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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  LOVE MY SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By LadyC85 - August 29 - 3:08 pm

  Ive only had my car 2 months but I love it I drove it from Missouri to California and back which is a total of 3,700 and had no problems but my brakes needed to be replaced once we got to California it drives just as smooth and quiet as it drove when we bought it.....I guess the only problem I have with it is the six disc CD changer sometimes gets stuck and its hell getting the cds out

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  Awesome SUV--- I want another one!!!!! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Leotus - August 29 - 1:34 pm

  Plenty of power and does well in the N.E. winters. Vista roof is awesome along with the power rear gate. Not too many flaws in this puppy.

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  16 F150 - 2016 Ford F-150
  By JASON NELSON - August 29 - 6:50 am

  So far so good. This is a great truck.

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  150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Charlotte Sowell - August 29 - 4:00 am

  I love my Ford 150 - hope to upgrade soon. Only thing I feel needs improving in seat covers, they stain too easy. Smooth ride for pick up and excellent view of the road. I will buy another one as soon as I am able.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Rfiorilo - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Best Suv Ive tested/owned, lots of room, very comfortable, ride is very smooth. Interior well thought, best 3rd seat on the market. best looking SUV in its class, lots of standard extras.

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  explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ricky - August 29 - 2:00 am

  After comparing to the Honda, Chevy, and Toyota I went with the Explorer not only for the price but the value of vehicle equipment content. I know why Explorer has been such a big seller for so long. Love it!!

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  f-150 roks - 2004 Ford F-150
  By alarmex - August 29 - 2:00 am

  this new ford is awesome

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  Ford Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mr. Ed. - August 29 - 2:00 am

  The Truck is fun to Drive. Easy to Handle. Very good on the curves in my location. Easy to see out of.

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  euro bird? - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By bird watcher - August 28 - 8:25 pm

  I have owned mine for two years and just love it. This is my 4th tbird. If you are looking for a newly made but vintage looking tbird this is not it. Ford designers missed the mark. I have been told it looks more European than a remake of any tbird by most. But forget its supposed to be a tbird and judge the car for itself. It is fast. It is very well made. It is a convertible or a hardtop. It rides like a luxury car but is still sporty. It is loaded with options. It is very affordable and nothing in its class comes close to having all these virtues. In my opinion it is just one of the best cars made in the last 20 years.

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  i love my focus! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By shannonkay - August 28 - 7:20 pm

  I got my Focus in March and I have only had a few small problems such as the windshield wiper bottle leaking and the serpentine belt squeaking. Other than that, I love the easy handling and the amazing gas mileage. Not to mention the aesthetics :)