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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  Long-lasting little truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By edaras - August 4 - 1:07 pm

  Owned since new, now has 134,000mi. Small knock in engine under warranty, ford replaced at 33000 miles. Have done new clutch & front of trans, brakes (2x), alternator (2x), one front wheel bearing/abs issue, egr valve (2x) & rpm revving issue. Auto door locks just started being sketchy in year 9 of ownership. My center console cracks inward like other reviewers said. Mileage is so-so at 14-18. All that said, from northern Wisconsin to western mountain winters, 4x4 and handling are great. Its a little workhorse under load. Yes, it lugs up some hills (3.0L v6 flex fuel engine). And it lugs small trailers okay. Its done everything Ive asked it to for 9+ years.

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  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Great SUV - August 4 - 10:49 am

  This ford has been good to me. No major problems. Just routine maintenance. I now have to trade it in as a clunker.

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  Slow and fun - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Driver - August 3 - 9:35 pm

  Bought this car used at 10 years old. Still looked good for its age. The car road bad, but later fixed this (new springs, shocks/struts). Parts are cheap and it can be made to go fast cheap. Car had zero rattles until I drove around with no exhaust for a while. Gas mileage stunk big time.

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  Luv almost all of it! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Scotch&Cigars - August 3 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased my SUV with 40000 miles. I now have about 72000 miles and have had nothing but good luck with it. Although the gas mileage is a little lower than Id like, I bought an SUV, so Im not going to complain. No problems with the power train, electronics, or anything else with the mechanics. The only problem has been with the front drivers seat comfort. A large person must have owned it prior to me and mashed out the seat, which I didnt notice until I sat for a longer drive.

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  Great Commuter Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ming1 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive a 2002 Maxima SE. I was suprised by how little I miss it. The Focus is a great commuter car thats fun to drive.

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  so far so good - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Hairball_66007 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We have 1200 miles so far (in the first week). But So far so good. We have been getting 23 mpg in mixed driving. This is a loaded car. The only op it dosnt have is the wood kit. Its the first new car for my wife and I in years. We looked Toyota, Hondas and Nissan. The Taurus SEL gave us the most for our money.

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  Easy to live with - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By John W - August 2 - 8:23 pm

  After four months of ownership I must admit Ive been very pleased with this car! It does have a few shortcomings but Im happy with my purchase decision. Two things stand out in this model, unlike the Chrysler 300, visibility is terrific, secondly and something Ive really come to appreciate is the easy in and out feature of its SUV like interior. You dont fall into the car like you do with so many others, you just kind of slide into the seat. Many so-called professional reviewers have knocked the 500 for its lack of power. So far I have not felt the need for more power, nor would I care to give up its excellent mileage for a little more speed. I do find the shifting habit of the six

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  New Focus Experience 5 speed manual - 2009 Ford Focus
  By DKulp - August 2 - 7:08 pm

  Comfortable, Synch is great. Fuel economy 40-41 on highway trip. 30-33 in town. Used 3 quarts oil in 3,000 miles.

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  Made >50% overseas, & watch your head. - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Art S. - August 2 - 1:16 pm

  This is a flawed car for Americans: 1) More than 50% of the car is made or assembled in Mexico (the engines), and Japan (the transmisions). After adjusting the front power seat for myself, Im 58", I noticed there is no seat memory as in my wife and myself: this is not a big deal as it uses the cars main computer and would only involve one switch and about 4 of wire. The last nasty surprise is, after setting the seat for myself, I did something I always do at this point: I got in the back seat, and I smacked my head twice (I ducked after the 2nd time, and still hit my head). This isnt exactly rocket science, I dont know how Ford, a company I like, let this one out like this.

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  4.0L v6 - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By S197 - August 2 - 2:05 am

  The engine in this car really surprised me when I test drove it. Quite a bit more power than the older 6s. I have not had any real problems with it yet and the engine seems really solid. When I hit bumps or turn the music up I do get a rattle from either the mirror or the door handle, but I have heard the same from alot of S197 owners. Overall this is a great daily driver and pretty fun. However if you live somewhere with snow, it probably isnt a great choice.