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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  Als Cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Al Sautner - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It looks nice and runs very strong. The body and paint are very nice.

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  Leaping Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By stonezee - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a GT convertible. Plenty of power to go with the good looks. Ride is a typical sports car but very strong in the corners. The car just jumps ahead when you put your foot in it. At 60, it is very enjoyable.

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  go mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By stangcrazy - November 11 - 10:00 am

  super car to drive. lots of fun on the road

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  Dont Do It - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By smitty - November 11 - 6:49 am

  We purchased this vehicle used, two old, with about 40,000 miles on it. A comfortable ride, decent fuel economy. We had the extended 100,000 mile warranty. The van had numerous recalls. Spent thousands of dollars for repair after warranty ran out. Van seemed to stay in the shop. My mechanic started to feel bad fixing the van, only to have other things go wrong. Had to replace the transmission. Tie rods went bad. Numerous engine problems. Eventually I sold the van to my mechanic for $500. Then the engine blow on him a month later. Ford needs to be ashamed for selling the Windstar. A total piece of junk and very unreliable.

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  Weve owned 2 05s - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jim,Sue Dolsky - November 11 - 5:03 am

  Between my wife and myself, we have ownership experience with close to 40 automobiles. We have owned 2, 2005 Mustangs in under 3 months. We traded our silver convertible when we went for the first oil change, and were shown a beautiful torch red, loaded, V-6 convertible. The stick handles smoothly. The engine has great punch for a 6. The silver was an automatic, and was also very pleasing to drive. These autos corner and change lanes with agility. The leather seats of our red are much more comfortable than the cloth, with more padding where it counts.

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  Fusion SEL 6cyl. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By tom - November 11 - 3:13 am

  This is a great car! The only drawback I can complain about is the gas mileage has been consistently hovering at 21mpg with about 50/50 city/highway driving. Other than that you cant buy a better car for anywhere near the price. I have all the luxury options except AWD and have had no problems with anything on the car. It handles well, has ample power and rides smooth. The sound quality from the audiophile radio is fantastic. Buy one, youll be happy!

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  New 10 - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Kirk Miller - November 10 - 6:23 pm

  Traded in 08 GT for new 10. Quite a bit different. Exterior is sleeker and interior is worlds better. Materials are much better, very quiet inside (until you step on it). Even turn signal is a significant improvement. Not really any faster, but definitely handles better. Friend just got SS Camaro. It is faster, but feels much bigger than Mustang on the road and more cramped inside (I am 61").

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  Great mileage - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Wayne, NJ - November 10 - 5:14 pm

  Averaging 27 mpg combined highway and city driving. Has all the creature features and comfort you expect in an American car. Suttle engine vibration concerned me at first but Ford states its part of having a big 4 cylinder- will get used too. So far so good.

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  CVT trouble - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By CVT troubles - November 10 - 12:56 pm

  Just when you think you have bought a reliable family vehicle. I noticed a ticking noise coming from under the hood after a long business trip. When I got back, I decided to have it looked at. I was not even thinking that it could be transmission trouble. Who thinks that at 71,000 miles that you would have transmission trouble? And when I looked to see what the manufacturers warranty was, only 3 years or 36,000 miles???!!! Oh my goodness! You think Ford didnt know that would be a problem? The transmission specialist told me a brand new tranny would cost about $7,000!! I almost choked! What a shame. Please read this and take something from it!

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  Good fuel economy with power - 2009 Ford Focus
  By andrewnali - November 10 - 12:21 pm

  This vehicle offers good fuel economy with enough power to enter the freeway. So many times with small 4cyl you feel as if youre going to be run over when merging onto the freeway. Not with the focus. Lots of niceties that we are still finding. I am a large man 6 and the small car still feels roomy. My wife 5 can adjust the seat and see over the steering wheel. The small things that the design engineers have incorporated into the car are very pleasing for longer road trips ie sync hands free phone and radio. You can set up the car to email you when the oil needs to be changed. Only complaint is the lower quality upholstery. You should consider and definitely test drive one.