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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  Love My Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By angel carter - February 18 - 8:26 am

  The "Command Seating" and interior room gives me the view and comfort of a much larger sedan. Yet the dimensions, styling and performance handles like a much smaller vehicle. The Homelink visor is convenient. Steering wheel mounted controls became second nature on the first day. No need to take my hands off the wheel to change the radio station or set cruise control. At 53" I found with most vehicles I sit too close to the steering wheel for my comfort. This is not a problem in the Five Hundred. That and the adjustable pedals allow me even more room. With the FWD and traction control there was no slippage of wheels in bad weather. That and I love how its styling turns heads.

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  Best of the SUVs for the money - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By hazle - February 17 - 12:16 pm

  Looked at everything else and kept coming back to the Sport for the price and looks. Perfect for a couple who never hauls kids. Drives well on the road with much more response than the 4 door due to 600 lbs of less wt. Same engine and tranny as the 4door. Quiet on the road.

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  120K and Like New - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Championdriver01 - February 17 - 11:14 am

  My Taurus hit 120K on Valentines Day. I am now positive it will last to be given to my son in 1 1/2 years. I have only had 3 problems since new- a transaxle seal (88K), a trunk spring (64K), and a radiator hose (65K). I would buy Taurus again.

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  Functional - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Vicki Viloria - February 17 - 9:31 am

  The Flex is a reliable car. Ive owned my Flex for over 7 years and had minimal problems.

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  E-Z on the wallet - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Jim - February 16 - 8:29 pm

  Just got it, sold my gas hog Dodge Ram 2500. Tired of putting 100$ in gas, so bought the little Ranger where can you spend under 12,000 on a new truck and still have fun in a 2008 model. Keep up the good work Ford...if it aint broke dont fix it.

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  What a Change from Escape to Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Ken Smith - February 16 - 5:30 pm

  What a difference from my orginal 06 Ford Escape Hybrid to a 07 Ford Edge, Ride is excellent and power is great, could have tuned engine better for better gas mileage, but I will give up the 3 or 4 miles over my Escape, Hybrid. With the Edge I will have the A/C always on, with the Hybrid you loose the A/C on Hybrid mode, Beware. Towing was real easy and with the all wheel drive a breeze with getting the boat out of the water. Styling has got allot of eyes looking at it and saying what is that and when I say a Ford, they say no way with that style. I would suggest test driving and seeing for yourself.

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  98 Exprorer Sport - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By DaveP - February 15 - 2:25 pm

  Bought new, and have had no significant problems after 10 years and 90000 miles. Gas mileage averages 20 overall, with about 22 on the hwy. Very comfortable for long trips.

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  2005 AWD Limited - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Phil - February 15 - 10:46 am

  So far I love everything about it. It handles like a small car and offers space of a minivan. It is a very classy car and the CVT transmission is very smooth and responsive.

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  nice ride - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Robert Penkert - February 14 - 10:00 am

  this is a fun car to drive.the build quality seems very good and tight.it is fully loaded but wish didnt trac.control as you cant shut it off completly even when you switch it off(pull fuse to do burn out drag racing)other wise this is a kick a** all around suprise other people fun car.

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  Awesome Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By SANDY - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best North American cars on the road. It handles superbly, it has great fuel economy and the fit and finish rivels anything in its class from Japan