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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  Love the get up and go - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By 65mustang - March 9 - 6:13 am

  This little unit really goes and I love that. I guess the trade-off is poor MPG. It is a disappointment there is no space under the seats in the back for storage. Bench seats not so comfortable for long rides. One of my other favorite things is that is doesnt beep when you lock it - I HATE that! I bought this because the Flex is about the ugliest thing Ive seen but I like being up higher and dont like SUVs. The Tauras X provides pretty good visibility all around. I will also miss the read heat controls of the Windstar I LOVED. I dont like the gear shifter where it is but if it provides a much higher level of safety, I will adjust.

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  Nice beginning, but failed in execution - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By SW - March 8 - 7:45 pm

  Ford had the right idea when they redesigned the old Expedition in 2003. They got many things right like the first independent rear suspension in a large SUV, the flat rear folding seats. But, the build quality and never-ending list of technical service bulletins for chronic problems is frustrating especially to those accustomed to Japanese reliability standards.

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  Surprised - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By SMM - March 8 - 11:29 am

  I have had two Hondas. I was/am very surprised by the ride of this vehicle. It is smooth and very roomy with a decent punch from 40-70 mph. I have had it for only 15,000 miles bought it used. I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop re reliability but it has not yet. Had a minor A/C problem and Ford stepped up the plate when I bought it without a warranty. Very pleased thus far. People act surprised when I tell them they should just drive it to see for themselves what Ford has done.

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  Fun - 2001 Ford F-150
  By JayL - March 8 - 10:28 am

  Fun to drive, even better to mod...

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  Good Starter Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus4eva - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car purchase and it has been AWESOME! Very comfortable and roomy for a person of my size (61" 200lbs). Base motor has GREAT PICK UP! It may weed out a little at higher RPMs but can cruise at 85MPH! Handles mountains with ease. Made 3 major road trips and have not had any problems. Gets FANTASTIC gas mileage. Over 20k miles in less than a year and still running strong!

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  A Satisfied Owner. - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By blk2kstng - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Reliable Motor and drivetrain. Some complaints I have are in regards to the traditional poor interior quality. The design is great but cup holder placement is poor. The interior does rattle periodically. Usually around the door areas plastic moldings. No other complaints. Mod List: Mac 3.5" CatBack exhaust, Longtube Headers and Offroad H-pipe, Ford Trac- lok, Mac CAI, Eibach Springs, Koni shocks/struts, HPM LCAs, Cross-drilled and slotted Rotors (11" f, 10.5" r), S/S brake lines, Eibach sway bars, Pro 5.0 Shifter with Steeda Tri-Ax handle, ROH Snyper rims (17x8/17x9), Kumho Ecsta 712s (245/45/17,275/40/17), JVC KD-SH55 Head Unit/

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  Not for new drivers! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By wcroninger - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Explorer with about 47K on it. It is certainly a comfortable vehicle but at 67K things are beginning to get a bit quirky. The worst aspect if the handling. Between my wife and I we have owned quite a few vehicles from Cameros to VW Vans. This one is one has, by far, the most evil handling of the bunch. Our daughter will start driving soon and we have already told her she will not drive this vehicle. It seems to just look for an opportunity to break the rear end free.

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  The Probe - 1993 Ford Probe
  By chris - March 7 - 9:31 pm

  This is a great first car. Never had a car that handled the track better that was 100% stock. GOOD car to race, FUN car to drive. Seems to last forever.

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  Awesome Car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Erin - March 7 - 4:10 pm

  Weve had our Contour for almost 7 years. CARFAX says it was a rental before we bought it. Aside from replacing the alternator last year, weve never had to have major repair service done on it. Rear-ended twice by people going 20+ mph with no real damage. Nice power, turns great, comfortable, decently roomy in the back seat for a small car. Decent gas mileage for its weight and age. We are thinking of selling it (we want a Hybrid) and I will be sad to give it up.

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  One complaint - 2000 Ford Contour
  By arcin69 - March 7 - 2:19 pm

  Contour was a good car. Would have been great if they had trimmed it out the way it deserved. Needed more options and a nice interior. As a commuter car its been terrific. Going strong at 160,000 miles and still gets 31 mpg.