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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  Its my new daily driver! Sorry 95 5.0 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By wae711 - May 9 - 8:30 am

  I waited months to get my hands on this Pony! It was worth the wait! It truly is the best GT Mustang ever to come out of the assembly line. The handling is excellent for a sports car.. it by far exceeds my 2 previous Mustangs (89 & 95). The power (300hp) is evident but sad to say, it still falls short of the last Camaros built. Also dont like all the computer stuff (safety add ons) that prevents it from doing cool stuff like burn outs. Hard to make this car spin tires. Luckily the aftermarket guys already have a remedy for this slight draw back. Nonetheless, its the best GT ever!

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  Pretty good, needs work - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By VulcanVxx - May 8 - 12:47 am

  This was my father and Is first pickup truck and overall we are pretty satisfied. Its a decent size, good off-road cap, good quality, reliable, good-looking, and fun to drive. The only thing i have a problem with is the gas mileage. During the winter i averaged about 13.7 City and 18.5 highway and during the summer about 15.7 city and 20.3 highway. This could be better.

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  Love the Lil Red Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By InFocus - May 7 - 2:13 pm

  I bought my used Focus SE sight unseen from the local dealership to save wear on my F-150. I now have 230k miles on it and still love driving it. Only major problem was a ignition switch. I keep it tuned and have normal maintenance done. It has paid for itself many times over. I heard about all the issues shortly after buying it and was prepared for the worse. Thanks Ford for building a great little car.

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  Nice - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By D McIntyre - May 7 - 1:33 pm

  A very nice ride. Comfort is great. Ease to use. Like it alot.

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  Great car, underrated - 1999 Ford Contour
  By JimmySmitty - May 7 - 8:37 am

  The Contour is whats known as the Mondeo in the rest of the world. It was designed to be in the same area as cars such as the BMW 325i and Infinity G25. Its a great car and has more power than it seems. The SVT version is a very fast and powerful car and many people underestimate the Contour overall. Its a fun car and has never given me any major problems to date. I have owned a 1996 GL with the I4 ZeTec and currently have a 1999 SE with the 2.5 V6 Duratec. Both are awesome.

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  Great early christmas present - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Lisa - May 7 - 4:40 am

  I love everything about this vehicle except the material they used for the seat covers looks very cheap. (so I will be getting some seat covers). Other than that is is wonderful.

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  Very fun to drive! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Toby - May 7 - 12:43 am

  Bought the fully loaded ST with the sunroof, street body kit with oversized spoiler. Loving all of the options. Handles turns real well. Overall, its a fun car to drive.

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  Happy with my Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By tmk - May 6 - 11:10 pm

  A previous owner of a 02 XLT midnight which i loved, it was not hard for me to trade in for a fully loaded hybrid. I love the nav system and computer and the ride is so smooth and quite with the cvt tranny. Just all the improvements over my 02 model and the gas mileage was enough for me. It has plenty of power so the v6 is not missed and it doesnt stand out like the Toyota Prius. Dont expect too much in the gas mileage; that all depends on your driving. Im currently getting 30 with hardly any stop and go traffic in which this vehicles shines. Got a great deal on mine.

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  Must drive to understand - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By vkimber - May 6 - 10:54 pm

  I drove the 4 runner and Pilot and they are nice but Im very glad that I relooked at Ford they really steped up and I like the ride and feel of the Ford best, its fun to drive!

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  Good Small SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Siobhan - May 6 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased an 2008 Escape because I need something with a little more and still got good gas mileage and I found it. My mom has an 06 and I liked that it wasnt so big and seemed fairly easy to drive. I am a woman I dont need some massvie thing and it is my first SUV. It took $25 to fill it up last week and when gas prices were higher I only paid $40 to fill it up. I have had no problems. Very happy with my purchase.