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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  Awesome Car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Duane Rosenberry - February 2 - 7:00 pm

  My Taurus is an awsome car. Love the looks. Gas mileage and performance. I was in an auto accident yesteray and this car is safe. They guy that hit me was in an Honda suv. He hit me hard. The only damage to my car was a quarter size hole in the bumper. They had to bring the hook to take his car away. This Taurus has only 70,000 on it now and the only problem Ive had with this car was the cam shaft synchronizer. Excellent car.

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  Step up from minvans and SUVS - 2006 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Vanman - February 2 - 3:13 pm

  This is our all-purpose family vehicle. It is used to haul kids, grandparents, get groceries, and long distance trips. The Chateu is loaded with all the amenities. It fill the same size parking space as a SUV, but has much more room inside. You are actually able to get out of the drivers seat, and unbuckle and put coats on the kids, grab a stroller from the back all without getting outside in the rain. If you ever buy a piece of furniture or an appliance, you can put it inside without any crazy rentals or tiedowns. The seats have real armrests, and the visibility is better than any SUV. We will NEVER downsize to a minivan after this. Everyone says its to big, then asks to borrow it later!

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  Perferct car - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By SOHCv6 - February 2 - 2:18 pm

  Very reliable, 5 speed automatic and low gears just perfect. Good gas mileage for the powerful truck. It does 16.5 in the city

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  Tangy Stang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Horkee - February 2 - 2:06 pm

  Your a little late for your appointment and you must change freeways..entering the inside lane and then must crossover four lanes to make the first exit 3/4 mile on the right (the exit you hate). As you come down entrance in 3rd gear there are three trucks abreast in the right lanes. A white Camry is ahead of you with a gnarly mess of traffic behind the trucks.. but a break ahead of them. The Camry immediately moves to the freeway leaving you the rest of the entrance ramp.. You nail it quickly openning up 4-5 car lengths before you move over and hit 4th. Catching the break in traffic, you slide over the remaining lanes easily making the exit. Thats when you know why you bought it!

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  Good All-round Value - 2005 Ford Focus
  By meginger - February 2 - 10:16 am

  The Focus ST is a good compromise on a sporty and fun to drive car with features, practicality and value. Visually it suggests performance, and it does perform well, but the high seating position and competent but long-throw shifter will disappoint if you are looking to maximize that aspect. Theres a lot to like: power, torque, no-brainer heated leather seats, spacious, a lot of car for the money after incentives. On the minus side gas mileage could be better, highway noise could be lower, rear sight lines could be better, needs light for rear seats, upshift from 2nd to 3rd is notchy, all season tires poor in snow even with traction control, large trunk with small opening.

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  I love my 2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Carol Camp - February 2 - 4:50 am

  I had wanted a Ford Escape ever since they came out. I knew the one I bought was the one for me the first time I laid eyes on it. I absolutely love driving it. It handles well, is very comfortable and it has a attractive body style. It has plenty of room for hauling just groceries or even something big with the seats laid down, which is very easy to do.

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  Great Concept - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jim1200 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This SUV/Truck has great flexibility, ride and interior space. The fuel mileage is not so great (unless you have a 5 speed manual over long distances) and although I like the performance, I wish it had a little more zip. Roomy interior at the expense of the truck bed length. Overall, it is a great concept vehicle that is very flexible to everyday needs. However, there is one major dislike - the insurance industry classifies this vehicle as a SUV because of the Explorer nameplate. So the cost to insure is more than a simliar pickup truck.

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  A chevy man turned ford - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 5Star - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this vehicle. Did a lot of modifications, and it performs and now looks great!

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  mach1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By plaidfinger - February 2 - 2:00 am

  500 miles in and this is the best car Ive ever owned. Mean looks and power come together in a beast of a car. Fun around town or on the highway. Again, best car Ive ever owned.

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  Land Rover to Freestyle - Better Choice - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Kelly Dolmanet - February 1 - 5:16 pm

  I found only 1 problem with the Freestyle and that is cabin noise when one window is open. The quick fix is to keep another window on the opposite row open a crack. This eliminates that awful sound.