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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  Fords Character Machine is [non-permissible content removed] - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By ltdslip - March 22 - 8:47 pm

  I wanted a Mustang GT since I was 16. I was taking a walk around at my local dealers lot while my Fusion was being serviced and seen the black on black 5 speed GT. I wasnt planning on buying at the time but with only 10k km (6200 miles) on it and a price tag of half of that of the new Stangs I was sold. This is a dream come true. The car feels very solid and sounds great. There is power in every gear and at any rev. Most importantly, the car has character, which is missing from all these new boring cars rolling out. I chose the 10s over the 11s because the 4.6 is tried and true. Also heard about issues with the new 6 speed. Best bang for the buck I ever spent on a car.

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  safe and reliable - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mesm - March 21 - 2:46 pm

  I got into a head on collision with a drunk driver in a GMC Yukon while driving my 05 Ford Focus and walked away with nothing but whiplash and a few cuts and bruises. The entire front of the car was flattened, but all of the built in safety features worked and saved both mine and my passengers lives. In another car, we could have easily died. The gas mileage could have been better, but this is a great car if youre looking for something safe, reliable, and sturdy.

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  Horrible car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By zorazane - March 21 - 10:15 am

  After purchasing this car new, my father admitted shortly thereafter that it had been a mistake. When he passed away a few years ago, I inherited the car and have had problem after problem since, culminating in my transmission going completely out last week at 93K miles - thankfully I was in a safe place to get over to call a tow truck. Called the dealership - over $6000 to replace the trans. Suffice it to say I am not pouring more $ into it. Even the dealership admitted they have had multiple problems. Stuck riding the bus. Shame on Ford.

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  Mustang Coupe (V-6) - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By bobr349 - March 21 - 4:57 am

  Car was purchased brand-new 17 years ago and was the first Ford product I had ever owned. Except for several build flaws from the factory, it has been trouble-free through 134,000 miles. It has been garaged the entire time and looks factory-new to this day. I do all the maintenance on the vehicle myself, including 3,000 oil/filter changes, tune-ups, tire rotations, and fluid changes. The A/C unit is powerful and efficient even in FL heat and humidity. The car gets exceptional mileage for a 150 HP engine (V-6 and auto. trans.) at Interstate speeds because of the cars high final drive ratio (about 1900 rpms at 75 MPH), 30 mpg w/AC on and 32 with the system off. City mileage is only 15-20.

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  expected much more - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By mar18 - March 20 - 10:44 pm

  i decided to buy an excursion diesel to be able to tow the toy hauler and bring the family along. i was very dissapointed with the quality performance and fuel mileage. i got 14 mpg on the highway (i have a light foot). when towing the 8000lb toyhauler i got 7mpg on the highway and had to go peddal to the floor on every hill and the truck still slowed down to 40 mph and struggled to make it up small hills. the truck overheated on me 3 times while towing in tow-haul mode so i started towing without it. the truck always struggled with the trailer. My 5.7 liter tundra towed the same trailer without a problem. I always thought ford was the best of all american car makers. obviously i was wrong

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  Best Mustang V6 i ever driven! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By bikersam - March 20 - 7:47 pm

  05 Mustang V6 is the best car i ever driven, the 4.0 engine is fast and fuel efficient and reliable, i dont know what people are complainning about, when i buy a car, i dont care about the looks, the small things that go wrong with it, i go for preformance, the Motor and Trans, those are the most importance of a car, if the motor and transmission is in good working condition and so far, i had this Mustang since 2005 and its 2012, i have no problems with the engine and transmission and thats great for a Ford!! The only small problems was the battery went bad in 4 years, thats normal for any car, the dashboard gages went bad on the temp. and fuel gage, no big problem!

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  used certified pre owned after 3 months - 2007 Ford Edge
  By bigbaby - March 20 - 1:04 pm

  Gave my 08 Lincoln MKZ to the wife and got a CPO Edge for 16K with only 45K miles. Its been great so far. I think this thing rides better than the Lincoln. Previous owner had issues with the transmission (computer) but Ive not noticed anything. Every fill up is around 19-20 MPG. Liking it so far and would recommend it to anyone in need of a mid size CUV.

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  Bird is the Word - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By cspirit - March 18 - 10:35 pm

  I own the V8 T-Bird, and of all the cars Ive owned through the years, it has proven repeatedly to be the most reliable, stylish and overall best value vehicle money can buy. I bought mine used a little over a year ago with 124000 miles on it, and aside from replacing the brake pads and ball joints (which were wore out from age and the previous owners abuse) this car has been an exceptional ride, silky smooth with plenty of power. Though the V8 only gets moderate gas mileage, the comfort, style and reliability more than make up for it. If youre looking for an older, stylish and reliable ride, I highly recommend the T-bird...

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  Reliable overall - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By csflint - March 18 - 4:51 pm

  Every car has its quirks... for mine, its been the front end. Ive replaced so many driveaxles, front brake components, etc that its become an annual chore. That said, my Taurus has taken me through EVERY kind of situation with no complaint. Its been scraped over desert flatrock, towed a U-haul weighing twice as much as itself 1500 miles, crossed country several times, and attacked by wildlife (bears, deer), idiots (Satan, the semi driver) and shopping carts. Were at 168k, and easily looking at another 100-150k - if i dont replace it with something more roomy for long trips. So far, though, i havent found another vehicle that feels so cozy/sturdy/willing.

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  Ford XLT - 2008 Ford Escape
  By csylv - March 18 - 12:40 pm

  I bought my 2008 Escape used a year ago. Yes it had the faulty transmission pump already replaced. It is definitely not the most comfortable ride on the highway. My butt usually goes numb, but in-city driving is easy. The seat is powered on the drivers side helping me gain some more height (Im only 56 making seeing over the steering wheel difficult in large vehicles). The controls are easy to figure out and are large enough that my monkey fingers can get control. This version does lack the Ford Sync of the newer vehicles but still has an audio jack. In town handling is easy but at higher speeds it is a bit of a challenge but has the stability control to help you out.