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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  Not what I thought - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By stavin64 - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been wanting a Mustang since 1986. Finally I could afford one. The acceleration and handling are okay. The styling and and sound of the exhaust are awesome, but...the car has been back to the dealer 4 times in three months with engine problems. All is supposedly fixed, but no so. Unfortunately, this was a case of of fantasy being much better than reality. Back to a Honda I guess.

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  luv my Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Braswell - September 26 - 12:26 am

  I had a 2003 model, and I traded it in on a 2005 Focus. No other car was good enough for me. I tried the Honda Accord, and the Civic, and I just didnt like them. With the roominess of the Focus, and the way it handles, it won hands down with me. My fiancé is 6 foot 7 inches tall, and most small cars he does not fit in, but in the Focus he has room to spare. I LOVE MY FOCUS!

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  Good Hybrid, but Room for Improvement - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Vince Fredrick - September 25 - 9:26 pm

  I traded in my 2001 Prius for a bit more room and to get "up" above the traffic a bit. Found the Escape to be a pretty good replacement (though about 15 mpg lower than the Prius). The Escape performs beautifully and rides well. I do feel a bit let down by the interior though. I got the Premium Package (recommended) to at least get some comfort items, but it is a far cry from the interior on my Eddie Bauer Expedition as far as useful design and layout. Doesnt have adequate storage for misc items in the driver area -- just the arm console.

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  2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ralph Bailey - September 25 - 4:33 pm

  Tilt lever for steering wheel is most inconvenient; the instant fuel economy in the info pak should show actual fuel use and not bar graph;I purchased the Limited and was disappointed it not have rear disc brakes as its competitors have; instructions to operate the radio do not fully explain all the functions

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  Ford A/C - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Leo - September 25 - 5:30 am

  A/C just wouldnt work right from the git-go. Local dealer worked on it 4 times. Finally took it to the selling dealer and an HONEST technician informed me that Ford geniuses put smaller A/Cs in these trucks. How incredibly STUPID. I just cant believe I am paying $40k for a truck that doesnt cool off. In South Texas its 110 in the shade. What the heck happened to the usually intelligent engineers at Ford? I am, for the first time. incredibly disappointed with my Ford truck.

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  mpg - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By xxxxxxxxxxxx - September 25 - 2:00 am

  our diesel gets 16 in the city- 20 on the highway @ 65 mph

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  Dissappointed - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Sydnee - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle used and purchased the extended warrenty which paid for itself in no time. Weve had to replace the brake pads twice because of leaking rear seals, the rear axle, and the transfer case motor. The heated drivers seat broke. Now the alternator needs replaced and now the engine makes a funny clicking noise until it warms up. I think of my 16 year old Honda as more dependable and it has certainly cost us less in repairs over the last two years.They thought perhaps a $700 tune up would fix its problems. That was just two months ago. Ive had it, were car shopping!

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  Wasatch Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By The Boones - September 25 - 2:00 am

  My Friend has less interior creature comforts on his 2002 Navigator,

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  Really? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By fordbsb - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Well, the ford windstar has taken me places when i could depend on it and it is very reliable, even though you have the flat tires and the bad brakes, but everyone gets that. It is very comfortable on the inside and is clean and nice on the outside. It is quiet and suitable for 8 people!

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  Wifes SUV - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Gabriel Gonzalez - September 24 - 2:19 pm

  Power and ride comfort are pretty awesome. We hadnt brought a new car in 10 years so we are very impressed with the technology in this Explorer. I it drive on the weekends are really like it. Only downside is fuel economy, not terrible but not as good as I had hoped. If you can afford it, go for one with ecoboost.