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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  Great Value For Driving Fun - 1999 Ford Contour
  By El Cheapo - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Research indicates that the Contour is more reliable than your average American car, though it is still no Toyota or Honda. I am very pleased with the performance of this vehicle. The 2.5 liter V-6 doesnt provide neck snaping acceleration, but is quick. 0- 60 in 7.7 secs. The motor is smooth. Fuel economy is acceptable. The manual trasmission does its job well. The car handles much like a BMW, which is to say very well. The build quality is only slightly above average. The Contour is cheap to buy, fun to drive, and modestly reliable. Too bad it has been discontinued. Overall, a fine car.

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  Good looking car with problems - 1993 Ford Probe
  By FranceProbe - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is really, really nice. The interior design looks 5-6 years younger than what it actually is. Ive always been happy driving the car because it looks like new. However, my Probe has had many problems: intake gasket, clutch, driving axle, bushings and schock absorbers, water pump. Thats in just 14 months. $$$.

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  My Mustang Beats the Neon Anyday! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By aloraine1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I love the mustang, indeed its not as powerful as the GT but I get enough tickets without the GT. I like the engine size, and the design is HOT. I get compliments ALL the time. I have the mineralg grey and its a sleek and sexy color. I will never buy a Dodge again.

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  2001 mustang GT - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By mandyann - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car, and I couldnt be happier! I had a 2003 Matrix, and it had no power, now I know what its like to have a real car.

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  The worst piece of metal ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By EdCosta - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I got this vehicle brand new in July 1995. This is the WORST piece of metal mankind put together since the bronze age !!! With 70,000 miles the steering wheel has been replaced 3 times, the engine once, the transmission twice, 3 sets of tires, several ENGINE CHECK light problems, ABS light problems, air conditioning spraying gas in the drivers face, etc. etc. etc... I will never even be a passenger of another FORD during my lifetime. Thanks God I just got a new 2004 Sienna. GOOD BYE FORD !

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  Euro eater - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Skyler T - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a great car, but I would recomend having another car for the winter. The car has an extremely responsive throttle, making the car very quick. There are many affordable aftermarket upgrades for this car. My catalytic converters became stopped up. And Ive heard other other mustangs having the same problem. Othe than that I havent had anyproblems with the car. If you buy a sports car that has a v8 engine you shouldnt expect to get great gas mileage. I got about 14 miles in the city and 18 on the highway(220), but I was accelerating a lot so if you dry the car easier you could probally get about 250 miles on a full tank.

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  The Best TRUCK - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By wildside8284 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  If you love trucks and are not a mini van type person this is the best!! It is a real truck and not an suv. I am a mom of 3 and love trucks this is the best. I get better fuel milage than with my jeep that I had!

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  real truck not suv - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By kitone - August 4 - 2:00 am

  this is a real truck you have to like trucks to have one it is great for the family of 5 and boat I love it thanks

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  Nice size and economy too - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BKS - August 3 - 12:26 pm

  Car gets decent mileage, about 27 to 29 mpg in realistic driving. Could use some repositioning of buttons, e.g., seat warmers not on center console but on side of seat. Beware of the "tax credit" - it deflates on a ratio to income. My $2600 ended up being $159; the economy is still there but caution on the credit sliding scale. Overall, a great car!

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  I would buy again - 2005 Ford F-150
  By h.bryan - August 3 - 3:46 am

  Very pleased so far.