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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  Economy car?Not really! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By MichaelsGadgets - October 18 - 3:51 pm

  Ive had to step down from a Lexus IS to a lower priced car. Naturally I was worried about quality and reliability. After a bunch of research I decided to go with the 2010 SES Coupe with remote start and moon and tune package. The car handles very well and the power is surprisingly adequate. Gas milage is pretty good but so was the Lexus. The interior is very nice for an economy car but it feels much more expensive if you get the sync package. Sync works incredible well and it does take a little while to figure all the commands out. The moon and tune package adds a sub which shakes the trunk pretty good but its no Lexus sound system. All in all a great car and no regrets!

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  Its not your grandmas Taurus anymore! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Move Over Lexus - October 18 - 1:08 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Corvette for a new fully loaded FWD 2010 Taurus Limited. Unless you live in snow country, there is no need to buy AWD. Acceleration is very impressive and it handles great too. This car is extremely smooth and quiet. Before you spend more money on another luxury vehicle, please test drive this car. This car is pure luxury with a sumptious leather interior and an optional navigation package.

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  GReAT - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Franck - October 18 - 12:02 pm

  Bought this truck used with 30,000 miles and am now at 47,000 within 8 months of owning it. So far,not one thing has broke, extremely reliable! And, i get better gas mileage than any v6 ranger owner i talk to. I was shopping for a Ranger when i bought this truck , and Im sooo glad i did. Its a bit underpowered, but do you expect, its a v6.

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  pretty car but drives bad in first. - 1996 Ford Contour
  By not a taurus - October 18 - 9:59 am

  Like look and feel of contour,but the car drives bad in first gear,scary in traffic.Want to get rid of it A.S.A.P.

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  my exploder sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By sport man - October 17 - 11:26 pm

  Ok well we got our exploder bout 3 years ago with only 56,000 miles on it and as of today there is over 171,000 miles on it and with the exception of the tranny the car runs great.... i never thought i would ever own a ford.

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  Great Value - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By sap - October 17 - 9:44 pm

  I bought this to use for a highway car, i travel a lot for business and personally as well. Mine is the base model, got it for under $8k and I have to say, nothing else out there could come close to fitting the bill for what I was after. People complain about the road noise, but I believe this is primarily due to the OEM Continentals. What junk. A set of Michelin Destinys turned it into a new vehicle. Barely drivable in rain or snow before they were on there, its a new vehichle now. One of the best Ive ever driven in the winter, and I drive a lot of miles.

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  Good simple truck - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin Hurren - October 17 - 6:21 pm

  Bought this little truck just for business. More than satisfied.Tough,primitive,simple,40mpg and cheap to purchase.You tough guys want a truck or a symbol? I will work this thing 100% more than any Ramgarbage.

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  Believe - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Believer - October 17 - 10:57 am

  Bought this wagon used with 32000 miles. It has 52k now. Really a great car for the $$. Maintenance is a breeze, very accessable oil filter, I hand screw on and off. Get 32-34 mpg hwy and 24-26 city. Wagon is great for hauling stuff, I could sleep in if economy totaly folds -) Its like a mini minivan/suv that gets 30+ mpg on hwy. Around town easy to park. Dont understand the bad reviews from others but they had bad experiences....I had a 1991 escort before this.....got 200,000 miles on it, and it was still running great when I traded in on this Focus.....Ford is the leader in Europe and Brazil on Fuel effeciency and they sell tons in those countries. Im a believer.

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  Will buy another - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By US Car faithful - October 17 - 8:19 am

  Purchased used with 33,000 miles now have 88,000 I have had no problems at all. 20 miles per gallon w/air and 18 city. Change oil every 3000 miles. Air does blow on my feet though when it is put on upper flow only. Runs great good pickup to pass when air off. Will purchase another. Had Chevy Lumina and had to replace engine at 100,000 miles, Had Buick Regal had continuous problems Had 2003 Implala some problems and traded in on the 05 Explorer. Glad I did.

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  Quality is still Job #1 - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By MiniMe1969 - October 17 - 7:27 am

  This is my third Ranger, and I was torn between this and the Toyota Tacoma. Bottom line, for $6k less I got a truck that was just as capable. Perfect for hauling dirtbikes and associated gear to the track. My only complaint is the fuel economy. If you are going to buy one of these, make sure you buy the 4 dr supercab.