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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  Good car, disappointing mileage - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tlh4 - July 18 - 6:56 am

  I have had this car about a month. I have driven on the highway and city. I simply dont believe the two previous posts about mileage. Complete B.S. I am getting in the low 30s in the city, and this is while paying attention to the readout that tells you when you are in EV mode. I have taken a couple short trips at low highway speed, about 60 MPH. I kept the speed down to allow it to run in EV mode. On these trips I got about 38 MPG.

  Bottom line: I really like the car. It is quiet, with great interior and exterior styling, and more features than I have been able to master. However, dont expect to get anywhere near 47 MPG. The EPA needs to their house in order.

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  Siox speed tranny is useless - 2010 Ford F-150
  By brawler - July 18 - 5:30 am

  This is my sixth F150 in addition I have owned two full size broncos. All had the 351 or 5.4 motor except one bronco had 1 400. I love fords, but this new one with a 6-speed transmission is aggravating. This thing shifts constantly in city driving. I wish i had my 2006 4-speed automatic in it.Driving up a slight hill in traffic the tranny seems like it slips, then it slams. It is far from smooth. You feel each and every shift no matter what speed. The interior is nice, this one has a floor shift, looks nice but you lose storage space...and you do not realize how much you used the floor in front of the console until its gone. I like it, I am praying for a service bulletin on the transmission.

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  Collectors Vehical - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Cortney L. Ruffner - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehical after retiring. Simular to my Father,Who owns his own Thunderbird (late 70s Model) Still Show room new and a Classic. I dont drive this vehical as my everyday car. mainly weekends.I useally keep the car covered to protect the exterior paint. The vehical has provided me with exciting driving pleasure and people often admire the styling of my Ford thunderbird. I also hope to own my T- bird for years to come. Mr. C. LaMont Ruffner Port Saint Lucie, Fl.

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  3.8L FWD - Ford Stinks - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By ca2stay - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Had a 91 Taurus (3.8L FWD) tranny @ 25k & 54k miles. Traded in for 96 Windstar LX 3.8L FWD. Tranny started giving trouble slipping @ 50k and finally replaced @ 90k $3k, head gaskets @ 85k $2k and engine still runs poorly, radio/CD @ 50k. Fortunately w/tow package & 4W Disc Brakes so none of the brake pblms my frinds w/drum brakes had. Now CV joints and the rest of the steering and suspension. My wifes next vehicle will be Japanese.

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  LEMON - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By whatalemon - July 18 - 2:00 am

  what a lemon. will NEVER buy a ford again. Bought used and in 4 yrs head gaskets, stabilizer bar link, control arm bushings, air conditioner, rear window lock, driver door locks, driver seat,and many other things all broke. Called Ford and they DONT stand behind their product. (yes it is out of warranty but all this shouldnt be breaking). only 60,000 miles. NEVER AGAIN. BUYER BEWARE

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  Best Truck I ever owned - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Amazing Vehicle - July 18 - 2:00 am

  For long distance travel, cant be beat. Have gotten as high as 17.8 mpg with V-10 (nothing over 65mph!) and over 700 miles per tankfull. Dealer has been better than excellent. No major problems.

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  What are the magazine testers smoking - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Calvin Oppenheimer - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Every review in the automotive press I read said the Excursion was simply awful. I test drove one and bought it the same day. For the first year I used it in my limousine business to haul folks to and from the airport. A feat the Excursion excells at. Unlike the mag testers I have no problem with manuverability at all. I would not expect this vehicle to handle like a Porsche. I can not honestly think of a single complaint. Possible exception was trouble with the in dash 6CD changer & the monitor in the entertainment package. Both were replaced under warranty.

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  average car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By john_doe - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i like the car for what it is but it has cost me money right from the beginning. brakes were the worst. anti- lock was good but the brakes themselves were always bad. the ride and design of the car is real nice untill you realize the rattle is from plastic front end suspension parts. yes plastic. so over all yea its a nice car but would i buy anouther one? i would have to say no, only because of all the problems with the car.

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  pretty good car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By momprice2003 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  over all is a great car and rides great

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  best investment by far - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By nanaonthego - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I ALWAYS THOUGHT VANS WERE FOR EDERLY PEOPLE!UNTIL I BOUGHT THIS ONE I LOVE IT I CAN TAKE MY WHOLE FAMILY PLACES WITHOUT WORRING WHO WILL RIDE WHERE.WE HAVE BEEN TO TEXAS,MEXICO AND SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE BEACH WE LIVE IN THE PIEDMONT OF N.C.IT HAD 92000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE BOUGHT IT A FORMER OAKLAND RAIDERS PLAYER HAD IT BUT NOW THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS TAG SHINES ON FRONT AND BACK(I,M JUST A FAN)BUT I WOULD BUY ANOTHER JUST LIKE IT I LOVE THE COLOR INSIDE AND OUT YEAH IM A 38YR NANA BUT I LOOK GREAT IN MY EDDIEBAUER EDITION