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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  Solid, Reliable, but Plain & unexciting - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Practicality - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 4 years ago. I have had no problems with it other than replacing the battery and the inconvenience of having recall repairs done. Even those have been infrequent and insignificant. The car still has decent power and acceleration and is a good reliable car for a practical family man like me. She is paid off with, knock on wood, 100K miles to go !!

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  The almost car of my dreams - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Chris v. - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most interesing car i have ever owned. When I first bought my Taurus it was fun, reliable, clean and all over nice. But six mouths later that all changed. I ended up spending close to $2000 to get my car fixed. And ever since then my car has went down hill. I love my car but i think it is time for us to part.

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  What A Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Stang Lvr - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Mustang, my first being a 1990 convertible 5.0. The improvement in quality is fantastic. This is a far, far better vehicle. The fit and finish, to date, are great. I have no qualms in reccomending this car to anyone.

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  A - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Insomniac101 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Nice overall vehicle fun to drive, looks good, decent power for 6-cylinder (mines a manual trans), and not bad fuel economy - very important today! Seats could be a little more comfortable, but other than that, a great truck. Dont know how it performs towing would probably have bought an 8-cylinder if I were using it in that capacity. Not much room in the cab for passengers, especially with a stick, but I drive alone 99% of the time, so not really an issue. Definately not a family-vehicle, but perfect for my use.

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  Doesnt hold value. - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By J T Raesz - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I really love my Excursion. My only complaint is, based on Edmunds, the value of my 2002 is about $5,000.00 less than I owe (after almost 2 years) AND I GOT 0% INTEREST. That is pretty darn bad. Even the dealership where I bought the Excursion was not going to give me pay-off....then they tried to sale me a 2004. Other than holding its value this truck is awesome. We take it everywhere. I have three growing boys (teens and pre-teens) and we can all fit in the truck very comfortably. It is the ultimate "large family" vehicle. Plus, Ford makes a great diesel engine.

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  Good Family traveling vehicle - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By mitchell,jennifer - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall it has been a good dependable vehicle to own and drive. Its major draw back is its fuel economy, my truck gets about 13 to 14 miles to gallon city and 17 to 18 highway. Repair costs and general maintenance prices is above average.

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  Zoom zoom, 2017 Ford Mustang, 5.0 Automatic - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Rainman - July 5 - 5:53 pm

  I test drove the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Nissan 370Z. All the listed had advantages and disadvantages. Also read several magazine articles/reviews, which favored the Mustang as a daily driver, and then took the Mustang for a few more test drives and for me the Ford Mustang 5.0 GT Premium, black on black with blacked out emblems and automatic transmission won hands down. All around a more driver friendly car, but definitely still plenty of muscle for the road to include back roads. Felt more comfortable for the longer drives, and the fit and finish to include a nicely appointed interior definitely sold me to the Ford. I dont consider myself a Ford guy, but after driving the Mustang I decided I had to own one. To date Ive driven it to the NYC area, and it was very comfortable for three hours each way, and very soon to Daytona to attend the Rolex 24. Ive only owned it since late December 2016 so there are a number of areas on this survey I cant yet speak to...but Im definitely hoping they are just as strong in the positive as my experience so far.

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  love it! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jbosig - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a 95 4X4 blazer that had to go. I researched 16 different SUVs of this size and/or compatability. I really wanted bigger but needed to stay under 30K. I have 2boys and 2Labs so I needed a rugged vehicle that would wear well. The CRV, Xterra, Rodeo, Montero, and Blazer couldnt even compare. few flaws but Fordsll never be perfect, otherwise itd be a Dodge!

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  Fair Review - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By hchapple - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used from Carmax to use as second vehicle with more hauling capability. Have sold primary auto now (Mercedes SUV) and find the daily driving of the Ranger is very satisfying. Great acceleration. Nice looks. Good handling and brakes.

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  Happy with my T-bird - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By carolann - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Dependability is A-1. I have 116,000 and purchased it with 11,000. Have spent very little...the best car I ever owned!