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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  Too soon to tell... - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Buyer 2017 - November 25 - 3:17 pm

  On reliability

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  Great car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By djeve715 - November 24 - 1:23 am

  This has been a great car for us. We have owned this car since there were only 4 miles on the odometer and the only repair has been the alternator and that was just this month. I have replaced brake pads once, that was only because I abused them. I am very satisfied with this car.

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  Tough Safe Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dennis Schumaker - November 23 - 9:46 pm

  I owned a 2004 SuperCab that was a piece of junk. Many problems! I traded for a 2005 Supercrew Lariat. After 800 miles someone turned in front of me when I was going 45 mph. Air bag went off, and $13,500 worth of damage to truck. All in front of doors. I hurt my hand on the steering wheel when it spun out of control, but I was not injured severely. If I would have been in a Chevy, I would not have been so lucky. They might not be the fastest or stop the quickest, but I believe they are the safest! And they ride and look better than all the rest!

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  Bullitt Review - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Mario - November 23 - 8:14 pm

  Great cornering car with lots of power to accelerate through tight/high speed corners. I previously owned a 1994 Mustang GT and the Bullitt is clearly superior in all respects.

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  Solid Ford Countour SE Coupe - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Mercy Casanova - November 23 - 3:44 pm

  This vehicle has proven to be solid and reliable. Ive enjoyed it and have had minimal problems with it for the 6 years Ive driven it.

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  2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mark Williams - November 22 - 4:43 pm

  This truck was nicely updated from previous models. It handles beautifully and "feels" safe to drive.

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  Escape XLT AWD Auto - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Doug - November 22 - 2:12 am

  Wife and I are ski instructors and it handles wonderful in the snow and ice. Much better than our 2 previous Explorers. We have towed a 1100 lb flat bed trailer with no problem. Poor gas mileage for size of vehicle we average 17-18 MPG.

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  SE sedan Automatic - 2009 Ford Focus
  By BarryG - November 21 - 12:03 pm

  Havent had it long at all but wanted a smaller, good gas mileage, American car. Couldnt be more pleased so far. Very comfortable, smooth, outstanding gas mileage (30+ overall), and adequate power. Doesnt feel like an econobox tin can ala the Yaris I test drove. Sync is great as is the leather wrapped steering wheel. Interior quality seems worlds above the previous Focus. Really enjoy this car and glad Im buying American again.

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  Great Fun Factor - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By pony_pirate - November 20 - 5:24 am

  The first car Ive actually loved to own and drive. Lots of torque over a broad range of RPMs. Great fun to drive. Responsive steering, tight turning ratio. Fast gearbox. Gut-satisfying rumble. Beautiful to look at, fine styling inside and out. A street machine built for the straightaways, rather than a sports car built for the curves (rolls a bit). Rear single-axle bounces on bumps. Surprisingly civilized ride. Comfortable drivers seat, so-so passengers seat, cramped back seats. Good but not great stereo. Cut to a price point, with some lack of amenities and space, such as small trunk and glove compartment, limited storage spaces inside. Interior upgrade a must. Recommend side air bag.

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  2000 Taurus SE Review - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Dave55 - November 19 - 8:03 pm

  I have had this car for 2 years and overall it is a good car. A bit sporty & stylish and comfortable on the long drives and quite reliable. I agree with the comments about under powered and this is an easy problem to fix but Ford has once again ignored its customers. My biggest problem, and this will probably cause me to buy another brand of car, is a leaking oil pan. It was fixed 10 months ago and it is leaking once again and the local dealer refuses to do anything to help me other than charge me for another oil pan gasket. Other than that I havent had a lot of problems with the car and I will probably keep it a few more years before looking at a Chevrolet Impala.