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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  The Card Tower of Cars? - 1995 Ford Probe
  By josh82257 - April 9 - 2:00 am

  From the moment you drive off the lot, the car decreases in value. True. This thing was worth about as much as a sixteenth of a gallon of gas once I drove onto the highway and the transmission started clunking. Since, parts have been falling out and breaking, and the car smells like dead fish in late August. It looks like an 80s box-mobile too. Please, no matter how little cash you have, do not get a Probe

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  super - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By shawne - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best suv on the road I see Ford put some time behind this one. Its well worth the little extra gas you go through.

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  Do your homework before purchasing - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By stodhill - April 9 - 1:48 am

  I purchased the C-Max Energi with the thought of driving the vehicle only a few miles per day, plugging it in at night, and almost never having to visit a gas station. The big problem with that is the lithium ion battery is charged, but the 12 volt battery which initially cranks the engine isnt being charged at the same time. So what happens? You go out to start the car, and the 12 volt battery is dead because the 12 volt is gradually being drained. The local dealer said thats the case because the Energi has no alternator. So if you dont drive extended miles every few days or so, the 12 volt battery will gradually be drained. This happened twice to me.

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  Some pony! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By BLAZIN" - April 8 - 2:06 am

  Driving home after looking for a new car, with nothing particularly catching my eye, I saw IT and as they say "the rest is history." Before, a car was just a car. Driving was a task not a pleasure. Those ways of thinking are long gone. One word of advice ... BE CAREFUL ... the power of this v-6 is amazing. This car will fly with no effort or strain. If speeding is a problem for you, I hope you have cruise. Boy, I would be in big trouble with a V- 8. :-)

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  Fun and cute......but in the shop lots - 1995 Ford Probe
  By 2001VetteOwner - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun and sporty. Very cute design, cute features, but fell apart mechnaicall. Already has had on transmission replaced and broken 3 sets of accessory belts in less than 65,000 miles. It is currently being traded in for a GMC Sonoma Crew Cab. Worst problem list of any vehicle owned before. Air Bag is onoperative, and headlight motor does now work on one side. Also, less than 5,000 miles ago, wire fire occured from short circuit under dash.

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  Rebeccas Review - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Rebecca Hughson - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car in the summer and the sunroof was a great thing. The car rides really well and is very good on gas. It is a standard car which made it better on gas. It is also aircared.

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  Serves me well - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By tjohnson - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as a fleet vehicle for an emergency response fire/ambulance agency. The four wheel drive has been very dependable, effective and trouble free. This vehicle is used in high altitude mountainous terrain with yearly snow accumulations of over 150 inches.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Moaner - April 8 - 2:00 am

  With 2 boy kids we took the van plunge. A year later the SE is very satisfying. Sleeps outside and looks as good today as at delivery. Wheels are easy to clean. Oil changes are a breeze (though 5w-20 oil can be tricky to find) The van is spacious though kids will find a way to beat each other its more effort now. The van is almost too comfortable. At 61" #245 at least once Ive wandered on a dark and quiet road. The back seat is great for waiting out kiddie parties. Downers: Unresolved whirring noise at lights (guess: power steering.) Dealer couldnt or wouldnt fix it. Needs more pickup power (but then all minivans get cut off) The lady differs but to me traction control is hype.

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  Std Coupe - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By DavLar - April 7 - 7:10 pm

  Excellent reliability. Attention to detail lacking.

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  The Best truck out there to day 2013 - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By wvguy - April 7 - 6:11 am

  10-4-13 I love my truck the 2004 ford sport trac 4x4 it rides very good belt very good great on gas & snow rain hope you will injoy your to scott wv