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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  NICE LOOKING PIECE OF CRAP - 1995 Ford Contour
  By MEGSNEGS - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 6 MONTHS, HOWEVER, IT WAS ONLY DRIVEABLE FOR 2 MONTHS. TRANSMISSION SENSORS WENT OUT- BOTH OF THEM, BELTS BROKE. CUPHOLDERS BROKE OFF,RADIO STOPPED WOR

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  Love this Bronc - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By bronc - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I have a 94 Bronco Eddie Bauer, and have not been dissapointed. 351W, with the E40D tranny has been a good combination with this truck too. I have 33" tires, and there is no noticeable power decrease due to the diameter change. Wide enough for a sheet of plywood, but short enough to pull a U-turn on most residential streets. The only beef I have with this machine is the overall braun of the parts. My old 85 Bronco was beaten twice as hard as the 94, yet the 94 seems to break more. For the money, especially comparing to new SUVs, a good used Bronco is the way to go. DO NOT BUY A K-5 BLAZER

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  J-birds T-bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By J-bird - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Had this vehicle since it was new, now have 135,000 miles and climbing. Best car I ever owned. Regular 3000 oil changes and 30k services and never had any mechinical problems. Ive been wanting a new SUV, but waiting for T- Bird to die first. I may be waiting for years because this car is extremely reliable. Very good buy. One downside: terrible in snow and ice.

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  Good Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Martin - December 23 - 12:06 am

  Ive had the car since March 2006. It drives great and I really like it. There are a few problems but the dealership is happy to fix them for me. I had a bad door seal, which made a whistling sound while driving and my lumber support in my seat broke and my door lock. The dealership fixed all those things quickly. Overall, it is a great car and I would recommend it.

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  New SEL 500 owner - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeff - December 22 - 6:53 pm

  Have a new FWD SEL 500 with Pwr Moonroof and leather. Except for the analog clock, heated seats and backup sensor, it could be a LIMITED. The most comfortable riding Ford I have ever driven aside from my Ford Pickup.

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  "Im king of the ranch!" - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Richard Cronkwright Jr - December 22 - 7:50 am

  My 2016 Ford F150 Supercrew FX4 King Ranch has all the bells and whistles a man could ask for. The safety features really come in handy, especially the adaptive cruise control on the highway. The massaging and air conditioned seats are very helpful on long drives. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine is not as fuel efficient as one might expect, however, the horsepower and torque curve feel endless. The prices one pays for these trucks(the sticker price on mine was almost $70,000) are high, but that is to be expected when you cross an F150 with a Lincoln.

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  Great Buying experience great car - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Howard - December 22 - 6:07 am

  This car is very impressive with the interior of the vehicle. Its completely changed from the 2008 that I previously had, alot more power and the ability to change the steering. The ride is 100 and 10 percent much better than the past mustangs that I have owned. The ability to change the suspension makes the Ford GT a more attractive buy. I really like my buying experience thru Golf Mill Ford, Jimmy and Andrew were amazing. The customer service was outstanding fast and friendly financing not like your typical car buying experience.

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  Quality was not Job #1 on this tranny. - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Not_Happy_in_Florida - December 22 - 2:00 am

  The day before Thanksgiving, the transmission died. Going to sell mine (69,500 miles - sole owner) then promptly get rid of my Windstar before something else goes wrong there, too (faulty "Check Engine" sensor twice in the first 24,000 miles, and a bum power steering hose). Wouldnt be half as mad at Ford if their service departments charged something close to reality on repairs. Although advertised as needing only regular grade gas, this sucker pings all day long.

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  XLT is worth it - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Matt Parker - December 22 - 2:00 am

  I found it to be very clean running, fuel efficiant (13 miles per gallon) with manual five-speed, and a 4.0 Liter V6 Engine. The engine has never given me problems. All I ever get is compliments on how confortable and smooth the ride was from passengers. Cargo space, the rear seats fold down which gives out about 6+ feet of room. Although the seats do not fold down all the way, leaving you with a bed that slants at 10 degrees. The paint fades. So, a wax job is needed after cleaning the truck at least every week. The truck is small enough to fit tigh spaces and has a tight turning radius. While still having tons of room for cargo and passengers.

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  Baby Boomer Special - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By jimmyg - December 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car used with 26,000 miles on it over 5 years ago and it has been a pure pleasure to drive. The V8 engine is powerfull but quiet, car handles and accelerates with ease. For us baby boomers its as close to those great 60S cars we can be. I was involed in a side crash(TBone) last year and the vehicle held the road even though the rear axel broke off. I thought the car would be totalled but the value of the vehicle, to my delight, remained high and it looks as good as new. Anyone who enjoys long drives on warm summer nights, just open the moonroof, turn up the sound and love your TBird