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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  2003 whisper white conv. - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By ipsilver - September 20 - 2:00 am

  the car has guts...and hurls itself around curves..like all fords..has fogging problems in humid or wet weather..no much discernible road noise...could be appointed less austerely..although the retro baby blue gauges and the opera roof with portholes are neat...the car has a problem when removing the hard top...the web sites warn that the paint will come up...and it did on the trunk deck..close to the back window..had to be repainted..has had a brake seal leak inside of 4,000 miles and fixed with new part ..at dealership..

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  C-Max Hits a Home Run - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pitchfixer - September 19 - 3:00 pm

  I just took delivery of a new Ford C-Max yesterday after seeing one at the November 2011 LA Auto Show and seeing several on the road in Turkey; theyve been available in Europe for two years now (including a model with three rows of seats thats not available in the U.S.). In its first 100 miles, its getting mileage in the mid-30s, well off of the official EPA rating of 47. But Im learning how to drive it to improve the fuel economy. Theres a gauge that shows both instantaneous economy and that achieved over several 5-minute intervals. Its amazing how backing off a little on the gas pedal can switch the instantaneous mileage from 20 to 60 (the top figure on the gauge).

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  An amazing little car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By miwico - September 19 - 9:56 am

  I think this car has more going for it than any compact car out there. The drivers seat is very comfortable and for the first time in my life I have a new car with no rattles or squeeks. The handling is great, passive rear wheel steering is obviously designed into this vehicle rear suspension giving it cornering ability and traction that I have only experienced in more expensive cars. The engine is very quiet at any speed and accelerates with vigor although passing can be a little taxing on the 2.0. Transmission shifts are perfect with no hunting between gears. Sync, all I can say is that Ford and Microsoft, two companies that sometimes deservingly get a hard time from consumers have a hit!

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  Good for most - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By kdriver - September 19 - 5:40 am

  Have for one month. Good mileage, fun to drive and gets looked at everywhere I go. Needs more options for non commercial owners, like lifts and tie downs for handicapped persons, ramps that fold into and out of truck. More storage for driver and more in back.

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  XLT F150 - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Julio - September 19 - 5:21 am

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  truck had more problems then a used car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By flyersfan007 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  transmission went with 12000 miles,airbags went off for not reason when parked,frontend snapped twice and lost controll for truck,i can go on for hours. if you want to know more email me,and ill show you all the repair invoices. kenzothug007@aol.com

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  Exploder is what it should be called! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Exploder2000 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder so I could get a dependable SUV...what a mistake I made. I have only had this car for 11 months and have had nothing but problems. Timing chain (3 times), transmission (3 times), stalls out when you shift into gear, EGR Valve, and countless others. I hate this car!

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  Terrible Ride - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Andrew Sievert - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This Truck is good in many ways, however it has the most irritating vibration in the seat(rear end problem) between 20-50 mph the rear just shakes and vibrates. I tried to have the dealer fix it but they could not and then on my 4th visit they had a Ford engineer inspect it The conclusion was that this is how the truck is supposed to perform and there is no fix available. I just got it july 29,2004 and will be syuck with it for a long time to come. I would recommend you look elswhere if comfort and a smooth ride are important.

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  great car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By phalpown - September 19 - 2:00 am

  i have gone through many cars and this is one of my favorites to just cruise around in. Great power for a little car. Its fun to drive and there is many tuner options that can be achieved for this car that normally isnt thought of. i put a water pump and timing belt in and i havent had to touch mine. It has ran great.

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  VORTECH VIC PROJECT CAR - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jason Wendel - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Id give my Vic a perfect 10 even though nothing is perfect. When I am complete with my project Ill certainly make it viewable to everyone who would like to see it. RENEGADE VORTECH VIC *