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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  Awsome Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By John Garza - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best, I have driven other sports cars before like the camaro whichs looks bad and is toooo pointy in the front, the firebird, which is nice but i dont like the seats or the inside, the Acura RSX type S is nice but to import like. None of them compare to the look, the feel and everything about the Mustang.

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  BEST IVE OWNED - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JDS - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I must say this compact suv is the best vehicle ive owned so far.Ive tried many different vehicles but none stood up to the stability and held up to the honor this vehicle does.My last truck didnt last me more than year and half of my life.I drove it from 7 miles to 35000 miles in that 18 months i owned it and had nothing but transmission problems.My ford escape has been the best in room looks reliability and stability for me and has far suprased the test of my drivingfar surpased any expectations i had imagined.Ive had the prevlidgeand state that everyone should takethe chance to experience the love you could have for this vehicle!!

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  ford ranger review - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By jermsac - June 14 - 2:00 am

  the truck drives good and shift nice and has a good engine

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  Freestyle fan - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Brooklyn123456 - June 13 - 11:26 pm

  I have the vehicle less than a month, however in that short time I have driven it extensively and really love it. I really like the styling, its a step up from the traditional mini-van. All the neighbors love it and people on the street ask about it. Good performance and handling.

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  You gotta love it! - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By TBird Lover - June 13 - 9:26 pm

  This car is wonderful. Lots of power, great road feel, comfortable on a trip and a great roadster feel. The only problem Ive had is the multi-disc changer and Im sure thatll be fixed shortly. Ford put a lot of thought in this retro. I think they could have done a little better on the front end design, but it is still a beautiful car and I love to drive it. and even just look at in the garage. It is a member of the family!

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  My little bull truck - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By melody - June 13 - 4:03 pm

  In the year of Jan. 2009 we had a snow storm that surprised some of the locals i had left work at 1:00 AM driving slow on highway I 40 freeway and noticed vehicles losing control including a couple of police cars in front of me when the one police officers auto was sliding backwards the officer did manage to get his auto in control and i drove with my new 2008 sport track all wheel drive up the icy hwy with no problems and i felt very safe in my truck on the icy roads. I am very happy I bought this little bull, that left every one in the dust. Yea!

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  Greatest car ever - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By stangs4ever - June 13 - 2:52 pm

  Was not a big fan of the Mustang until I test drove it, then I fell in love with it. Great ride, good power, decent mileage, and great styling in and out. I have driven lots of cars, but none have ever come close to the 95 stang. Sold it in 05 with 400,000kms and regret it every day

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  First Off The Lot - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By michael - June 13 - 7:36 am

  Just bought a 2006 the day after the dealer received it. I was going to buy a 2005, but stumbled across the 2006 on the internet at the last second. It is an amazing vehicle. Early trip computer results are showing 33.5 mpg. Its amazing to drive through the subdivision at 25 mph with the tach pegged at 0, i.e. all electric drive. A money saver not usually noted is that scheduled oil changes are every 10,000 miles. Should pay for those hot summer days in Texas where you need to use max air conditioning and sacrifice a little mileage.

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  Excursion is awsome - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By truckman - June 12 - 5:03 pm

  Have seen bad accidents involving Excursions and they have proven incredably safe. The ride is very good even thought it is built on a F-250 frame and it will pull hard with any size tow load. My diesel has over 130k miles on it and most are towing miles and still have had no problems. Im also impressed with the bodys build quality. The only problem I have had is every year I go to Pensacola, Florida and on a 10 or 12 mile stretch of highway 10 the electronics radio, gauges cut out randomly then return to normal, this has happened in the same spot the last four years, it still runs fine and dosent happen anywhere else but I just thought it was funny.

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  Great truck Lariat Supercrew 4wd - 2007 Ford F-150
  By gsxrter1994 - June 12 - 12:44 pm

  Super nice truck. I love all the buttons and the leather. Very comfortable truck. This is the second supercrew I have leased in 2yrs. Drove all the different trucks and again I went with the F-150 super crew