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 Ride, Easy Handling - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Diane Fetzner - January 6 - 11:03 pm

  At first I was skeptical about the Ford Five Hundred since I was giving up a 2000 Eldorado. To my pleasant surprise I found the interior to be quite large, comfortable, and roomy. The back seat has more than enough room for a large or tall person, and the trunk is very spacious. The handling of the car impressed me. I particularly like the non-shift transmission and the quiet ride. My favorite feature is the reverse sensor. I highly recommend buying this car. P.S. Theres plenty of room for my large German Shepherd.

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  2005 Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By John Wegford - January 6 - 3:26 pm

  I believe that this Mustang is by far the best looking, driving, overall handling and the fastest automobile that I have ever had. Ford held back nothing in the styling and manafacturing of the Mustang GT. The Shaker 1000 watt sound system that I have is superior to any system I have ever had. The detailing both inside and outside reaches far beyond my expectations. Bravo! to those who made the 2005 Mustang GT possible. My wife and I LOVE the ride and the looks we get when we go cruising. In only one word to describe it - FABULOUS!

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  Love of my Life - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By ponylover - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Best car this family has ever had, and there have been at least 100. Personally tend to be a heavy duty truck fan myself but am in love with this car. great to drive and fun to ride in. i even enjoy washing it! have liked mustangs for years and thought owning one would lower my opinion of them but if anything i love them even more.

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  Winner - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By P.I.M.P - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is extrodinarily fast. I have been racing it stock i havent done anything to enhace the speed. And yet I still win all of the races i compete in.

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  DVD Blocks the WAY - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mertz - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Nice SUV, Only problem with truck is it is its interior is smaller than a 93 model I had owned. Also the DVD players scene is right in your rear view mirror when the kids are watching, which is all the time. Still it beats having the kids fighting all the time on long trips. They were never so quiet before. Gas mileage could have been better 16-17 highway!!!! Over all GREAT SUV

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  Eco Vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By greentara - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been a compact car owner for years, despising the large gas guzzling SUVs for the waste and damage they cause. However, I own and run a small video production company and needed more payload for my equipment. I first noticed the Escape hybrid, but then realized the Escape got better milage than many sedans on the road. Since Ive owned the Escape, I been impressed with its features and eagerness to please. A great realiable, eco friendly solution.

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  worth every penny - 2002 Ford Focus
  By docairborne - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This car does whatever I tell it to do. Excellent handling, good brakes, doesnt wallow, even in heavy rain. Fun to drive. Used it to tow a trailer [I moved last month] for 700 miles, 80mph wholeway, smooth as butter and nary a burble from the car.

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  My 02 SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Bobby Lasiter - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Since Buying my SVT Focus I have had so much fun getting to know it and Breaking it in. The car performs like a race car. Ford did a great job with this SVT. Keep up the great work

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  pimp truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By jameslee22 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  this is a great truck

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  King ranch is tops - 2003 Ford F-150
  By leechman - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Lets just say Im a ford person. 1972 f250 4x4 true work horse. 1995 f150 short bed, no big deal. 1997 Lariat supercab, great except for transmission and air noise from third door. But the King ranch has out done anything ford has done before. I have only found a few minor things that I would change. The moon roof should have a auto stop to keep it from going past closed. The 4 wheel select is not in open view while driving. Should be a little more toward the center of dash. And it didnt come with a hat rack on the ceiling. Other than that, this truck is the Cats Meow!!!!!!!!!