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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  Imagine That - 2007 Ford F-150
  By beltbuckle2003 - December 2 - 1:09 pm

  I bought this vehicle from Tinker AFB Okc, Okl...thru a dealer in Cheney,Kansas, it had 22,500 miles on it ( 09-25-2014). The bed inside the truck was beat up by dry- wallers, so I put a liner in and it looks new now, (and a Toneau cover). Was sad to hear about the cam phasers after I bought it. So, I kept it in hopes I can trade it off when the truck gets 65,000 miles on it...another 2 years probably, ( 39,250 miles now). The gas mileage is around 15-19 .not bad for the 5.4 . everything works great, and I guess, by all the bad reviews I have a 1 in a million truck that is OK...have more problems with the dealer..in the oil changes, and tire rotation, than anything. I rotate the tires ( LT275R70-17- Firestone- 10 ply) every other oil change, 4,000 miles....fyi...Federal Electrical Inspector-Kingman, Kansas...

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  Fantastic Vehicle for Family Fun - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By TrailThunder - December 1 - 11:58 am

  I bought this vehicle used and currently have 130,000 miles on it. It needs a little front end work right now, but nothing that isnt expected at the 130,000 mile mark. The Explorer handles great in winter weather and also does surprisingly well off road for an AWD vehicle. I am an offroad hobbyist and use this to tow both a Jeep and a camper at various times. There is plenty of room for me, my wife and our three kids. I am most impressed with the ride quality while towing. It tows my 3000 lb camper like there is nothing there. We do have a class III towing hitch which helps. The 5.0 motor is awesome! Love that engine. Overall I love this vehicle and have been very impressed with its durability and reliability. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Every vehicle requires maintenance with aging. Just do the maintenance and you will drive an Explorer for a long time.

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  You have to learn how to drive this car - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By David Dawson - November 30 - 2:38 am

  Okay... does this car stutter when you drive it. No. If you learn how to drive it. It takes time as the car learns how you drive and you have to learn how to drive it. If my wife and I switch drivers it does stutter. It never, ever stutters for me. Not at all. The trick is to be assertive. That doesnt mean floor it. That means to step down a tiny bit harder than you normally would. If you get a stammer you do not back off the accelerator as you would normally do... you press down about 10% more and the stutter will immediately stop. When you accelerate to get onto the highway you want to do that assertively. That means you press down the accelerator to 40% and let the car move through the gears without changing the accelerator setting until you reach 4th or 5th gear. It will be very smooth if you do that. Eventually the car and you will learn and youll have a smooth ride every time. In exchange for learning how to drive you will get between 40 and 50 MPG on the highway. You will get between 30 and 40 around town. I fill the gas tank twice a month (and it only holds 14 gallons). Yes, you may have been fooled when you bought this car. It does not have an automatic transmission. NO. If you expect it to act like a conventional automatic transmission you will be disappointed. It wont, it is a manual transmission and it absolutely acts like one. If you learn to drive it properly, learn to work with its limitations, you will find it is a nice, little, pretty, INEXPENSIVE car. You have to learn to love it.

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  exceptional truck for being almost 20 years old - 1996 Ford F-250
  By Aaron - November 30 - 12:28 am

  The 7.3 turbo diesel is excellent tied to the 5 speed manual transmission. The drivers seat is comfortable after 200k while the interior is like new for its age. awesome heat in the winter and cold factory ac in the summer. Owned for 3 years after purchase replaced turbocharger, glow plugs and o rings on fuel injectors, waterpump and fuel lift pump. Would recommend removing ebpv on turbo as it sticks in the winter which can cause your turbo bearings to go out as did on my truck.

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  217k and still going - 2001 Ford Escape
  By JCR - November 29 - 8:38 pm

  3.0 V6 XLT. Bought it new with leather and towing pkg. Has 3500 lbs towing capacity which was best in class then. Still getting 20 mpg city and 25-27 mpg hwy. Great suv even by todays standards. Heard some horror stories with the transmissions on this vehicles I serviced my transmission every 50k no problem!

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  reliable vehicle - 1999 Ford Escort
  By john - November 29 - 9:53 am

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  Whaaaat? This is a Ford?? - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Genevieve - November 26 - 11:36 am

  This is one of the best prices vehicles for all its options. I literally was able to get every option I could think of (outside a heated steering wheel) and most car brands didnt even OFFER all these options or wanted $10k more for all of them. I exceptionally happy with the mpg, handling, and technology. They are truly putting Out their best effort and my consumer confidence is rapidly climbing. Go Ford!

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  2014 Focus SE Hatchback: Buy a manual transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By brooke - November 25 - 8:10 pm

  I recently came to terms with the fact that my 1983 VW GTI was no longer serving my family needs. I held on to it for many years because it was the most reliable and fun car Ive ever owned. After test driving several cars and not loving any of them, I drove a Focus hatchback with a manual transmission. It was like driving a new version of my GTI. I often find excuses just to drive it because its so much fun. I love everything about it. I handles like a much more expensive, performance car. I hear so many complaints about the Focus. However, almost all are about the DCM Automatic transmission. If you want a great, fun car, buy the manual transmission version. Im very glad that I did.

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  Lightning strikes twice - 2003 Ford F-150
  By John dulisse - November 25 - 4:07 pm

  This truck gets a lot of attention at car shows. I have 92,000 miles on it and still this truck will rip the balls off these newer junk !

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  Ex- Chevy guy - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Timothy Netzley - November 24 - 11:53 pm

  Finally, the new GT lives up to its reputation and becomes an adult" within the global community of entry level super cars. The lines, and styling are on par with any high end European vehicle, yet, retains the Detroit muscle look at second glance. The interior is no different, the word luxurious for an automobile that usually cries out, 20 year old kid with a wrench, can be used legitimately. Controls are ergonomic, easy to reach, and have a high quality flar. The front seats fit like an Italian glove, and make high speed cornering slip past with little notice. Shaker system needs no further explaining, nice. The suspension is surprisingly nimble for a heavier car, planted, but, not jarring. The IRS is a welcomed addition, and long overdue. An engine that not only makes short work of highway miles, is rev happy, willing to grunt out any twisties that youd be more than interested in finding, and finding often. The 6 speed manual is light, crisp, and not a chore. Reverse issues have been resolved, and the added backup camera easily makes one feel in charge in tight situations. I cannot fault this new generation of Mustangs, other than a few more gallon capacity tank could provide more time carving up pavement...but, then again...pulling up to a crowded gas station? The smiles and nods of adoration warms the owners decision for their purchase.