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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  Red Bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Red Bird - March 12 - 12:31 am

  Its the mix of a Crown Vic and a Mustang. Great car for highway use and road trips. However its not so good around town in the city due to its size and rather poor city mileage. Its stuck in that not so great niche between sports car and luxury car. Having bought it used with 82k, it has been a great bargain of a car! Its far better than I had expected from a 9 year old Ford!

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  Fun for Everyone! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By joe champ - March 11 - 4:36 pm

  This car appeals to middle age me and my pre-teen kids. It draws more comments in the area I live in than a new Ferrari or Mercedes because it is fun. People follow me around to get a look at it. The car is pure fun to drive. The exhaust, wind in your face, acceleration is pure American Muscle; all this in a package that seats four and carries two plus sets of golf clubs in the trunk. What more can you ask for? The price is right. Exterior is stunning and performance dead on. I do wish Ford had spent another $2,000 to finish out the interior. I would gladly have paid for less plastic and more quality there. Overall, this car is a must have!

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  Cant beat a tough truck. - 2003 Ford F-150
  By fordfan - March 11 - 2:48 pm

  This truck has given me nothing but pleasure while driving. Ive put on over 10,000 miles, and have no regrets over my purchase. The heated seats are great on a cold morning, and the 4WD can help me pull through a soggy field without getting stuck. Not to mention the 5.4L motor can really haul. This truck also cleans up nice for when its time to hang out and go downtown. Overall a great truck, at what I feel is a great price.

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  2014 Fusion Hybrid at 36K - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - March 10 - 10:30 pm

  Because I reviewed this car at 12K and 22K, I will not be comprehensive in this (final) update. I hope my comments are helpful for anyone seriously considering a Fusion Hybrid. No unscheduled service or repair to date. The only break/malfunction in 36K driving has been the RF passenger grab handle, which suffered a broken retention spring. So, thus far, reliability has been absolute. The positives and negatives I mention in my two prior reviews remain valid at this point, from my perspective.

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  Ford Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By D Boudreau - March 10 - 9:53 pm

  Great to look at and fun to drive but expensive to maintain and not very economical gas mileage. Have had to do major transmission work and major air conditioning work. Would probably think twice about buying another Explorer, although this is my second one. Probably will look at Toyota next time around.

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  Buy it again - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Raymond Allen - March 10 - 4:31 pm

  I bought this car from my parents 4 years ago. I have put over 80,000 miles on it without anything more than normal maintenance. The only problem Ive had with the car is the brakes. The rotors warp after 8,000 to 10,000 miles, faster if driving in mountainous regions.

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  Good Used Vehicle Purchase - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By cooperstar - March 10 - 3:48 pm

  Purchased my Aerostar as an in-between vehicle. Recently had family addition and needed room for family of five. This was a quick purchase without much thought. Have had to make several repairs since owning but have grown to love the vehicle. Replaced front axle, lower control joints, brakes, resealed windows, thermostat, water pump, shift control cable, middle bench seat, third door panel and radio. Even after all that it still cheaper than purchasing a newer van. With the exception of a pesky oil/transmission leak, which I will take care of soon, we have come to appreciate the van, especially the full time all wheel drive.

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  Not a fan of the look, LOVE the rest - 1998 Ford Escort
  By MikeMG - March 9 - 1:38 pm

  I bought this car last September. I was originally looking for a ZX3 but this one was CHEAP. I test drove it and bought it the same day. The performance is unbelievable for a stock car, if only the aesthetics could be comparable. If youre young and want a tough, quick car, then this is it. I cant seem to break it, which is hard to believe. Parts are cheap too ($25 Cdn for a wheel bearing). Service it regularly and this car will last forever.. And if you live in an area where salt is used on the roads, undercoat it every year.

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  Trade before 140,000km! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Lynne - March 9 - 12:36 pm

  I have to admit that my ZX2 has been a good car. Bought it new in 1999. Safe and solid (i hit a tree and walked away). So Ford builds tough thats for sure! However, it seems no one tells you that around 140,000 kms that your automatic transmission will blow up. Oh heres the stinger - $3000 to fix! I had to take out a loan to fix it. I talked to the dealer and they laughed and said they knew this would happen when the sold it to me.

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  My 1st Mustang ever - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By jaosalla - March 9 - 10:15 am

  I got the 40th edition model 04 Mustang & so far Im very happy with my purchase. Plus I got a great deal on it. Prior to my Mustang, Ive always been extremely satisfied with every Kapanese automobile Ive owned (3) and seemed to lean towards Japanese automakers, but this time I wanted to make a leap of faith back to the domestics. I really like the recent Mustang body styles, especially the new 2005. The ride is very smooth and the cabin is quiet cruising both city & highway. Its fun to drive and it has excellent acceleration for a V6, but then the fuel mileage Im getting is lower than I originally expected. I get about 240 city & 300 highway to the tank.