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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  Expedition EL Review - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By JenTaylor - January 28 - 2:19 pm

  Had a 2007 expedition EL that was totaled in an accident. Looked around and the 2009 was still the best for us. The fold down seats are so wonderful when I have that "emergency" with more kids to haul around. I currently have 2 car seats in the car and was able to have 5 adults and 3 children with Car Seats and 2 full size strollers in the cargo area. Then dropped the one family off, folded down the seats and went grocery shopping. Also this hugh car turns on a dime, U- turns in tight corners are no problem. The transmission seems to give more power to this vehicle over the 2007.

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  1997 Explorer XLT - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By tm - January 28 - 11:11 am

  I bought my Explorer used in 1998 with 21,000 miles already on it. I took very good care of it and kept up with all the main fluid changes myself. I drove it every where. I now have 210,000 miles on it, with the original transmission, can you imagine, a Ford... and it is still driveable! During my time with the truck since 1997, I have replaced basic wear and tare items and some basic mechanical itmes (3 oc sensors, some part in the front suspension area, sv joint, the driverside door handle, the a/c leaks. However, the transmission is finally starting to slip, the check engine light is on, the 4x4 trasnfer case, the 4x4 lights are flashing, speed sensor is gone bad. Will buy a newer Explorer

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  A geologist review of a full size Bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By sjack - January 27 - 10:07 pm

  Being a person who absolutley makes a living working out of his truck and driving off road daily I have found that the full size Bronco Is the perfect truck for some on in my buisness. Repairs have been minimal, the ride on the road is as good as anything on the road that is off road capable. And when it breaks the parts are avalable at any auto parts store. When you compair a bronco against a comperable Jeep. Jeeps have no room inside requiring everthing to be hung off the outside with worse mileage and without the durability. Infact to set Jeeps up for tough off-roading they put Bronco parts on them to make them work.

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  Good ride for the $$$ - 2003 Ford Focus
  By VS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2.3L 5SPD ZX5 for about 3 months now. Overall its a VERY well equiped car for the money with Fords rebates ($3K.) One of the very few 5 doors hatchbacks on the market it offers a lot of cargo space with the back seats (which fold virtually flat) down. One major gripe is the drivers seat. Dont know who designed it but the shape is HORRIBLE. Im average hight and build and cannot make it comfortable... tried all possible adjustments.

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  For the price, you gotta look at it. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Sisao Tresed - January 25 - 7:54 pm

  My daughter took my Honda Civic to college. She said she had fallen in love with it during the summer and it was no use to try to pry it from her hands. I had rented a few Focuses and always enjoyed their pure simple performance. went over to Ford to look at one. Finances were tight. I ended up buying an SES 2 Dr. with all the bells and whistles. The price put the imports to shame. No, its not a Beemer or an Audi. But I bought in on my credit card! It was half the price of the cars we had looked at. It goes very well, it can corner, and it can get up and go with that smooth 5-speed. It shines up real well, and even the Pirellis hold their own on tough surfaces. Im happy!

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  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Quaid007 - January 25 - 6:58 pm

  I bought the Ford Edge based on looks, the Sync system, and Fords recently emerging reputation for quality. So far I am very satisfied with the entire car as a whole. The drive is smooth and quiet with good acceleration when needed. The body styling is attractive in a timeless way. It looks masculine and beefy, unlike the CRV or the Vue, and it doesnt have any over-exaggerated curves that might make it dated in a few years, like the Murano. The interior is roomy, comfortable, and stylish (despite what some professional reviews say). The best part is the Sync system and touch- screen display--it makes the car fun to drive. Ford included all the right options for the price.

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  Wait for the price to drop - not worth it - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Wait for price drop - January 25 - 5:46 pm

  I traded in my Z06 for this car and paid way over sticker. Thought at the time I had to have it. Shame on Ford for letting dealers charge way more than msrp for the car. Thats what is wrong with Ford and why no one wants to get ripped off by them. Save some money and get a Vette or wait for the price to drop.

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  Built to last - 1990 Ford F-150
  By John - January 25 - 12:53 pm

  My dad bought this car back in 1995 from my grandfathers work. He paid I think 3000 for it with 175,000 miles. Its now 2009 has 300,800 miles and it still runs strong. The 4x4 still works great the paint has no clear coat fading or splitting. Nothing has been changed besides starter battery and maintenance otherwise its all original. Its not the prettiest but definitely not the ugliest. Its well worth your money to buy one and it will last forever.

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  Got Fuel Pump - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ford_Fan - January 24 - 3:43 pm

  I really like this car and have driven many Ford vehicles in the past. This car replaces a 98 Contour SE Sport. I wanted a Freestyle, she wanted a Fusion. We bought the Fusion in Merlot with side airbags and 6 disc CD player. Great car. Six speed hunts at times. At 3000 miles for the complimentary oil change. My FUEL PUMP died. In the dealership Friday morning; got car back Tuesday evening, back to dealer on Wednesday afternoon (left my wife stranded) for same problem, plus other sensors ruined from fuel starvation. Got car back Friday morning. Car is running great now. Hope I did not get the lemon of the lot. That would stink.

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  Still satisfied even with problems - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Craig Taylor - January 24 - 11:48 am

  Used for on and off road and towing utility trailer and 26camper. Have had rear end clutch packs replaced, the front end 4x4 actuator replaced twice,the right side lower ball joint twice and now at 67000km/40000mi the transmission blew leaving me 600 miles from the nearest Ford dealer at a remote Outfitters lodge. I have nothing but praise for my dealer who has listened to my problems and fixed them and I am thankful I bought 84months/75000mi of extended warranty when I bought the truck. Fuel economy is just a little better than my 1996 F-150 with a 302 V8