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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  disapointed in anderson - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gerald morris - July 4 - 1:33 pm

  the only problems i have with this vehicle is (very noisey engine) and (poor fuel mileage) "six cyl". For this reason i wont keep it for long.I should have got a V8. Also, the toneau cover leakes.

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  Good Car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By desoto44 - July 4 - 11:00 am

  I purchased in early 2000 with 19,000 miles on it. Now has 202,000 and uses no oil between changes. Other than regular servicing, no major repairs. Great mileage at 25 MPG city/highway. The heater only runs lukewarm since about 150,000 miles and the AC just quit at about 195,000. Both are major repair items which I am not fixing at this stage of the cars life. Overall has been an excellent car and would buy another low mileage 99 if I could find one.

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  Disappointed With MPG - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By desoto44 - July 4 - 10:41 am

  I purchased this SEL model in October 2005 with 22,000 miles on it. I am very happy with the quality and styling of this car, but am extremely disappointed with the MPG and ride. I have an identical 99 Taurus that gets 25 MPG city/highway. The 05 struggles to get 20 MPG. The dealer told me the lower mileage was due to the fact this is a "Flex-Fuel" model, burns hotter, and nothing could be done to improve it. So buyer beware of Flex-Fuel models. Also the handling is great but you feel every bump. If I purchase another Taurus it will definitely not be a flex-fuel version.

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  I do not trust this vehicle - 1997 Ford F-150
  By ice cream man - July 3 - 1:25 pm

  I like the drive but I cannot keep it on the road because Ive had numerous problems. I have replaced the engine twice in less than a year and the transmision during this time and now I am experiencing a vacuum leak. I will never invest in anything that has the name Ford on it, even if it is a toy.

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  Fun combined with economy - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JP - July 3 - 1:22 am

  We purchased this Escape wanting enough room for 4 adults, cargo room and good gas mileage. Bingo! Our Escape seems to be stuck at 27 + miles to a gallon! even with more than half city driving. We packed it full to travel to an out of state wedding , left one side of the rear seat up for our grandson and had room to spare. Its great fun to drive, responsive and handles well. In fairness there is a whistling noise ( maybe roof racks) when traveling on the freeway, and the running boards are not only useless but an actual pain since you cant use them to get in- you have to crawl over them muddying your jeans as you straddle them.

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  Best 4 seat convertible for the money - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By John - July 2 - 11:50 pm

  Ive only had Japanese or German cars, but the Mustang has always stirred my interest a little, despite my general disdain for American design.That is, until this new body style came along. I must admit that I warmed up to it quickly and before long, I just had to have it. I wanted a convertible (actually did not mind a V6) and realized that since Im a family man now, there are not a lot of choices out there:(Solara, anyone? Or worse, Eos) The Mustang fit the bill: Classic style, history, raw power and seats 4 to boot. Got the V8, who needs the radio when you have the rumble from the exhaust for entertainment? Crazy torque, handles well for its size and looks gorgeous with the top down

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  Never stops - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By -stanky - July 2 - 11:10 pm

  So good. I love the power it has off the start, after popping into second youre gone. Its definitely the most comfortable ride, super smooth like butter.

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  Make My Next Car A Honda - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Chris Hosmer - July 2 - 12:33 pm

  I purchased this car two years ago and for the first 15,000 miles it was a great car. It now has 44,000 miles on it and it has been a nightmare! Besides the numerous recalls on this car, the following parts have been replaced: alternator,fuel pump,battery,I.P.S. sensor-twice!,drivers seat bracket-twice!,headlight lenses-three times!,rear wheel bearings- three times!,trans. computer reprogrammed-slamming into gears,fuel inj. computer reprogrammed-no starts!,front end linkage+tie rods!-And I dont beat on my car at all!

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  My Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jdevonshire - July 2 - 1:20 am

  The truck has more bells and whistles than I was looking for but the price was good. I enjoy the feel and comfort of the ride but now would perfer to have four doors instead of the door and a half setup.

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  Good so far - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By rat - July 1 - 6:43 pm

  The car is fun to drive. Very different from the other cars in its class. Its very crude and unrefined. But you get a totally different kind of experience driving this. The exhaust sounds great. It is a little hard to shift with the manual transmission and it grinds when I try to put it in reverse gear after starting it. Other than that, it has been pretty reliable.