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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  I love my T-bird - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By cobra - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in late 2000, it had 84k on it then and now has 112k. The 4.6L is a great motor, good power and milage concidering its a V8. I like the handling, my has the traction control and it is my daily driver, even in the Winter. We do get snow in Wisconsin, I added 4 Dunlop snows and I can go where ever I want. Only thing it needs is cup holders. I wish Ford was still making them.

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  Festivas Rule - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By stiva_gal - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I have put more than 65,000 miles on this car -- it now has more than 90,000 -- and I have experienced minimal repairs. Most were routine maintenance. The no-frills design means there are far fewer things to break down. The car is very reliable in this region where temps range from 100 degrees in summer to -40 in the winter. Mileage ranges from 30 MPG in stop-and-got city traffic to slightly more than 50 MPG on the highway. Seats 4 adults comfortably with space for packages in the hatch.

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  Thinking green - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Chris - March 26 - 10:33 pm

  Everything I hoped it would be. First 1500 miles. Great gas mileage 39.1 mixed hwy and city but 42 hwy. Great electronic pkg. Have 501A pkg. Decided against leather based on reviews very happy with cloth. Very roomy. Trunk space fine for my use. Ford has done a great job getting back in the game. Will see how it performs and maint. over time. Plenty of power when needed. Rides very nice. Would recommend.

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  Sweet Sweet - 2001 Ford Focus
  By PerryEllis6813 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I got this car a month ago and it has been all fun. I have had no problems with it. I love the high rpms and keeping up with my friends and their V6s is no prob. Heck I beat most of them in a race. I would recommend this car for everyone. The ones that complain about this car probably drive it like crap, with their feet out the window and cell phones glued to their head. Respect a car, and it wont go wrong on you, but if you insist on flooring it after every light, and slamming on the brakes at the next light, then yeah, no crap you got problems. But as for me, this car has been nothing but fun, and I dont see any problems in the future with this car.

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  Last ford we will ever buy - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bigh - March 26 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 2004 Ford Explorer in June 2004. First day drivers side speaker went out (had short) Drove our new explorer to Florida put about 3K miles Rear end started making noise while driving between 50 - 60 mph. Noise wouild quit when letting off gas. Went to dealer where we purchased vehicle and left at service dept. Was called about 2 hours latter said complete rear end had to be replaced. After checking on internet I,m not the only one with this problem. From what I,ve read only effects Explorer Sport model. Looks like ford knew it had a problem 4 months ago but waited for somebody to buy there piece of junk before they would fix. Last Ford

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jacques Rossouw - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck. Powerfull and with fantastic styling.

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  Buy One - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ron - March 26 - 2:23 am

  I just got my new Freestyle SEL and I am delighted with everything about the vehicle with one exception. The styling turns heads and I have been asked many times about what kind of car it is, and how I liked it. The exterior design beats a lot of the high price competitors, namely the foreign competitors, and the interior is well laid out, comfortable and stylish. I like the rear A/C vents, the unlimited number of cup holders, and the added optional features such as the computer, the storage areas and the simplicity of design. I opted for the six passenger version with the center console. My only complaint is the noisy transmission, which whines in at low speeds. Buy one.

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  Love my Stang! - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By jini - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Handles well, looks sharp. Its a fun car to drive and gets lots of looks. So far, maintenance has been minimal, except for preventive type, like oil changes, check tire pressure, etc.

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  Transmission stinks! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By darrin - March 26 - 2:00 am

  why did I have to replace the transmission 2 times in 58,000 miles? This is not acceptable, but common in the Taurus. What about a recall?

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  Fords New SUX - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By storm - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the last Ranger I will ever buy mine has been in the shop more times than I care to remember, there has been numerous problems with the transmission and drive line but Ford refuses to fix the problem even going so far as to say it is not a problem that it is supposed to act that way, I have changed u-joints in it every 6 months, and the value of the truck is dropping so fast there is no way to get back what you have invested in the thing