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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  Fun-tastic T-Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By william mills - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Stunning turquoise w/ black top,perfection in every way and a babe magnet to boot. Turns heads everywhere, w/ a V-8 that kicks it. Soft top great. Will be a Collectors dream as time goes by.

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  awesome - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ramirez - July 13 - 6:40 pm

  i think the car is awesome in pretty much every way. i think you should make it just like the older cars (mustangs) because there is nothing like a classic car

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  One Fun Ride - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By RR - July 13 - 6:30 am

  I have a 2007 Vette CV to compare and the new GT 500 CV. The GT 500 is more fun to drive because it seems faster regardless of Road and Track articles. I am not into racing or burning tires but if you hold the GT 500 down very long you better have no distractions and a pretty long straight ahead of you because the pavement will go by like you are leaving the airport in a jet. The Vette has more options and obviously more finess. Compare a Vette to the Honda Goldwing and this new GT 500 to the Harley Vrod Screaming Eagle all of which I have owned. They are very different cars. I started off driving a Roush CV and moved to the 500 due to the subdued exhaust and better resale in my opinion

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  I like my truck. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By C L Pater - July 13 - 2:06 am

  Excellent for towing and just hard work. The truck is a very attractive unit.

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  Not my favorite truck anymore - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By frog13 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 ranger it was a good little truck...UNTIL then main head gasket leaked then the I had to have all the belts and pulleys replaced then the gasket again and again and the most resent thing replaced was the WHOLE transmission. This truck is horrible on gas has no power and goes throw brakes like crazy and no its not my driving my husband drives it now and he goes throw brakes to at least every 3 months. Back doors dont always shut right and it isnt a pleasent ride. Fords service departments are the worst no support after purchase

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  better than the Tahoes - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By jamesSZ - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1995 and a 1997 Tahoe 4WD and had to dump them before the 36000 mile warranty ran out. Liked both of them but they were poorly built and had a lot of in warranty work done, The EXPIDITION seems to be holding its own - Ive yet to take it to the dealer for any warranty work. Next visit will report the following: windshield washer indicator give false out of fluid reading heater strip in back window losing effect radio was skipping channels by itself, tires are making a thud sound when driving above 55MPH. Small issues when compared to the 2 Tahoes that I owned. Milage is about 14 MPG.

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  diesel the way to go - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By paf01 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  i own two excursions a gas and a diesel ilove my diesel i get between 16.5 to 22.0 miles per galion my gas truck gets about 10.0 mpg but ive increased that by installing a k&n air filter to about 15.0 mpg the ride is nice handling great if ford made the rest of the body out of recycled bottles like they made the rear doors the truck would be lighter and tow even more and would probably use even less gas or diesel.

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  Retro T Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By berngeller - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I love mine! It is the most fun I have had driving in my life!

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  Donalds windstar review - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Donald D. - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I, too am tired of spending so much time in the dealership. 37,000 miles are on the odometer and it has had 9 trips to the dealership. I once was an avid Ford fan. After this Ill never buy one again.

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  The Truck with Attitude - 2002 Ford F-150
  By KA - July 12 - 10:00 am

  A grin everytime you drive it! If you get this truck, spend the extra $600 on a chip and filter. If you decide on a blower pulley (~$200), youll need a pair of traction bars. ;) For the extra $1,500 (including the traction bars), its not all that much $, considering youll smoke a Vette, and have $15k left in your pocket!