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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  Very reliable! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Adrian - September 8 - 5:32 pm

  I bought my 08 in 2012 with 75,000 miles. The previous owner must have driven a lot but even though the high miles, my car has never let me down. Its 2016 and the car still works great. Ive kept up with its oil changes, and minor maintenance and my Mustang keeps running without trouble. Ive replaced the alternator, tie rods, sway bar links, shocks, struts and tires and of course the battery. I drive this car daily and it still amazes me at how great it handles. As of today my car has about 110k miles. Any time I get in it I can feel sure that it wont let me down. I always brag to friends of how reliable the car is. I over paid for the car but at least I can say I havent put money into it. The only downside is the interior. The door vinyl panels have started to come off. Ive tried to glue them back but with the Texas heat, they come back off. Also the cloth on the seats isnt all that great. I have 2 kids in the back and with their shoes and spilling foods, the cloth on the seats looks faded.

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  chucks chioce - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By charles bryant - September 8 - 10:00 am

  slow off the line, not much power needs a 8 cylinder, other than that, it is a pretty good truck. i like the looks and the styling of the sport trac. perfect size.i dont like the where the cruise control buttons are they should be where they are on the g.m.s on the turn signal switch. the sun visor should have extensions like the g.m.s

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  road locomotive - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By mijon - September 7 - 3:30 pm

  Several trips from Lansing, MI, to Portland, ME nonstop, one driver and one tank of diesel (with a tailwind). Visibility and leather driver seat make driving a pleasure. I weigh 240# and get a backache driving luxury sedans in $40-50k range in half the time. Rock solid diesel never misses a tick at 98000 miles (but would not consider gas). Pulls better than my F350 crew long box diesel because it weighs more. Biggest problem is non support attitude of FMC. No satisfaction on missing rear sway bar, 2002 only. If Toyota or Nissan built a diesel SUV, bye-bye Ford.

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  Buy one or lose out. - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Dee Dee Callahan - September 7 - 2:58 am

  After buying the Expedition I will not own another type of vehicle. Its great for everything we do camping, sports, hauling (trailers & quads), traveling. I can not say enough.

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  American Icon Mustang GT Convertible - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Ben Leone - September 7 - 12:50 am

  This car is a real looker, you would swear it had eyes. Mine has the roll bar it is killer to look at. Then the light turns green, pure exhilaration, you have to behave because 0-60 in 5.7 seconds can get you in deep quick. I have ridden in more comfortable cars but admit that if I want comfort I will take my Mark VI. This Ford product is tops to drive and own.

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  Hate Fords? - 1996 Ford Escort
  By TAllen - September 6 - 6:53 pm

  I vowed never to own another Ford after owning a Tempo. HA! Bought this Escort because of its style and drive. Only had 100,000 miles when bought at 9 years old. The only major problem was I had to replace the harmonic balancer because it threw the timing off and made the car literally not want to move. Got it fixed and that 1.9L gets up and goes. Gets great gas mileage. And roomy for a small compact car. This was a good pick from someone who hates Fords. This one has helped change my mind although my wife still says CHEVY!

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  High performance commuter - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By JerryB - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The Cobra is a high performance sports car, but, when driven sanely, is a nice ride, very reliable, and a lot of fun. I drive 120 miles/day commuting. I have not had a single problem with this car, which I have owned for over a year now. The car is docile and easy to drive, but when you need the power and handling, its there for the asking. (I get a consistent 20.5 mpg. Premium fuel is required.) I did get new tires at 25,000 miles, as the OEM were wearing fast and not good in the rain. I had a 91 5.0 LS Convertible that was equally reliable for the 135,000 miles that I drove it.

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  EXPLORER SPORT - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By jacob - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a Nissan Pathfinder and gave a US brand another chance. Im extremely happy with my purchase of a 2001 Explorer Sport. I love the PM schedule versus the Pathfinder, which had costly PMs every 30k. Its fun to drive and the upgraded interior adds comfort. Job well done FORD.

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  EXPLORER SPORT - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Jacob - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a Nissan Pathfinder and gave a US brand another chance. Im extremely happy with my purchase of a 2001 Explorer Sport. I love the PM schedule versus the Pathfinder, which had costly PMs every 30k. Its fun to drive and the upgraded interior adds comfort. Job well done FORD.

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  Great car - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Greg - September 5 - 10:54 pm

  Awesome car, upgraded from a Jeep and love it.