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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  Better skip the automatic! - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By I_Work_For_Ford! - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a nice 5.0 Mustang... except the automatic transmission failed at 50,000 miles. Dealership told me it was out of warranty, so I was out of luck. $1500.00 later, I had a rebuilt transmission. Except for that and a problem with stalling (TFI ignition module) and problems with the fuel pump kicking out (impact switch in trunk) and problems with leaking headlight housings (common for Ford products) and a few other problems, the car was great to drive.

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  A Mustang is the best Pony Car - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By W.C. - July 19 - 2:00 am

  . I got the v6 due to the cheaper insurance and was dissapointed with the stock exhaust system and overall performance and for around $15000 matched the hp of a gt. I got flowmaster dual exhaust,k&n air filter,Superchips computer chip, MAC underdrive pulleys,cold air induction,and a BBK throttle body and had around 216 hp and cheap insurance. The stock wheels look better than most other base model cars but should be replaced with some 17" wheels(i reccomend Cobra R wheels).. The vast amount of body kits,wheels,superchargers,and other performance enhancers also make the Mustang a good choice.

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  Yes, I work for Ford... - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By I_Work_For_Ford! - July 19 - 2:00 am

  And Im here to tell you: if you are thinking of buying one, dont! I have 50,000 miles on my car. I work for Ford, so I got the employee discount. I spent it ($1500) today. Heres what has gone wrong so far: * Front speakers bad - 4 times! * Door panels pop open when doors are shut, due to repeated dealer repairs. * Front door window channels pop out due to broken clips. * A/C compressor failed at 50,000 miles. $1500.00 for repair. Too much to list in 700 characters...

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  I love this Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SnowRider - July 19 - 12:36 am

  This car exceeded all my expectations. After I sat in the car, I knew this is the one I am looking for. Handled excellently in snow and slippery roads. Drives like a car, but holds lots of cargo. The seating is perfect. Even with the lowest trim level, the seats are very comfortable. Very smooth ride. Good gas mileage for a vehicle of this size.

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  Happy Hybrid Owner - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By JT - July 18 - 6:00 pm

  Got the metallic green with tan interior which has received lots of compliments. Just went over 1K miles and had one issue with an engine light that came on to which there was no trouble found and it hasnt returned over the last 500 miles. Took a ride with an SEL V6 first and it had nice zip. Took out the hybrid right afterward though and it rode so much smoother. I had a V6 Honda 6 speed coupe prior to this car and dont miss it at all. Sync is flawless and the whole NAV display is way sharper. Am getting between 35-36 mpg with a fairly hilly terrain and maybe 60/40 highway/city driving. Would recommend this car to anyone. Its a real winner.

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  Great little car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By fundrive - July 18 - 11:16 am

  I owned a 2001 Ford Focus ZTS and drove my brothers 2001 Honda Civic Lx while I was home for several weeks. When I went to buy a new car, I was set on the Civic until I drove the new Focus. It just feels better to me. The performance is much better than my old Focus, the transmission is smoother and quieter, and overall the workmanship seems higher quality. I wouldnt consider it the best of its class, but it is as good or better than the Civic, Corolla and Cavalier, all of which I test drove. Would I change things? Yes, but for the amount I paid, it is a great car. I put 120,000 on my old Focus in 4 years without any problems. I expect no less from this fun little car.

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  exceeded my expectations - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By hugo w - July 18 - 2:00 am

  A forerunner in the fledgling SUV arena at the time and compared with present day technology and comfort, the 91Explorer is primitive in comparison to the multitude now available. I did not expect my Ford to last as long as it has. I have just rolled over 220,000 on the same engine and only had to replace the transmission - and that was because I never changed the transmission oil. My success in reaching over 200,000 miles in a Ford is due, I believe, to religiously changing the oil every 3,000 miles. I was so impressed with my Ford I have just purchased a 2001 Expedition. My Explorer was a great buy!

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  Fords are winners - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By cartersmommie - July 18 - 2:00 am

  My explorer has 135000 miles on it and never gives me any trouble. Just routine maintenance. I had a Tempo that hit over 100000 and never gave me any trouble either. I am the typical soccer mom and this totes tons of kids and equipment. Ol Bessie has been a well loved member of our family. Has made 2 trips across the USA and back! We will keep this car till it dies!

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  Run, dont walk, away from this - 1995 Ford Contour
  By fogjr - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Im with several others - this car is a pleasure to drive but has drained my wallet for the past 2 years - transmission, motor mounts, A/C, lower control arm bushings (or whatever), power steering pump, cooling fan, and a 500 alternator - I will never own another Ford and curse the day I bought this junk

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  Great Car! No problems, hassle free. - 1997 Ford Escort
  By McGill - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Serviced regularly, first issue was breaks started sqeaking (60k miles). Breaks were checked regularly & the mechanics were surprised that they were the original, 1st replace needed at 60K. Only problem was after I going over a "v" shaped driveway (v at the point road & driveway met), Heavier person in passenger seat & it hit caused a small leak in the radiator seam. Gets 30-35 in town, when not running the A/C and 40 on road trips. Bought a new car & now found a good deal on a Aero so hubby trying to talk me into selling it. Well see, Ive grown attached to it & the dependability.