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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  good all around truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By winston - May 19 - 8:03 am

  Compared 5.4L V8 XLT 4x4 with Silverado Z71 package. So far I am really pleased with the Ford. Even with large side mirrors, there is little wind noise for this class. Steering is responsive and not numb. Relatively little body lean in turns for a large truck. Even though I go fishing and haul stuff, we also use the truck for everyday stuff like going to the store. Anchors for toddler seat are easily reached and not buried deep in backseat. Took advantage of Ford Family plan and got truck for $5K under invoice (after rebate) and much cheaper than Expedition 4x4.

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  Great Pick-up - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Matty - May 18 - 10:43 am

  Just recently purchased this vehicle. Quite simply, the 302 with 3.55s and 32 inch tires is gutless. Dont expect to tow much. That being said, I have nearly 200,000 miles on this truck and she runs perfect. Shes even been in a wreck and still is rock solid. All mechanical aspects perform flawlessly (altho Im a Chevrolet guy, so the Mazda manual transmission is a bit tricky for what Im used to). Beautiful, high-quality vehicle. Besides for the lack of power, the only other problem is if youre anything less than 6 feet tall (Im barely 6 foot) youll have a heck of a time reaching the pedals yet still being comfortable (my Girlfriend cant drive her). Overall, for me, a 9+ rating!

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  Advantages and disadvantages and fun - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By randy - May 17 - 10:36 am

  This car is fun. Beautiful exhaust note. Somewhat clunky manual shifter. Tiny back seat- even the 11 year old complains after a while. Cool appearance, real nostalgia. I love the round gauges. The interior is sub-par, but nothing rattles so far. And, it is fun. Did I say that already?

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  Giant step forward for Expedition! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jorlyn2 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought as model year arrived. I owned a 97 model before. Had several problems early on that took a few months to correct. The main one was the auto power mirror problem. Took six months to get module (still not operating properly). Other than that, Ive enjoyed the vehicle.

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  ITS FUN TO DRIVE - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By JACK MALLOY - May 17 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR, WHILE NOT TERRIBLY EXPENSIVE GIVES THE DRIVER AND EDGE IN PARACTICALLY ALL SITUATIONS, VS. HIGH PRICES COMPETITIVE CONVERTS , SURE GETSA A KICK OUT OF LEAVING THIS FAT HOGS IN TAHE DUST, COMPARITRATIVELY SPEAKING. OF COURSE , ONE DOESNT TACKLE A PORCHE, OR THE LIKE, ANWAY, IT;S A INEXPENSIVE , NICE CAR. CANT FIGURE OUT WHY THE CARAMERO BIT THE DUST.

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  Some good some bad - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Cobra_03 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Love the car for the speed, but they could put a little more quality into it for the money

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  Base model is a great value - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Jim - May 16 - 10:54 pm

  Truck seems very sturdy and strong. Drives easily and smoothly. Quiet except for slight wind noise around small rear doors and only when very windy outside. This truck w/o all the costly bells and whistles is exactly what we wanted -- i.e. it cost less than many high mileage used trucks we looked at, is very comfortable, has the long bed with high sides, and has some storage space behind seat. Also, seats can be reclined slightly.

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  Best ever - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By MGS 79 - May 16 - 7:35 pm

  This Explorer rocks! The most stable and quite vehicle that I have ever owned. I have the 4.6L V8 which has been at 19 mpg city/hwy combined. The only thing that I dont like is the 6 spd tranny. It makes the V8 lag. Should of put the 5 spd that comes with V6. Good quality interior parts. Smooth looking exterior for a truck. Explorer has 13K miles with no problems so far.

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  Only about average, but still a good buy - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By CED - May 16 - 5:46 pm

  Bought this van used and have had it about a year. No mechanical problems yet, always starts and drives fine. 3.8L V6 has plenty of power, but no sports car. Fuel mileage averages 20 mpg. Easy to drive for its size, controls are easily reached and logically laid out. Seats are average or better for comfort and the rear seats are roomy enough. Its hard to get into the rear seat, no lever that lets seats slide/tilt forward easily. Biggest complaint is noise. The engine is always loud. Ride is smooth enough but terribly loud. Wind noise also a problem. Owned a Sienna before that was much more refine as is typical for Toyota. Overall a good buy if used but otherwise performance is only average

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  I Love my Explorer - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By spotsrc2 - May 16 - 9:23 am

  I bought my Explorer from a friend to have a vehicle to use for hauling, camping, etc. I now drive it all the time, I am almost at the 250k and this thing is still going strong, I did have a radiator leak, and had to replace the condenser, but I will drive this thing forever. I am a woman that likes new stuff, but I will cry when I have to give this one up.