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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  Loved my van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Linda Studer - November 15 - 8:25 pm

  We purchased our van new and it has been an excellent vehicle. The electric doors were a great feature new but after a few years they began to not work all of the time. Last year at 160000 had trouble with the break light, engine light coming on and it has stayed on. I would still be driving today at 209000 miles if I hadnt encountered a deer.

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  I love it !! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By carocbr - November 15 - 7:20 pm

  Waited nearly 3 months for car to be built & delivered, but it was worth the wait!! Amazing looks, performance better than expected and very comfortable to drive. My first mustang, and bought the manual. Shift is a little stiff, but has got better and lots more fun to drive than an auto. Car handles well, sticks to the road and no under steer. Acceleration excellent, especially if you make use of gears. SYNC system is neat - but complicated. Like the USB and phone dialling and Shaker system is top. Only very minor niggle is the cupholder gets in the way when you shift gears... but Ill live with it!!!

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  Utah John - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Utah John - November 15 - 6:03 pm

  Special order with many options. Auto is crisp and car is very fun to drive. The look of the glass roof from the inside out is worth the money. Many positive comments on overall look of car. Exhaust note has a neat rumble. Driving down the road if feels like a million bucks and solid as can be. Compared to a Camero and debated long and hard between the two but from inside out there is no doubt this is by far the better car. Much nicer interior and one can actually see outside. I waited many years saving my money to buy this car and it was worth all the time.

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  Very fun car to drive - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By jeroutdoors@msn.com - November 15 - 12:19 pm

  Ive had the car for about 1 month and I love it! I got the turbo AWD and it is a blast to drive. Interior is very comfortable and well made. The car just has a well build feel to it. Good construction and good materials. Great car. Highly recommend.

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  NO COMPLAINTS - 2006 Ford Escape
  By viola chapman - November 15 - 11:08 am

  Had 29,0000 when I purchased it & cross my fingers, so far, I am very please with the car. yes a little lound interior, but I would say that is to be expected, because it is not the heavier, big SUV. It has 33<186 miles now, so I hope it keeps on to be the reliability and quality that I have enjoyed the short time I have drove it back and forth to work, everyday

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  great overall - 2000 Ford F-150
  By alex - November 15 - 10:45 am

  i have had my truck for a little over a year and i love it. it gets the job done and i have not had to put any money into it. i could not be any happier with it.

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  Why buy a foreign car anymore? - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Clint H - November 14 - 9:31 pm

  I test drove and almost bought a BMW 5 series for 60K. Then I drove the Taurus Limited... loaded of coarse and I have to absolutely admit I loved the Taurus. I seriously had everything that the BMW had and it was 23K cheaper. I love the styling... I love the handling... I love the acceleration. Ford, you did a great job on this one. Bought some stock afterwards too.

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  Ford Dropped the Ball with me. - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jack Day - November 14 - 8:53 pm

  I had TOO MUCH TROUBLE GETTING THE REAR END AND DRIVE SHAFT FIXED, TOOK ME 2 MONTHS OF WRITING LETTERS AND PHONE CALLS TO GET JOB DONE. THIS TOOK ALL THE FUN OUT OF OWNING A NEW VEHICLE. ALL FORDS FAULT, BAD PARTS. Handled very poorly by Ford!

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  Extremely Impressed! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By procal - November 14 - 2:31 pm

  By far the best! I bought mine last October and have driven it all over Europe since. I have put on over 10,000 Autobahn miles and have no complaints. At this point, I am seriously considering trading it in and upgrading for a 2010.

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  Nice vehicle - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By bbandit74 - November 14 - 1:19 pm

  Great family vehicle. We enjoy all the extras especially the DVD player in the back. Back up sensors are great in the city. Very nice looking vehicle and extremely quiet inside. Very comfortable on long trips. The V- 6 could use more horsepower. Sometimes tranny has hard time deciding what gear to stay in on hills. Overall its a very nice vehicle. Glad I have extended warranty after reading some of these reviews...