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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  Ford Mustang GT Deluxe Convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Tom - February 1 - 8:16 pm

  This is a great car to cruise in, to commute in, and to have fun being "bad" in. The power and the sound of the throaty exhaust will always put a smile on your face. Therapists should have very little business from owners of this vehicle. It looks great, handles surprisingly well, and has power to spare. My only regret is that I did not buy this car a year ago!

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  Old School Looks...Modern Power - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Dave M - February 1 - 6:40 am

  Old school looks with modern technology make this one tough car. A nice car to look at, but even better to drive. Sure, you feel every bump in the pavement, but with 500hp and the whine of the supercharger, you quickly forget road imperfections. A true collector car.

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  216,000 Work horse - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Karrie - January 31 - 1:07 pm

  We bought this 3 years ago with only 174,000 miles on her and now 216,000 miles and still runs great. Only put radiator, water pump, tires and oil changes might need a rack and pinion soon but runs strong. Going to try and keep her running for another 216,000 miles...

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  very good - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Josef Labermeter - January 31 - 12:03 am

  Only drove 250 miles; so far I love it. Also my wife likes the truck. On the gas mileage it is to soon to tell.

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  Focus ZTX - 2000 Ford Focus
  By KP - January 30 - 10:00 pm

  A blast to drive.

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  Awesome quality - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ron - January 30 - 6:46 pm

  After washing and waxing this vehicle, I still have yet to find a defect. No dirt or flaws in the paint, fit and material quality are perfect. A super car inside and out, with feel and features not found in vehicles costing twice as much or more. A neighbor has an older model with over 150k totally trouble free miles, the reason I considered this car. In every area of feel, fit, finish and general satisfaction this car has improved. Sync is awesome!

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  Owned used for 1 & 1/2 years - fun - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By NITH - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned for 18 months. Its been great to drive. Great for short camping trips. Ive also driven it long distances with easy. It is a solid vehicle I dont ever have to worry about. Perfect vehicle for single or married w/o kids. CD Player is awesome. Backseat is hard for people to get into. DO NOT TOW WITH THIS VEHICLE! I towed a Mini Cooper on a full size trailer and burnt my brakes out. Quick and a great daily driver.

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  WAS GREAT UNTIL 50,000 MILES - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By LISAWALT - January 30 - 10:00 am

  THE ONLY PROBLEM BEFORE 50,000 WAS THE INTERIOR JUST PEELS AWAY BY THE RADIO AND CUP HOLDER. THEN CAME THE $800 BALL JOINTS AND $250 VACUUM HOSES AND THE $800 A/C COMPRESSOR NOT TO MENTION HAD TO HAVE TIRES AND BRAKES EARLY. 2WD SUCKS IN THE SNOW. HAD TO WEIGH THE BACK END WITH SALT BAGS WHICH WAS GREAT ON THE ALRIGHTY BAD GAS MILEAGE.

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  Good Design, Work On Assembly Quality - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By fireman11 - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Ford has a real winner but needs to work on final assembly quality. Weve been to the dealership at least a half dozen times for small stuff: uneven door seams on left side (door allignment), loose RF wheel well moulding, incorrectly installed LF parking light (gap), thin and marred paint in left door jambs, ripped trans shifter boot, defective and squeaking AC compressor clutch (fuel mileage went up over 1 mpg when they fixed that). To the local dealerships credit, they have provided excellent warranty service and parts came in quickly (Im in Hawaii). Otherwise we are greatly enjoying our Explorer. A solid vehicle with a good ride and lots of room.

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  best s.u.v. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By josie - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I believe this suv has plenty of power, interior is proper for a man my size, comfortable,and a joy to drive.