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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  dont buy a gt model!! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Fix Or Repair Daily - June 7 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car after hearing great things about escorts, but in the three months that ive owned it, ive put $500 into repairs. now, the engine totally burned out and the stupid thing wont go anywhere with only 110,000 miles on it and a rebuilt engine 80,000 miles ago. the car was a total mistake on fords part. go look for an LX model if you want an escort.

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  2002 EXCURSION LIMITED - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By nbrooks1 - June 7 - 2:00 am

  I pull a 25 foot Airstream with my Ex. Acceleration and braking are excellent while towing. I like the idea of sitting up high and over-looking the traffic ahead. The overall ride is very good and the extra room inside my rig is great. This SUV is not for everyone, but it is perfect for my family.

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  Car you love, but hate! - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By 93TaurusGL - June 7 - 2:00 am

  When my parents purchased my 93 Taurus GL sedan, I hated it. It was a uncool, 4 door sedan that I soon learned had much more potential than I had initially thought. The 3.8L engine had great performance, but the transmission couldnt keep up. I had my GL for about 3 years and bought it with 113,000 miles. The last day driven it had 142,000. Other than the transmission starting to go bad, the car ran and handled great. The car tryed to run hot several times, and did not run well on hot days. It may not be really reliable, but this car saved my life when I was hit by a farm truck and was sent literally flying through a line of trees.

• 

  should i buy a 2016 fuison - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By jhon - June 6 - 2:36 am

  i bought this car brand new as im picking up speed i feel the geers changing i take very good care of it and i allways just fee like giving up the sterio system stped short after 22 month and i had 45k highway miles on it so they told me no warranty so i guess the more the wheel spins the more he radio wares out so im stuck with a bill of $375 a month for another3 years with nobody to talk to and nothig to listen to while i drive and no bluetooth

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  I like my truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By fziksman - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Fun truck to drive. Good support in seats. 24 mpg on highway and in town. I feel safe at 80 mph. I keep the tires inflated -)

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  Not a bad Daily Driver - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By swpke - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had mine for six months and I must say it is a fun vehicle to drive. I will however mention that these vehicles are very high maintenance. Look close before you buy.

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  Very Dependable - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By valmomof2 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a very dependable van. I have had this van for 8 years, 173,000 miles, and never broke down. Most dependable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Car is not the best. - 2000 Ford Escort
  By metoo - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is very uncomfortable. The seat belts are difficult to get to. Its hard to get in and out of. The seats are atrociously bad for driving more then half an hour. Im numb after being in the car for more then an hour. It loses a lot of power with the AC on. The car is a very rough ride and is pretty noisy. I personally dont like this car. If you dont have to do a lot of driving it would not be a bad car. I unfotunately drive too much.

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  Great vehicle - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By DSNIDER - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive got to say that i have been very impressed in this vehicle. Ive never been big on fords but i will say that i wouldnt mind buying another one of their products. The only complaints ive had about the truck was when the transmission(5 speed) went out around 127,000 miles. I had it replaced for under $1000. Overall it gets good gas milage for a truck, its comfortable for what its made for, and it never left me stranded. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Ford Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Doris Courtney - June 6 - 12:50 am

  This is a cute, economical car with all the amenities of a very expensive vehicle. Highly recommend it. Has a 6 CD player, climate control, anti-theft device, back seats fold down for extra room, dual airbags, heated side mirrors, loads of storage space, several cupholders, an outlet to charge a cellphone, floor mats, and keyless door entry. It has a separate button to blow the horn so you can find your car in a parking lot, cruise control, Pirelli tires. The price is reasonable with tax and tags, $15,000.