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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  pete - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Pete Reeve - June 10 - 2:00 am

  The Mustang is a fun car to drive and is an affordable sports car with plenty of muscle and character.

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  Third Ranger is a charm - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Hitman & Speedy - June 10 - 2:00 am

  My third Ranger and by far the best to date. My mileage is 16.5mpg and I dont baby her either. Love her and plan on keeping this 4x4. Previous Rangers are as follows: 97 (2wd 2.3) had butt loads of rear axle problems and no umph. I gladly traded it in for an 02 (2wd 3.0) and really enjoyed it until the Nebraska winter needed a 4x4.

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  Love my fusion - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Tammy joplin - June 9 - 10:51 pm

  I really love the comfort of the fusion . I have the 2.0 turbo and couldnt ask for better handling and acceleration so far. I am getting 26 miles to the gallon and I have a bit of a lead foot. I love the huge trunk and the fact there is no lip so easier to load heavy stuff. Easy to connect your phone. I dont have navigation. My only complaint so far is the auto climate control does not seem to auto adjust like it should. Audio is easy to use. It took me awhile because I am not that tech savvy to learn how to use all the controls. also love the keyless entry.

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  2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4WD - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jake D. - June 9 - 6:43 pm

  It will be going on 8 years since we have bought our truck used from a ford dealer. It was a year or two old. Since then it has been a pretty great companion. The only Problems are fuel economy, Braking System and Steering. The brakes have to be replaced or fixed often, the fuel economy is 14mpg, and the steering can get shaky meaning that you have to replace the control arms. Other then that its been a companion. Only a few years ago i found out that t was loaded with options. All i dont have is the moonroof and leather i think. Came with towing package, all exterior option, 6 disc changer, automatic tranny. Good truck. Repairs have never exceed 500 dollars when u DIY

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  Dream car Disapoints - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Terry Burke - June 9 - 2:17 pm

  Just bought the 2016 v6 Convertable Mustang drove it home went to park the car in my garage and I heard a "clunk" noise in the rear of the car. Wow you can hear it every time you stop the car even at 1 mile per hour. It takes the luster off your new car purchase. Im headed back to the dealer tomorrow morning, I hope to get it fixed or get a replacement. It is very fustrating went are so excited about your purchase and it disappoints you!!

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  13,000 miles and no problems - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By bjhhog - June 9 - 12:03 pm

  This is our first hybrid and Im so glad we went with the C-max. It has gitty-up when you need it, plenty of space for two adults and one baby (and everything that comes with a baby). driveability is very good and comfortable. This is our second summer with the car, and we are achieving the 45-47 mark. Winter is a different story, more like 42. All in all a very good car and Im truly surprised there are not more on the road.

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  Will not Buy a Ford again - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By sdouglas1 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought the vehicle with 3,000 miles on it. Right after the warranty went out, so did my transmission and a valve that it died every time it idled very long. I have other small problems as well. They kept calling to see if I wanted to buy and extended warranty and my suggestion was build a car that does break down after 35,000 miles.

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  2001 Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By kc5dsv - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Truck Overall! It has met all of my expectations, and actully surpassed some of my expectations!

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  red bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By dschuh - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and great to look at. No mechanical problems the first year of ownership.

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  This is my 8th Thunderbird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bernard S - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this little car. My wife thinks its great too. I owned sevin of the early models years back, I think I like this one best of all.