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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  Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By William Anderson - October 29 - 2:13 am

  I am very satisfied with my vehicle and I dont have any regrets about purchasing it.

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  Im ready for a new one - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By snellville - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94 taurus in 97 with 45,000 miles on her, I fell in love with her from day 1. From the smooth and extremely powerful 3.0 liter v6 to her beautiful looks on the outside I cant decide which is better. Other similiar cars such as the mercury sable are slower than the taurus Ive raced a few. Getting back to the title of my review, I cant wait to buy a new taurus, just think of all the advancements they must have made in 8 years to an almost already perfect car, its definately gonna be my next car purchase since my 94 has over 100,000 miles on her with no major problems just routine maintence.

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  Its an okay car` - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Toyota Lover - October 29 - 2:00 am

  although toyota makes em better, I still like my taurus. Id heard bad things about them, but so far(knock on wood) i havent had any of them. I have 85,000 miles on it and hope to push it to 150,000 at least. everybody pray for me, i think i might need it. The cooling fan went out on me recently. Battery did its last dance yesterday.

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  probe review - 1993 Ford Probe
  By fordreview - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about 6 years ago, and have had very few problems with it to date. The car is almost 10 years old and is now having an idle problem while in neutral on occasion. Besides that, no trouble.

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  Great Truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By jimats - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. I would recomend it to anyone. My truck only has 92,000 miles and it runs great.

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  Engine Trouble - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By pnewell - October 29 - 2:00 am

  After spending $1,500 on three engine repairs before 90k miles, I am not happy with the reliablility of this vehicle.

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  2005 Mustang V-6 Premium - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By captnfred - October 28 - 5:46 pm

  While the 2005 Mustang V-6 is no GT Muscle Car, it is a great bargain, has adequate power, is very quick and handles like a sports car should. The Premium version with leather has a classic interior thats comfortable and sporty. The car is rock solid with no rattles or creaks. The Shaker 500 sound system is OK but could use more midrange. Great ride for the price.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Wilbur - October 28 - 3:46 pm

  Ford engineers did a fantastic job designing the Fusion Hybrid. As noted in the other reviews that Ive read, the car exceeds expectations on ride, comfort, and performance. It is truly fun to drive, and unlike most hybrids, looks and feels like a regular car. Combine that with the impressive technology and comprehensive safety features and you have a real winner. I am getting about 37 mpg in mostly highway driving, but am beginning to see improvement as I learn to drive more efficiently. There are some strong arguments on whether the added cost of a hybrid is worth it or not. Ultimately that is a personal decision, but if you are looking at a hybrid, the Fusion will not disappoint!

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  Performance Red w/ white top - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By jam2u - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Great first car, but dont get the AODE transmission...sloppy shifting and not convincingly reliable. Otherwise the 5.0 will run forever with the regular oil change.

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  Are you a good driver? - 1993 Ford Probe
  By jmick - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my probe at the repo depot when it had about 85000 miles on it. As soon as I got it home, it dropped a manual transmission.... After that the car was a dream. Its a fun car to drive and its tiny engine burns NO gas. Heres the catch, I got into a wreck last year with a Chevy Z71 pickup. It bent his front quarter panel and totaled my car out (bits and pieces of the little thing went flying into traffic). So, if youre a good driver, enjoy! (if youre in the market for one, notice how it sounds like a tin can when you close the door)