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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  Best truck made - 2008 Ford F-150
  By fordchris1486 - December 19 - 10:33 am

  Ive had this F-150 XL with the 5.4l engine for almost 6 months now and it has once again proved itself. Im a general contractor for a concrete company in north Texas and I do a lot of driving. This truck gets the crap beat out of it and it just keeps asking for more. So Ford keep up the good work. I cant wait to see your 09 F- 150

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  One in a Million? - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By One in a Million? - December 19 - 9:43 am

  Reading some of the other reviews I think I may have that one in a million -- this van has been very solid. Besides the hubcaps being poorly designed (they wont stay on) and the door ajar warning (with annoying dinging below 15 mph), this van has had only the expected repairs - - transmission rebuilt at 167,000, tie rods recently replaced, wheel bearing, suspension, brakes, radiator hose -- not bad since it has almost 240,000 miles on it!! I have kept it well maintained. All I know is that this van has been very reliable.

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  An Amazingly well designed piece of Car. - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Benjamin Sodos - December 18 - 8:15 pm

  The Ford Fiesta ST, although carrying that ridiculous name, is by far one of the best designed vehicles for the dollar i have ever driven. The Cars designers wen in on Day 1 and said OK how much do we have? OK! Lets put it all in the Handling, Transmission, and Engine, and whatevers left we will add into the interior. The ST has the shittiest door handles you;ll ever see, and the pedals are missing a dead pedal which is absolutely essential for a manual drive car. The Cup holders are ridiculously close to the Handbrake, and the rear view mirror reminds me of my 87 300Z. Here is where the 5 stars come in. The Controls are all fully purposed and perfectly designed. The nav is amazing! I would even say it is better than Google maps in some respects. The handling is both fully responsive and light, and the car just pulls forever with that clean running turbo. The transmission pulls you towards the next gear but doesnt fight you when you try and force it down one. All this handling, power, and responsiveness, and still has a really good Sony Stereo. The optional recaro seats are a complete must as they hug and comfort you every turn you take. My previous car was a 350Z and this car is much more fun to drive, and feels so much lighter on the turns vs having to wrangle the car into them. I highly recommend the ST to anyone who is looking for a fun commuter, but doesnt want to lost the sports car fun.

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  Love It! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By chip - December 17 - 4:38 pm

  Vista roof..amazing! Nav system..awesome! Seats are very comfortable for long drives and heated seats work wonders on your rear side! Heater works really fast. Big plus for cold western winters. love the look and how quiet the car rides. Handling is great as well. It doesnt get the best gas mileage but thats what you can expect with an SUV. Love the car

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  GT/CS - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By qtrhorsex2 - December 17 - 12:44 pm

  I got the California Special in Candy Apple Red. It is a beauty. The ride and performance are great. It is a dream to drive and the power band with the 5 speed auto is awesome. I do wish they had the louder exhaust tone from the GT500. The tire noise is evident with the combo that comes on the CS. However it isnt obnoxious. The lower seat cushions could be 2 inches longer for long road trips. Rear seat is really not usable by adults. Can get a car seat in but it is really hard to put a toddler in the seat. It is really a 2 seater like all the previous Mustangs. What makes the GT/CS worth it is it gets looks everywhere we have taken it.

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  Escape is Great - 2004 Ford Escape
  By kathypat - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I really love this smaller version SUV. It has given me the amentities i need in an SUV for storage, etc.. and the stereo/comfort/quality/drive that I like in a solid vehicle.

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  crown vic - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mable - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Crown Victoria because I wanted a luxury ride.Even so, I never thought it would be this smoothe with such wonderful gas mileage and comfortable too. It is a quiet car with lots of space, luxury, and easy to handle. Makes driving a pleasure, and a real relief to tired muscles and back. A must have for those who want comfort, good gas mileage and luxury. Storage space is also incredible. And it handles like a smaller car, easy to park, easy to manuever. Just a great find in luxury car.

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  Sporty Family Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By palatemodeler - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great all around vehicle for the family. Plenty of room in the front and rear seats. Nice bed for hauling. AWESOME stereo system!!

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  FORD EXPLORER - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By G.J. URBANICK - December 17 - 10:00 am

  A GOOD TRUCK AND SHOULD BE NO PROBLEM ON THE ROAD.

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  Excellent condition - 1994 Ford F-350
  By f350 slt - December 16 - 9:45 pm

  This is a great truck. Very realiable. Very clean. Looks and runs excellent. Well maintained