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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  2006 Mustang with Pony Pack - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Al - September 24 - 7:36 am

  From the living room came a call from Heather, my 16 year-old daughter, "Dad, mom needs you in the driveway!” Being a dad I thought something was wrong with Kerri Ann, my 21 year-old, whom my wife said she was at the mall with. Kerri rounds the corner driving my wifes 2003 PT Cruiser. Now confused, I asked, "Where in the world is your mom?" Then the sound...the low murmur of a V6 engine with a beautifully tuned exhaust caught. Then, from around the corner, I caught the sparkle of Vista Blue paint on the unmistakable nose of a Mustang, with the 1967 GTA inspired grillwork. It was my wife behind the wheel of a new 2006 Mustang with Pony Package! Red bow and all. Life is Good!

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  Why did they change it? - 2001 Ford F-150
  By JCW - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Just an all around great vehicle. I have owned both Dodge and Chevy trucks before, and this is my favorite. It has been extremely reliable. I have only had routine service done, oil changes, filters, etc. in over 80,000 of driving. The greatest testimony is that my 15 year old son hopes I still have it when he is driving and ready to have his own vehicle. I probably will, I dont ever see myself getting rid of it.

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  great little car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By cbuck - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in 99, have 93k miles on it but still love it. The ZX2 is fun to drive, reliable with average maintenance. Ive only had to replace the tires, timing belt and breaks (once). The engine is noisy and idles rough but the ZX2 has still been an incredible value. Ride on!

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  Good for the Goose - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Brownie2121 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was my first ever car purchase. It was resonably priced, and it has been a great family vehicle. Its build is very safe, when I had my front end collision, the car took all the impact and all I needed was to replace the hood and the grates. Like most cars, its not without faults. The lights were always coming on so Id take it in and have to have them reset. So, if you can get used to driving with your check engine light on, and are willing to rely on instinct as to when you really need it checked, this is the car for you. Great Family Van and not bad for driving around town either.

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  Damn Good So far - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Carl D - September 23 - 10:41 am

  Take your time with investigating the options and costs associated. You can get a better deal with a well factory accessorized Lariat vs purchasing a Platinum or limited. Ford marketing does an outstanding job of offering complex color, engine, trans, and options, schema(s) to maximize their profits (as they should). Also put the time into negotiating with multiple dealerships as they are all willing to ultimately make a fair deal when pressed by an informed buyer. This is the best truck Ford has ever made. Initial quality has been outstanding.

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  severe windshield glare - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By jason scaffidi - September 22 - 7:03 pm

  Very dangerous windshield glare. The entire dashboard is reflected onto the windshield. I hate driving it. Ford says its normal...absolutely no customer support from Ford. This is my 2nd Explorer and last one that I will buy. I do not feel safe driving this car because I am fixated on the glare. VERY VERY POOR DESIGN.

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  Just bought - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By mikeb - September 22 - 1:59 pm

  I had a 1998 Model.Cab seems to have more room.Small area behind seats is good for small items.Jumper cables etc.The truck i bought has a tool box so that helps.Someone put an earlier model bed so it was big for a small truck.Im sure there may be times where a swb will have negatives.

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  CMax energi 86mpg - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By dree - September 22 - 5:26 am

  Owned Cmax since 1/1/13 you will get this mileage (85mpg and increasing) if you drive less than 40 miles between charges with like 1/2 freeway. If you drive alot more than that a day you will probably do better with another car. Nice drive and havent been back to dealer yet.

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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Gino - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my Contour. Going on 10 years now, I am rounding 100K and the car continues to run great. Now, mostly my wife uses it as a weekend car to run errands take the kids to soccer practice etc. Very safe vehicle. Great on gas.

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  My 03 Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LisaMarie - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Love it and have great service from Dealer!!