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 this truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By huntingfisherman - December 16 - 2:35 pm

  I traded in my old V-6 2WD F-150 for the large towing capacity and because 2WD on the ice around here is horrible. My first impression was same truck bigger engine, but as time passed I noticed a lot of little things Ford did to make this truck better than previous models. The mirrors are bigger it has a softer ride it rides higher than previous 4x4 models and it drives like a compact car. I can swing the truck in and park where i couldnt have before. Backing up is easier with the larger mirrors and the added horsepower without the huge loss in fuel economy are huge assets.

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  Crazy Transmission - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Keim Time - December 16 - 11:00 am

  I had this 1995 Ford Probe GT for a month or 2 and so far so good. The manual transmission can be a little jerky and not get into gear sometimes when you start off ecspecialy when its really cold. It could be intake or compression but overall it handles awesome for 116,000 miles. I can get 63 mph in 2nd at about 7,500 rpm so after that its not so fast.

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  Great in the sun, bad in the snow - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Bruce - December 15 - 4:07 pm

  I was told that the newer Mustangs handeled much better in the snow and ice than the older models. Mine does not. The car handles great it most conditions, but I have problems with a light rain or snow/ice. Granted I live in Chicago and probably shouldnt have bought it as my main car, but didnt think it would be as bad as it is. Spun out twice and had no control of the car after we had some snow in the area. Currently looking for a new car, but this car doesnt hold value. Ive had it for a little over a year and its already lost $11,000. I love my car, and Ill miss it if I sell it, but the winters are just too bad out here.

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  98 awd, xlt - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kmday - December 15 - 10:00 am

  the car was great for the first year or so. the front end ball joints went at about 30,000K. wheels went out of alighment quite often. ive been thru 3 sets of tires. the radiator coil blew at 45,000. the truck has had 2 different tune- ups, and one guy replaced 2 or the four hot/cold sensors. its. ok in heat, in cold its"chitty chitty bang bang" shakes,and rattles and causes the check enging light to go on and when read via the computer, it stated enging misfire, but cannot designate where. and somewhere in the middle of all this mishap, the l.e.d. readout on the radio, cd, and tape have vanished, as well as the clock.

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  Lots of fun all year long! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By BlurryBlue - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive all year long, except when it snows! (I definitely need to buy snow tires this winter) Seat heaters are nice even in the summer because they relieve the tensions of a daily commute. The car sounds awesome for just being a 4- banger.

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Stinky - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Hard to get in and out. I am tall. Running boards do not help and acutally get in the way. Would buy again

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  Daves F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By davidd - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This ia a great vehicle. Ride is super. Towing capaity is just unbelievable. Power is just right. Beauty and function in one package.

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  Back to Basics Hot Rod - 2003 Ford F-150
  By BlackLightningS8 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  A fun and exctng vehcl, prfrmnc on par with a BB muscle car. The interior is very unsophstcted, boring and neither fnctnal nor sprty. The tires work very well but last about 10K mi due to the wght and ease of unintntnal tires spin. It is geard so low that at 80 mph it runs at 2500 rpm, it seriously needs a 6 spd man tranny. It tows my boat very well. It runs the advertised 140mph and feels like its on rails. The hndlng is superb, thumbs up to SVT for a very neutral well-blncd hndlng pckg. The SC is awsome, a chip will improve shifts and adds some power. It is a narrowly focused package that lacks versitility, but the prfmnc is excllnt.

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  What a difference 10 years makes! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By J Tant - December 15 - 9:37 am

  I used to own a 1997 Expy EB which I drove until it died. After driving a 4 door sedan my family started growing which meant I needed a larger vehicle. I found a nice 06 Expy Ltd which I recently purchased. Its a good SUV! I appreciate the independent rear suspension which allows the third row seat to fold flat, something my 97 was missing. The overall driving experience is much enhanced as well. Theres plenty of room inside for everything and everyone I haul around, towing capacity is perfect for what I need, and the Expy actually does pretty well with off-road beach driving. Overall, this is much improved over the 97 Expy I used to have. Im very impressed.

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  Chevy man converted - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By truckinkjm - December 15 - 8:41 am

  This is my first Ford and I must say this is the most trouble free new car Ive ever had. But first let me point out a few things that bother me a little. First I find the headroom is too low. Im 5 10" and my head is about a inch and 1/2 from the roof. No standard auto headlights, no standard outside temp, no standard traction control. The headlight switch down too low on the dash and so are fan and temp. switches. But that aside this is a great car very reliable and fun to drive. I highly recommend this car.