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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  So Far, So Good - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By cllgmom - October 21 - 11:10 am

  With our last child in college, we were looking for something besides a minivan with decent cargo space. I stumbled onto a review for the Taurus X in Consumer Reports 2009 car issue and was impressed with what I read. Other CUVs and SUVs were either too small and/or too expensive. It had all the features I was looking for - comfortable, reclining rear seats and safety. The reported mpg was about the same as our old minivan. I cant speak to mpg yet as Ive only had it a week and Im sure it will take a little time to break in. It drives like a dream and feels like a tank!

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  Its a great car! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By gibson63 - October 21 - 9:06 am

  I have a 2007 SEL that I love! It is so comfortable for myself who is 62", I really like the stadium style seating, to sit higher is so much more like sitting in a chair. The back leg room is amazing and so is the trunk space, then to have the back seats drop down even more space. It is very deceiving from the outside, it does not look that roomy until you get inside. I like the style of the car, I do not get the "boring" label given to it. The issue of power, I have not felt it be a problem, I drive in the Bay area and if I can make it there anyone else should be able to. I did have the brakes replaced by Ford during an oil change they suggested it and was covered by them at 24K.

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  Fun To Drive - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Dagi - October 21 - 7:40 am

  I just got my V6 Convertible in June and must admit that I havent been able to keep my hands off the steering wheel since! The ride is very stable. There is almost no "pull" through tight turns. The rear wheel drive makes the ride smooth on bumpy New England roads and I dont have to worry about spilling my coffee. The instrument panel design is great. No clutter and easy to read. Driving this car is exhilarating and fun. I have to get used to "thumbs up" signals, "nice car", "wow", and the likes comments and lots of stares from fellow drivers :). Negative side is that everyone wants to race you (and I am too old for that type of stuff...).

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  Already been in the shop - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tracy H - October 20 - 10:22 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 2015. Its a 2016 model. The other day while driving down the road, the car lost power. It freaked me out because the car is brand new. Come to find out, the throttle body went out. I bought a new car so I wouldnt have to spend my days at the dealer getting it worked on. Well that came back to bite me in the butt. Then, a day later, I noticed my AC isnt cooling properly. Is anyone else having issues??

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  Buyers remorse - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Michelle - October 20 - 5:43 pm

  The ride is not comfortable. Seats are not big enough. No USB ports in the back. Went it to dealership to buy a flex and decided on this. Should have done our research. Rented a traverse this summer and many times better ride and features. Nothing good to say about car design and ride.

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  If it wasnt for the horrible windshield.. - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Crouch - October 20 - 10:36 am

  I just finished mediation with BBB about a ghosting issue and Ford basically said it isnt their problem since the windshield isnt under warranty. And a defect isnt their problem. Check out my post in FocusFanatics. Under the MK3 thread. You will also read up on many issues that enthusiasts like myself have been shoveled. The only thing Ford does is has a tech go on and say that theyll escalate the issue. Which is a joke. Ford has just lost me as a new car customer. My wife had better luck with her 2014 Fiat 500L built in Bosnia. If it wasnt fr the windshield issue and the horrible exerience with Ford, Id love this car. Oh and beware. Ford will close your case in customer service without notifying you. I had to call to find this out. Im looking into filing a lawsuit and hoping to find more with the same issue.

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  2006 Explorer Limited - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Rob - October 20 - 4:00 am

  I love this car so much I dont even mind driving to work. Ford has hit a home run. Rugged good looks, very nice and functional interior, quiet as a luxury car, solid road feel, increased power from V8. I also like the fact truck is about six inches taller than previous model, allowing for better visibility. Still, nothing is perfect. Inside door handles have to relocated. What were they thinking? Have only owned the car 2 weeks, but only getting 14mph. Overall I would say the 2006 model is one of the best SUVs around and a very good value.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By corey - October 19 - 2:33 pm

  I have always loved the Mustang and after buying this car I am even more in love with it. From its leather interior to its premium sound to its powerful engine, this car leaves little to be desired from any car enthusiast.

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  DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Logan McInnis - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had NOTHING but problems out of my 04 Cobra. It is the worst car that Ive ever owned. The transmission was replaced before 400 miles. It has more squeaks and rattles than a babys play pen. The motor has a tapp that Ford says is normal. It isnt! I havent been able to get better than 19 mpg out of it yet regardless of driving style. Ford claims it should get 24. The dealerhip is unwilling and unable to fix the problems. I would get the car "lemon lawed" except most of the problems arent considered "major" and wouldnt apply. I have regretted buying this car since I first turned the key which sticks! Im get rid of it as I can! Youve been warned!

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  review - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By chipaplo - October 19 - 10:00 am

  i like it a lot.