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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  Lovin it - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By ponyman - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I am finally a mustang owner. The 2002 mustang I recently purchased has lived up to all of the hype. I am impressed with the styling and the way the car drives and handles. This mustang has hertiage written all over it. What an incredible piece of american muscle.

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  never had anything like it! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By candice - April 7 - 2:16 am

  My car was bought for me as my birthday present from my husband and I loved it as soon as I saw it! We live in new york and we have seen some really bad snow storms here. My car has been great to me! Ive never had a problem with my car and right now it has over 100,000 miles on it. I have the leather interior and its so easy to clean considering I have 2 kids that ride in the back seat. I take my car to and from pa alot so the fact that it has so much room is great! My husband thinks that any other car feels too confined! We were looking at buying a sport utility but I couldnt bring myself to part with my car. I would suggest anyone buy a 500! You cant beat the car for the price!

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By JBattle - April 6 - 1:24 pm

  Amazing ride. I recently purchased my Fusion and have been happy every since. I considered a Camry but after the test drive of the Fusion my mind was completely made up. The Fusion just simply out did the competition!

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  2006 Ford Explorer, My Best Choice - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Max Bryant - April 5 - 10:50 pm

  I was really into the 2005 Explorer and was really tempted to buy it because as we all know some car makers can really screw up a great thing, but waiting for the 2006 was the best choice I could make. As soon as I got in the 2006 everything was right there, in easy reach. As i test drove the vehicle, it was so quiet and has a tight turning radius. But the thing that shocked me was when I test drove I punched the gas and it took off with no hesitation and then I slammed the brake from 60 and took my hands off the wheel and... STRAIGHT. I was sold on that and then when I took a corner doing 35, I said "Im taking this home". If you think Im lying, try it. I "GUARANTEE" you will be shocked!

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  Gotta Love It - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Draytondave - April 5 - 8:48 pm

  It has plenty of power, but bad on gas. I get 11-1/2 mpg while towing a 24ft travel trailer. Would love to have a little more torque for towing at 100kph without dropping a gear. Very comfortable and spacious up front.

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  Surprised - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus - April 5 - 8:51 am

  Bought this car as a beater. Havent heard good things about Tauruss, but think it might be due to the nondescript styling. Bought the car cheap with 104,000 miles. Everything works. Have taken it on two road trips so far, did great. Very pleased with my cheap purchase

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  2003 XLT 4x4 V8 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jrfan - April 4 - 7:03 pm

  This SUV is great. I love the V8s low end torque that rivals the venerable 5.0, but blows it away over 3000 RPM. Gas mileage is tolerable considering the V8, those of you that want 30 MPG should be buying cars anyway. 4 LO is very strong. This is my 5th Ford and I feel like Im driving a luxury vehicle. I test drove a 4Runner, Durango, TrailBlazer, and a Pathfinder - they dont even compare. Between the Toyotas cheesy {luxury} interior and fake V8, Durangos terrible build quality, TrailBlazers look and performance, I was surprised at the Explorer. I am a truck guy and this was my first SUV. Overall it was a great buy.

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  The Best Compact Pickup Out There! - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jordan - April 4 - 4:54 pm

  I really love the Ford Ranger because it goes forever on a tank of gas. I bought this truck used and it was in excellent shape. It is great acceleration with the 5 speed transmission. I would recomened this vehicle to a friend.

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  Ford Explorer XLT - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Steve Crane - April 4 - 3:14 pm

  Good Gas mileage for class of vehicle. I love the 3rd row seat, and roomy interior. I have had no mechanical problems with this vehicle.

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  Happy Driver - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By GUS - April 4 - 2:34 pm

  Ive had this vehicle going on two years. Im very pleased and glad I purchased it. I have made three long trips and they were comfortable and fun trips. Good mileage considering the room and passenger capabilities. No regrets having it.