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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  Loves It - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By SchwartzEP - July 3 - 5:20 am

  When I started to see the initial development of the concept I about fell over. I saw the actual concept last Nov in Vegas at the SEMA show and was still blown away. The only real change I found between the concept and the showfloor model is the exhaust. The concept had it coming out of the rear bumper. The actual does not. That probably is the only change I would make. Performance wise there is no comparison in its class. I read a magazine review that stated the engine was built like a canvas ready to be made into a work of art. Which it is, it is easy to access every part of the engine and its components. And the interior is not to shabby, maybe you should decide for yourself.

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  disappointment - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ukleinschmidt - July 3 - 2:00 am

  being German and just moved to the U.S., I bought the Explorer in 2000 to get the American feeling of a SUV. Exploring the vehicles behavior in the first year was interrupted by a 6 week break the service shop needed to replace the broken transmission. Riding the SUV felt like a bounce mobil, it is too stiff, the fuel economy is not the best and spped only in straight lanes, curves seem to destabilize the drinving behavior.

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  Not bad for a 25 year old design - 1996 Ford F-150
  By KKear - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Have mine since new,-8 years. Fair gas milage with 300 and 5 speed at around 15 MPG. I hear a 351 V8 gets that. Still rides very smooth but handles sloppy, but then its design dates back to 1967. Front end alignment aside, very few problems and it never left me sit. Entire truck holding up well in spite of my abuse-I actually use the thing like a pickup truck! Wont buy a new F150 because high bidy sides and non- removeable gate, Guess ill but a F250!

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  DISSAPOINTED - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By SLIMJIM7423 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle on june 12th of 2004 new with 3 miles. i have owned it for 3 weeks and it has been in the shop for a total of 7 days now. They have replaced the fuel sender and fuel pump because the car stalled and the fuel guage is not functioning properly. Its in for a second repair now on the same problem. I am dissapointed that I have payed so much for a car that I havent had much time to drive.

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  First Freestyle Owner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Anthony - July 2 - 9:33 pm

  Driving the Freestyle has been a lot of fun. The ride is great and the transmission works well. I, the dad, could use more power, but really, the mom drives it around with the three kids and she doesnt need or want the power of a sports car. I think it is an awesome choice over a minivan or SUV. Mileage is good; we are getting 20 in the city, 26 on the highway. We have the bench seat which works well with the kids getting in and out. If you want to have the space of a SUV but want better mileage, and a car drive feeling, this is a car you must give consideration.(Had to take in to the dealer to have A/C fixed ... it seems that an O-ring went bad. No problems since).

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  Love your car - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Luisa Friedrich - July 2 - 8:36 pm

  The Explorer Sport Track has to be one of the coolest vehicles made. Durable, comfortable; even with a small bed with the tail gate down and the cage opened I can manage to get two dirt bikes in the back, so the small bed is good if you dont want a full size truck. I love the way it drives nice and quiet for a truck. It has plenty of power to haul a load, but yet cool enough to take friends and family on a trip. It is black with two tone grey leather interior and it also has painted bumpers and let me tell you when you clean this thing up it looks amazing! I plan to keep this truck a long time, it has been my favorite!

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  2006 Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Cathy - July 2 - 11:40 am

  I am very happy with my 2006 Ford Fusion. It handles very well and I love the roominess of it. I also get a lot of comments from people about it. I get stopped in parking lots and asked how I like my car. They say they see the commercials for it, but that its the first one that theyve actually seen. My car is black and when its just washed, I have to admit its really sharp.

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  Bullitt Points - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By xfactor - July 2 - 7:40 am

  Bought this car because it was the first new vehicle in 30 years that properly captured the spirit of the musclecar era. Classic nameplate, classic movie, classic styling cues.

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  97 T-bird is a Great Choice - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By 97TBIRD - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The 97 Thunderbird is one of the greatest cars ever to hit the streets. I bought mine at a nearby dealership just last week at 154,000 miles. There was absoulutly nothing wrong with it. It is still strong and the V8 gives lots of power and even better performance. I wish that Ford would continue to make them. Retro can stay in the past!! I highly reccomend the Ford Thunderbird to anyone who wants a decent, reliable, and fun-to-drive car.

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  Terrific Taurus - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By KellyT - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I got this as my first car, and am completely in love with it. It has 75K on it, and the only fixing I had to do was when I got into a fender bender( it held up great)