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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  Comfortable, Dependable SUV - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By JSell - November 27 - 5:18 am

  With 5 years and 45k miles on the car, I still have not ever had to do anything other than recalls/oil changes. This car cost me more upfront, but has been infinitely more reliable than my old Cadillac. This car rides great on long road trips and around town. Gets about 20 in town and 24 going 85 mph. Only downside of this car is that people drive slow when youre behind them because they think youre a cop.

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  Exellent Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 4.6V8 - November 27 - 2:00 am

  It didnt have the trim option avaliable for my truck so I chose the closest thing. My truck is a XLT, regular cab, short bed, 4.6 V8, and an auto tranny. This by far is my favorite vehicle, it is very comfortable and the design is exellent. The engine is also very powerful and when you step on the gas, it really goes!

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  Ivan`s Ford Lightning review - 2003 Ford F-150
  By ivanivan - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 1999 Mustang GT for a 2003 Ford Lightning Truck. This thing pulls in every gear with monster torque. It blows the Mustang GT away and just about everything else on the road. Plus,you can tow a boat with it. The cab in very roomy and the seats support you very well and, keep you from sliding around when turning. The only draw back is that it only comes with an automatic transmission. I don`t really miss it with this kind of power.

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  Most fun car Ive owned! - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By LMc - November 27 - 12:06 am

  Watch the Ken Block videos driving the ST on YouTube

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  It so easy to fall in love with - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Shannon - November 26 - 5:34 pm

  The worse thing about this truck in 2w drive is it comes with Pirelli Scorpion tires. They are loud and they dont last very long. From experience, my next set of tires were BF Goodrich Long Trails. They are quite and they will last 3 to 4 times longer than the Pirellis. The long trails had cracks between the treads so I had to replace them. I went with some Yokohamas. They were slightly less expensive and are quieter than the Longtrails. I have also seen better gas mileage. I have had no leaks into the cab and I have had it for 6 years and 78k miles on it. I did add an aftermarket alarm (Viper). My last Lariat had 1 break-in and two other attempts of theft of vehicle or break-ins. It rides smooth. I did get the extended warranty. It supposedly a bumper to bumper warranty. I guess I will find out when something goes out in the next 22k miles. I have had no major problems with it. I did have to tranny software reloaded because of hard shifting and had it in because of the Sony amp went out. I did have it in for what I thought was "tranny clutch plates" going out in an automatic. Not even, they thought it was something in the rear end and replaced it and it still did go away. There was some kind of letter put out by Ford stating that the drive shaft needs to be lubricated every 2 to 3 years because where the drive shaft meets the tranny needs to slide in and out because the rear end moves up and down. This only happens when you first start off and in harsh terrain, which most truck driver wont experience. This took 2wks to figure out, but Ford put me in a renter till they figured it out. :o) It was FX2 with the 2l eco boost. That thing is too fast 0 to60. It feels light and nimble. My truck is a stock truck in the Lariat trim. It is roomy front and back. I can carry 3 full grown men (football players) and had no complaint, but complements on how roomy it was to ride in. After 90k, I am still satisfied with my truck. I am still asked if it is brand new or just a couple of years old. I plan on keeping this truck forever! I may buy another truck, but this one has been too good to us. :o)

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  Reliable! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Vincent - November 26 - 11:57 am

  Bought new and now have about 90k miles. No major issues, just periodic normal items like (batteries, filters, oil and tires). Sync system better than our 2011 hondas which looks like its 5 years behind the times. Looking for restaurant on your trip, just ask and its nearly google like (though still could be better). Other systems give me locations that arent even the same state. The biggest thing for me is this car is fun to drive for a daily, I still like the looks even though its probably dated now and it has been reliable. The only item that appears to be wearing prematurely are the upper front suspension bushings. When they need to be replaced they will squeak and make noise. In my case it was the left upper A arm, which is a relatively simple replacement. If things continue, Ill be happy to keep it another 60k miles!

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  Sleek Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Ms295 - November 26 - 8:06 am

  Ive had my beautiful tungsten grey Mustang for around 8 months now. In that time I have driven it around 15,000 miles and I have enjoyed the ride. This is a great car to travel in and Im always getting compliments from other people. The car drives really well, with good acceleration and power for passing on the highway. While I love the outside look of the car, there is one issue with the interior which bugs the heck out of me...the dashboard. It creaks, moans, and it seems like it was never really put in the car correctly...or perhaps, cheap materials? I have told my Ford Dealership about the problem and they just act like, "no big deal." Anyways, that aside this is a fun ride!

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  Very safe - 1998 Ford Contour
  By loved it - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I was involved in a bad accident in this car. The car was totaled, both airbags deployed, and the car was hit at a speed in excess of 50mph. I was driving and was able to walk out of the hospital the same day. The safety features of this car are excellent. I loved the car while I had it.

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  2003 Excursion 6.0L - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By dancon - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle because the other ones, Hummer,Suburban,Explorer,etc. have all downsized the interior room. My head hit the ceiling on almost all the other ones.

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  Good Little Car - 1992 Ford Escort
  By wapnlht - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been very impressed with this car.It has had only 3 problems:gas tank had a hole in it,a/c broke,and torque converter went out at 90ks.Even with those problems I think its a good commute car.Its comfortable,handles great,roomy,and fairly safe.I have been in 4 fender benders and after the fix it still looks great.Routine mantinace and it will last forever.