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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  Love my truck - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By D. Simmons - February 24 - 4:56 pm

  Purchased my truck with 186000 miles. It now has 262000 miles on it. Ive had to replace the computer, rad.,blower motor, frost plug and window clips. It now needs a transmission. I still love my truck. It has been a very reliable truck. It has been used by all members of my family. I am sad to finally give up my truck. If I could I would replace the tranmisson. Thumbs up to 1994 Ford Explorers.

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  GREAT value! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By dwbri665 - February 24 - 2:11 pm

  Weve had this car for less than a week. We were out looking for a VW Passat for my wife after shed just passed her 98 VW down to her daughter. No way I ever thought Id get her into a Ford! All it took was the test drive and she was hooked on this car. We actually stumbled onto it. It had just been traded in that day. It had every option imaginable... SEL trim with V6, leather, sunroof, traction control, heated seats and mirrors, etc. And low miles... for less than a Passat with double the miles and 2 years older! We left the lot initially to do some research and see how many of these used Fusions were out there. Not surprisingly now... very few!

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  Review of my F-150 - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Jake - February 24 - 1:26 pm

  I bought my Ford-f150 with the 5.4 V8 in it about 5 months ago. Very happy with everything thus far. I wish I would have upgraded to the leather. The cloth is fine and holds up well, but Im going back to upgrade. I travel alot for work, so its nice using SYNC to call customers and hold conference calls without having to worry about a bluetooth device or holding a phone.

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  Good van, the Editor doesnt own one! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Dwayne - February 24 - 10:45 am

  It rides well, has all the toys, video, triple zone climated control, heated leather, quad seats....cd changer...alloys....oh and the gas pedal doesnt get stuck! Mine Has given me nothing but excellent service! Buy one well maintained..u will find the...sterring culd be a little more precise..its a mini van.

• 

  Excellent - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Happy - February 24 - 8:11 am

  My Ford Explorer is still going. Only had to replace fuel pump once it turned 10 years old. Had to change all oxygen sensors and other than regular brake work this car was a great purchase!

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  Limited 6.0 - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By judoman - February 24 - 7:29 am

  Had a Suburban, but wanted a diesel, so i researched the Excursion and got the diesel. I do almost all highway driving, so went the first 120,000 on the original tires! The only was problem was the alternator that was $500. Now at @ 165,000, have minor problems from letting truck sit during the summer and using my Honda for gas mileage!

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  Mustang GT - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Daven - February 24 - 6:43 am

  Bought my GT in July and have driven it now for 6 months. Love this car. Sounds great and gets second looks wherever I go. Candy Apple Red with the red leather interior is really sharp. The ambient interior lighting is cool-I like the ice blue. Shaker 1000 stereo is more than I need but what the heck. The factory hood scoop and pedestal spoiler set this car apart from the other GTs on the lot. Probably should have waited for the 2011 with 400 horses but I am having fun with this car.

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  First time in a Ford - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By hammerdrop64 - February 23 - 7:34 pm

  I bought this car used with 101,000 mi. It has the 3.8 v6. It now, has 133,600 mi. The only things Ive done to it is change oil, flush rad. and change brakes. I have mostly been a Chevy person, and have owned a couple Toyotas. But, I would buy another Mustang. Great car!

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  Lots of Fun!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Matt - February 23 - 7:29 pm

  Quick and Fun! 78,000km on it & running strong. Good power, runs 5.4 seconds 0-60 stock. Responds well to modifications. Very comfortable seats, although not sporty feeling or looking. Interior is basic. Exterior looks fantastic. Bullitt rims are a must. Stereo has good bass and overall sound. Good on gas, for what it is. Best is 28.1 MPG highway. Worst is 17.9 all city. Average is 22 mpg, getting on it here and there. Sounds WICKED with full exhaust (I have a MAC Prochamber and Flowmasters). Lots & lots of compliments on sound & looks. Word to the wise: Check the transmission well before buying this is a weakspot in alot of models. I would highly recommend this car! No problems.

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  This is a FORD??? - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By dfurgs - February 23 - 6:41 pm

  I have never considered myself a "Ford Guy". I drove the Camry and the Taurus and I chose the Taurus. I was really amazed with myself. I had my mind set that the Camry would blow the Taurus away. It didnt happen. The Taurus blew the Camry away! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR!!! The only complaint I have is the center console is too close to my right leg. ford could have made the center console smaller and more ergonomic. Not that big of a deal!!! I tell everyone this car is as close to a BMW as you can get. The price tag is nothing like a BMW. Go drive one and see for yourself. Ford has brought quality back to DETROIT. AAAA++++ for the NEW Taurus.