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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  2016 Mustang GT Premium – The Pony Car that Could! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Kurt Seydow - November 2 - 10:07 am

  As an avid motorist, Ive owned many vehicles in my lifetime. From pickup trucks to sports cars, from economy cars to luxury imports. The past three vehicles Ive owned have all been Fords, as theyre nearly unbreakable and theyre every bit as good and better than many imports costing much more money. Theres the prestige that comes from owning a high-end, imported luxury automobile from the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and others, but the novelty wears off and in the end, theyre just cars that are expensive to own and maintain. Some handle, corner and drive very nicely, and the interiors of such brands as Audi are hard to beat (Ive owned several Audis, and I can attest to the interior design and quality). My most recent purchase, a 2016 Ford Mustang GT Premium with the 6 speed manual, Sync 3, Kicker Audio, California Special Package with BLIS and very comfortable heated and cooled leather seats with Miko Suede insets is one of my favorite automobile purchases ever. I considered holding out for the 2016 Chevy Camaro SS, but theyre selling at full MSRP and the interior comfort, visibility and usefulness doesnt compare to Fords Pony Car. Yes, I admit that I love the 2016 Camaro, and wouldnt hesitate to purchase one (I owned a 4th gen Z28 in the past and it was a great car). If the reported 1/2 second faster from 0 - 60 mph is your most important consideration, the Camaro SS is an awesome car. But, at nearly $8,000 more than a comparably equipped and loaded Mustang GT Premium, its almost a no-brainer. I can use half of the $8,000 I saved and install Ford Performance parts to the Stang and it will outperform the Camaro SS in every respect. The new Sync 3 audio/infotainment system is much easier to use than the previous My Ford Touch, and should alleviate any hesitation that buyers may have concerning the My Ford Touch system, though Ive had the Sony system with My Ford Touch in my previous Ford products and it was very simple to use. I could never figure out why it was difficult for some people to use, as there were redundant knobs and switches you could utilize if the voice or touch commands were too difficult to live with. It was much easier to use than an Android smartphone, and I havent heard the reviewers complain about them. As for performance, my Mustang GT is a blast to drive. You can drive it like a "commuter car" and it does a fine job, or put your right foot on the accelerator and it will more than satisfy your appetite for a thrill ride. Its also remarkably economical if you drive it with economy in mind. Im already seeing 24mpg highway in the real-world, and the time honored 5.0 engine hasnt even completed its break-in period. As for the the sound of said engine - lets just say Ford really dialed it in perfectly. Its got that unmistakable 5.0 Liter Mustang sound, which is to say it sounds incredible! A true muscle-car sound thats long been a favorite in the Pony Car world. The fit and finish are also right up there with the best of the best, though I could stand for a little less faux stitching on the padded dash components, and some of the plastic bits are like most cars in this price range, but not obtrusive. The only small gripe I have is the lack of height-adjustable seat belts. Though they suit my 511" body frame pretty well, it would be nice to have the option to adjust them for height. To sum it up, I think this may be one of those cars that I will keep for a long time. For me, a long time is typically three - four years, but I could see myself keeping this car much longer, and adding to it, as there are a gazillion accessories from Fords parts bin, as well as many quality aftermarket manufacturers. Perhaps Ill keep it and add an Explorer or even Escape to the mix. One thing Im fairly sure of, my future vehicles will be Fords, because as they say, why mess with what works?

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  Fun to Drive, Easy to Park - 2005 Ford Focus
  By RWGManhattan - November 2 - 1:40 am

  Great little car with sporty handling, good fuel economy, and lots of flexible space. It parks in spaces too tight for most other available cars except the cramped Mini and cheap Chevy Aveo. Its got better handling than and a ride superior to the Hyundai Elantra, the Scion triplets (though the boxy XB has more and more flexible interior space), and other cars in its class. It doesnt have the cramped feeling of the Corolla, the Pontiac Vibe, the Civic.

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  Safe is Good - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Safe is Good - November 1 - 9:26 pm

  This was a great vehicle for us. The power was very good for pulling our ski boat or driving in heavy traffic. Being able to see above most other vehicles was very nice. The size and design proved to be a great benefit when I had a head-on collision at about 50 mph. I walked away with small abrasions to left leg (PTL).

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  Engine makes too much noise. - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Charles E.Nichols - November 1 - 8:31 pm

  We just returned from a five day trip in our new Ford Explorer Limited. We are very happy with it except for the loud engine noise that it makes when you barely put on the gas to pass, going up an incline or just taking off. We gotta get something done about this problem. I have purchased a stream of Exploerers and this has to be by far the loudist of all which makes me think there is something wrong in the manifold/exaust area connections or that there is far too little insullation on the rear fire wall.

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  Nice Escort Replacement! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Gas Saver - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car almost 3 months ago. I had a 95 Escort before this one. The biggest improvement I noticed first is 48 more horsepower with the same 31 mpg I was getting with the Escort. Lots of power for a little car. I looked at the Hondas, Kias, etc. looking for a good comuter car without costing a bundle. This car is loaded with features that would have cost a lot more had I bought a Honda or Toyota! A lot of car for the price!

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  Truck that has had it all, and then some - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Marc Mendoza - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Having had this truck for almost 5 years, it still feels the same as when I drove it off the lot. It has taken me as far as central North America to upper Canada. Never having to warm it up in the winter, will always keep me running.

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  Love It! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bigman - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Our previous SUV was a 97 Tahoe LT. We test drove the 03 Tahoe and Suburban. 5 years ago the EXPY didnt hold a candle to the Tahoe, now its the other way around. The comfort of the interior and design engineering of the EXPY are GREAT! I thought the interior of the Tahoe was pretty confining and "cheesy".

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  2004 Lariet - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mdhodge - November 1 - 9:54 am

  Best truck I have ever owned period. Dealership is the greatest also. I have purchased trucks for the last 30 years and none have the ride or low noise of this vehicle.

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  Top of the heap! - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Seminole61 - October 31 - 3:15 pm

  This Bronco outperforms the Jimmy I had by a long shot. I live in the woods in MS 4.75 miles from black top. A lot of mud, creeks and hills. Havent had to do much of anything to it. Love the ride, clearence and power. This 5.8 is much better than the GM 5.7. My daughters Jeep cant keep up on road or in the mud. And a Dodge cant make it out here.

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  Rolands Ford Five Hundred Review - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Roland - October 30 - 10:40 pm

  I love the comfort, look and feel the car. It is large and has plenty of rear seat and trunk space. The interior is ordinary, nothing unique about it, but comfortable. The seats sit high. The acceleration from a stand still leaves a lot to be desired. Acceleration for passing at road speeds in good. The blessing to the 203 hp engine is the gas mileage. Ive been averaging 23ish in the city, not bad! All in all I am happy with the car.