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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  Living on the Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By john lindgren - May 12 - 12:13 pm

  I am a truck guy who has no ATV or any other reason for a box anymore. I do still have a 18 bass boat, that I would not be able to get to the lake with out something with enough power. The Edge has plenty of that! The quality of this car is tight. It makes my wifes 06 Toyota Sienna seem like an old rattle trap. Gas mileage is the reason for the purchase, and Im pleased. Sticker said 17 city and 22 on the hwy. I avg a liitle over 20, and have already got as much as 24.4 at about 73 mph on the interstate. Like everyone says? it may get better. I only have 1500 miles on it so far.

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  Pony at 3 1/2 years - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Robert - May 12 - 9:29 am

  As soon as the new Mustangs hit the market in 2004, I knew I had to have one. I found a GT with the premium equipment package just the way I wanted it and at a good price (I was lucky) and took it home in December 2004. The car is now three and a half years old with about 15,000 miles on the odometer. I really enjoy driving the Mustang, and love the looks. Being an early build unit (built on October 4, 2004) it did have many of the bugs and issues the first batch suffered from, including issues with the radio, fuel tank, battery, alternator, and front end suspension. All repairs were covered by the warranty.

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  2008 Mustang GT - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Yannis C. - May 12 - 7:18 am

  My 2008 Mustang GT is like none other. It is cleary the most affordable sports car out on the market. Sure the Charger has 425HP but theyre asking 35+ for it when the Mustang for about 27 can keep up with the Charger if not beat it on the quarter mile. There is nothing better then the sound of a V8 with 320 lbs of torque. The manual transmission is probably what makes this car so exciting to drive. I have currently installed a Flowmaster Exhaust System, K&N Aircharger system, White racing stripes, and a CDC Chin spoiler. It looks mean and its so easily customized.

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  I love living on the edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By cHocOhOLicC - May 11 - 10:01 pm

  My husband and I bought the Edge after my 98 Ford Explorer. We needed a larger car, for we have long trips planned for this summer, but we had to consider the kids. They needed room! We got all options but instead of the vista roof, we ended up getting the entertainment system (dvd player). We love the roominess and space. The look seems sleek and nicer than other vehicles, a plus. We compared it to the Escape, and chose the Edge. The Escape rode higher and was thinner while the Edge rode lower and is wider, therefore the Edge had more room. Overall we are in love.

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  Always enjoyed Ford - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Brian - May 11 - 6:39 pm

  This is my third F series pickup. Ive enjoyed this truck. I travel up and down the east coast with a 7 by 14 trailer, with 490 miles to a tank, this is the best one by far. The styling and interior design are wonderful.

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  Love It - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin - May 11 - 2:07 pm

  I bought my car with 133000 miles and I have been running it very hard and have not had a single problem. The quality is great and it gets very good gas mileage. It is not as fast as my 5.0 Mustang but with a few mods it runs out pretty well. It is very easy to drive fast and I really enjoy it.

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  Ford got it right! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Lee Waters - May 11 - 8:50 am

  I recently traded my gas powered F-250 in for my new Edge. Im gonna say this is a cool ride. When total strangers come up to you, and often I might add, and ask if you like it...well that says a lot. Of course I tell them that I love it, then proceed to show them all the cool features. Then when they sit in it, you aught to see the smile on there faces. I love it. For me this is a really nice cuv. Its put together well, rides smooth, it catches the eye with its 20" wheels, and with the DVD player, satellite radio, and Bluetooth capabilities long trips are fun again! I think any one looking for a new cuv should give the Ford Edge a look.

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  Number 6 for me - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Thomas - May 11 - 12:27 am

  I had and 83, which I put a 302 in after 180K miles, my 88,91,93,95 Splash and now a 2004 XLT 4x4, all gave me very little problems,the 2.9 L 88s TFI module went out on a rainy night but I always had a sparemodule, with the tool, in the glovebox. My 2004 ,with the 4.0 L V6, is the best yet as far as fit and function and reliability since I live in the snow belt it has to be good. I think I will upgrade to the 2008 FX4 this summer. Mine has 55K on it and still looks new.

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  What a Car! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Dan - May 10 - 10:00 pm

  The car is Vista blue with white racing stripes and 18" wheels. It drives like a kitten or a tiger, thats up to you, petal to the metal and the auto trans shifts at red-line. No loss of time for the auto in acceleration vs the 5 speed manual. I love this car. I suggest all options except for the hood scoop (serves no practical purpose and creates drag), the 1000 watt stereo and the convertible--both of which are over-priced in my opinion. The sound of the exhaust and the acceleration of this car for under $30,000 dollars cannot be achieved with any other car. I cannot believe it every time I drive it. It is plain fun. Drive it and you will buy it.

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  Best Full Size - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By bj1289 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  The new redesigned Expedition is the best over all full size in my opinion. I used to drive Chevys and GMC but not after this new Expedition. Ive had it only one year its an awesome machine! GMC is way behind with the Tahoe/Suburban. If youre a GM fan like I was, just go test drive the all new Expedition.