fun to drive but expensive to maintain and not very economical gas mileage. Have had to do major transmission work and major air conditioning work. Would probably think twice about buying another Explorer, although this is my second one. Probably will look at Toyota next time around.