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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  Nice, but - 2005 Ford F-150
  By 82duck - May 27 - 7:20 am

  An excellent vehicle except for 3 things: tall rear end makes visibility bad out the back, lack of dead pedal leaves no firm spot for left foot, and freewheeling transmission prevents use of cruise control in mildly hilly terrain. Traded it for a Murano after 8000 miles.

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  ford fusion 2016 - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Thai Pham - May 27 - 3:38 am

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  Love sport cars but wanted SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By suv convert - May 27 - 3:29 am

  First SUV wanted towing and hauling room otherwise would have gotten another sport car. Handling is excellent, turning radius surprisingly small, seats excellent, love the leather, annoying helicopter sound when sunroof open, needs the step bar for entrance, adjustable petals good choice, digital readout excellent. Im very picky about what I drive and the handling ability. I love this SUV. Only a few negatives. Need more leg room on door side, bad door design, not enough room in cargo area, floor isnt flat with seat down, transmission makes annoying pause when shifting, but getting use to it, good head room, rides well on long trips, feels safe

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  Pony car reborn - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Anacad - May 26 - 4:20 pm

  I love this car! It has a great retro look and a lot of get up and go for a V- 6. This is my third Mustang; my first was a 1966 convertible and my second (my first new car) was a 1982 L sedan. My 2005 Mustang tops them both! Ive only had one problem with the car -- the power lock on the passenger side doesnt work and hasnt since day one. Since Im usually the only one in the car, Ive arranged to get it fixed on my first service visit.

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  Ford EscapeFun to Drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tigerman - May 26 - 9:46 am

  Just recently bought a 2002 Ford Escape. Fun to drive, comfortable, excellent looks. Rear seats extremely comfortable. Excellent 6 Disc CD Changer radio. Sound quality awesome.

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  Rattles and noises - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By James Littlefield - May 25 - 4:37 pm

  Isnt it possible for Ford to build an auto that doesnt have rattles in it and doesnt sound like a cement mixer when idling? Friends of ours have a new Toyoda van and when idling, it is impossible to hear it running. My new Freestar sounds like a cement mixer compared to the Toyota. Also at times there is a noise from behind the dash that sounds 100% like a tuning fork. Have taken van back to garage, and of course it doesnt act up! Am I the only one that has had these problems?

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  Real Solid Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By JLC - May 25 - 9:33 am

  With two young kids and a few more nieces/nephews we can carry/haul all we really want to with this car. So far the car has been a delight to own. We feel very safe riding/driving in it. Id recommend (with one stipulation - see improvements) it to anyone. All-in-all though it really is a good solid vehicle.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Red Focus - May 23 - 9:36 pm

  Focus started to have problems last year, around 70,000 miles. Automatic door lock wont work. Passenger door wont unlock anymore. Have to crawl over the drivers seat. Tumbler locked up ignition a couple of weeks ago. New ignition: $320! I like the car. But its been having major problems now.

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  nice van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By fords rule - May 22 - 9:02 am

  Well we have had 2 1998 Windstars and both have been real good. The first was the base 3.0 with power group. We had it for 1 year and put 89,000 miles on it because we travel from Maine to Boston 2 times a moth. It was a good van on the interstate. The 2 was a 98 Northwoods full power and was a real good van to have too. Had no problems with it at all we have had ‘99 ’00 and ‘01 Windstars and all have been good to have.

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  Ford FX4 150 Ext Cab - 2002 Ford F-150
  By paul hilton - May 21 - 9:03 pm

  I had X plan and bought the truck because I saved $2500. The 5.4 triton is bad on gas mileage 12 to 15 mpg. When I put a 21 foot camper on it struggles on hills some. And gets very bad mileage about 10 mpg. Will buy a GMC or a Dodge next time. They pull better. My 1994 GMC 1500 pulled my camper better than this Ford and got better mileage.