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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  Smiles for Miles - 1999 Ford Contour
  By PSU48187 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The only way to get closer to a BMW in terms of handling and engine power, is to just go out and buy one. One of the better cars Ive owned, and I have a whole enthusiasts group that backs me there.

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  Nice little speedster with the FRPP tune - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By alex_WI - July 20 - 6:41 pm

  Great little inexpensive sports car with good mileage....ecoboost is new and a bit of getting used to in a mustang....but when you can hit 0-60 near 5 second range, who cares if you dont have the V-8 rubble.

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  Honda Bruiser - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jim - July 20 - 2:16 pm

  First thing great gas mileage, good interior and design. Much more bang for your buck than Honda. (you wont lose it at the mall with 1000 other accords). I had an 2008 an the upgrades make this a much better car.

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  could have been better - 2005 Ford F-150
  By trucker - July 20 - 5:10 am

  9000 miles and front brakes chatter, dealer says thats just the way it is. He seems to think I abuse it as Im 60 years old. Never pulled a trailer with it and drive like a normal person. Doors sound like they are full of nuts and bolts driving over a rough road, again thats just the way it is. Salesman says i should have driven it over a rough road before I bought it, however he was good enough to offer to take it on trade for a 05 model. Something funny going on with the gas gauge as it took 30 minutes for it to register full after the last fill up. Gets 16 mpg around town and 17 on road.

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  A Focus ... Who Would Have Thought - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Becca - July 20 - 4:23 am

  It was between the Corolla-S, and a Focus ... and the Focus won my heart. Who would have ever thought a Focus to be worthy of such praise. It is a fun little car to drive around, and compared to my truck I used to have, the gas mileage is awesome!

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  Used Truck from Cal Worthington - 1996 Ford F-350
  By cmsitka - July 20 - 2:00 am

  It has been macgivered together on the front end (Cal Worthington?) not having a shop and time to go thru this truck before I bought it was a big mistake. Im sure it would have been a good truck if it was not abused and salvaged to be put out for sale by a dealership. Any one else would have paid to have it fixed right. Watch out who you do business with!

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  Greatest Van - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By dkmart - July 20 - 2:00 am

  We purhased this vehicle with 75000 miles it now has 161000 miles on it. I am very pleased with this van. I have replaced cv joints on both axles,brakes,and tires. Motor runs great uses no oil . This is my 2nd Aerostar the first one was totalled out about a moth after we bought it. We were hit broad side at 50 mph. van was pushed 3 lanes accross the road we walked away without a scrath.

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  I love my Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Escort Lover - July 20 - 2:00 am

  What an outstanding vehicle! This is the second Escort we have owned and this one has been even better than the last one. Currently showing 115K on the clock. Maintenance schedule has been: change the brakes, oil, sparkplugs and air filter -- nothing else. Only non-predicted failure has been alternator and battery at 110K -- $200. Timing belt went at 90K should have been changed at 60K anyway. Total repair bill $240. The car needs no oil between changes still returns 32-36 mpg. Basically, the car has been a dream. The only visit to the dealership in 7- years was for the timing belt. What more can one ask for in a vehicle?

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  Good SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Pingree - July 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my third SUV. My first was an Explorer which was trash by redlight runner. So, went for next size up. Bought a 98 EB Expidition and have never looked back. Now, I have the 99 which has a few more features I wanted and enjoy. Would have gone with the XLT but, the options I wanted were not available. Great size and ride.

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  What a great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By ckbeartn - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this thing....no maintentance, great ride, easy on gas....what more could you ask for???????????