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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  We Survived & It Lived - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Joe&Sheila - July 29 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is I bought for safety and it paid off! Previous Montero owner - wife wanted a bigger SUV - so we bought the biggest. We were involved in a multi-car crash on the freeway complete with airbag deployment and NO injuries in our SUV. We trashed everyone elses car - $10K to fix the Big Black Truck - and we wont get anything else! This thing is a tank and rides/runs/looks as good as new - honestly. If you dont have one of these things - dont drive without insurance!!!

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  2006 XMAS PONY - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Andy - July 29 - 12:53 am

  Excellent vehicle. This has truly brought some joy back into commutes. Fun to drive coupled with great gas mileage. 1200 miles in 2 weeks and still having a great time. Smooth manual transmission allows a more sporty feel. Exhaust system could use some deepening, and a low frequency rumble has been noted at the 70 mph marker but not above it. This is a vehicle to watch your acceleration on, before you know it you are doing 60 to 70 all the time. Good Luck and enjoy this corner hugging pony.

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  GT PREMIUM WITH PERFORMANCE PACK - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Eric Prochnow - July 28 - 8:37 pm

  I bought this car in December of 16 after a wait of over 2 years. This is my third Mustang i have owned in the last 35 years. This car has really matured since my old 86 gt I had years ago. The car is larger and drives larger than both my 86 and my 02 GT I had to sell before buying this Mustang, yet it far out handles both of them (my 02 GT had about 4k in aftermarket upgrades in both engine mods and suspension). The only real complaint about the car is the ingress and egress for me. I am 64" and you have to be fairly flexible to get in and out. Once you are in though, the car fits like a glove, the shifter falling right into place, the steering wheel can be adjusted to taste and everything is very simple to use. The standard leather seats are outstanding, and after taking a 6-1/2 hour trip up to Napa from So. Cal, the seats gave my wife and I plenty of support and the heating and cooling feature is great! As for the performance...my mustang is plenty quick, but I dont drive it to be a drag racer. I wanted a true GT. The handling is more than adequate with the performance package, and the six piston Brembos are superlative. There is a reason why Mustangs have been around for over 50 years. Ford has obviously found a formula of performance, comfort, and style and blend it together in a fashion that other American car manufacturers try to emulate, but always come up short in one or more of these categories, missing the mark on Fords pony car and what it represents.

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  2004 sport trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By wpearson1 - July 28 - 7:05 pm

  Purchased my 2004 Sport trac xls new in 2004. After 66,000 plus miles it is still going strong. Replaced tires after 50,000 miles. I have driven through 4 hurricanes to work in 90 plus mile hour winds with no worries about my safety. The truck is paid for and I am sure it will be give me at least another 100,000 miles of transportation. It is a little thirsty at todays gas prices but at least there is no car payment. I have hauled numerous bikes, trees, 25 bags of mulch, lawn mowers, wood, furniture, playsets, without a worry. It is nice to be high up when driving on the highway. I just change the oil and filter per manual and have had no worries.Better than wifes Mercedes in reliability!

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  I love this truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By partner44 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  You have heard it from all the other reviews of the 1995 F150 but I have to kick in and repeat what a wonderful strong, reliable and cool vehicle this is. Over the years of our ownership I have never been let down by this truck and it has looked good in the process. I often find myself admiring its clean strong lines, it looks totally able to do anything and actually can. My truck is the straight 6 with the 5-speed and is the basic trim package with NO frills except air. This is what a truck should be at least for me. If you want value, style and ability this is your truck.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Medic - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car! I have had 3 Mustangs and 2 Chevy Trucks and this is the best car I have had to date. The fun to drive factor is very high. I love the handling that this car has. Since this car has a 4 banger, the the power is in the mid to upper ranges of the power curve. I have the European Appearence Package(sunroof, Heated Recaro leather Seats, Audiophile 6 disk indash changer, engine block heater, HIDs, and 16 spoke argent wheels). I need a sporty car that I could commute to work in (90+ miles a day) I have found it. You cant go wrong with this car!

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  fun - 2005 Ford GT
  By faver46 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  good, the coolest and the fastest thing i ever drove in my life it will kill the cevys

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  does its job - 2004 Ford Escape
  By van to escape - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2004 escape since last september. It drove very well through a lot of snow this past winter. I am a little disappointed with the gas milage gettin 18 mpg up until 10000 miles and now it seems to be staying at 20 mpg. This is with a lot of city driving. The only problem Ive had only happened a couple of times. When trying to start the car, if it did not start on the first key turn I had to pump the gas to get it started. Overall I am happy with the car. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable on long drives but it is used mostly to work and back and to shuttle the kids. My husband doesnt like riding in it because of the small size.

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  1993 4 banger - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Jmiller - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I brought my PROBE used with 60/k in 1997. Red of course, when cleaned it always looked brand new. I now have almost 170/k miles on it. Very reliable, problem areas idle control,faded paint,expensive parts and high insurance. Still has the original clutch!!! Great gas mileage and fun to drive, could use more power. Hatch is very useful. From day one I used only synthetic or semi syn. oil. The engine still sounds brand new,plenty of life left. K&N air filter and spit fire plugs....will change to BOSCH platinum 4 plugs. I used either 93 or 89 octane....she runs strong on 93.

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  Good Litttle Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By loneranger - July 28 - 2:00 am

  129,000 on my Ranger to date. Other than basic maintenance items, the truck has been maintenance free. 2wd is horrible in snow as I anticipated even with 200 lbs of sand in bed. Gas mileage is a respectable 26mpg with the 4 cylinder engine. The truck is solid - no rattles or squeaks.