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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  Very Impressed - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Nick - August 4 - 11:55 am

  I received this as a Christmas present from my Dad this past Christmas. Im 18 and this was a huge upgrade from my grandmas 1994 Ford Tempo I was driving around. All I can say is wow. It has a good amount of power and the brakes are fantastic. I drive it pretty hard, but I still get about 26-28 mpg doing a mix of city and highway driving. Its hard to explain, but the car just feels "solid". The doors close with a dull thud, instead of a hollow bang. Even things like the turn signal lever feel well built. The steering is tight and easy to maneuver, even at high speeds. The ride is overall excellent.

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  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Great SUV - August 4 - 10:49 am

  This ford has been good to me. No major problems. Just routine maintenance. I now have to trade it in as a clunker.

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  Very Reliable - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Tennessee - August 4 - 5:59 am

  Great little truck. VERY RELIABLE. Never had any problems. 21mpg has been appreciated and fact that body style has not changed much, truck still looks like new. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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  Ford Done Good! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Geetar - August 4 - 5:23 am

  I have only owned this car a month, but she is a joy to drive and I dont regret the purchase one bit. Only time will tell how reliable it will be, however Ford gets an A+ for now.

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  05 V6 -- a muscle car in every sense - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 05AV6 - August 3 - 11:23 pm

  LOVE this car, have had almost a year now and love it more every day. Dont need the GT to get your heart rate up, this V6 flies. No disappointments here.

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  Slow and fun - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Driver - August 3 - 9:35 pm

  Bought this car used at 10 years old. Still looked good for its age. The car road bad, but later fixed this (new springs, shocks/struts). Parts are cheap and it can be made to go fast cheap. Car had zero rattles until I drove around with no exhaust for a while. Gas mileage stunk big time.

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  Luv almost all of it! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Scotch&Cigars - August 3 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased my SUV with 40000 miles. I now have about 72000 miles and have had nothing but good luck with it. Although the gas mileage is a little lower than Id like, I bought an SUV, so Im not going to complain. No problems with the power train, electronics, or anything else with the mechanics. The only problem has been with the front drivers seat comfort. A large person must have owned it prior to me and mashed out the seat, which I didnt notice until I sat for a longer drive.

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  She was right - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Larry - August 3 - 4:00 pm

  I originally was looking for a new F-150 to replace my 2001. When stepped on the lot we saw the Escapes and stopped to look. My wife said I should look into one to save on gas. She felt we only needed one big truck, that being our 03 Expedition. Even though I wanted a new F-150 I researched the Escape and the numbers looked good. I am a big guy (61" 270lbs) and I fit, not only in the front seats but in the back. This is my new commuter vehicle, I put almost 100k on my 01 F-150 in less than 4 years back and forth to work. I got great handling, Im comfortable, get better gas mileage and I park it in a lot places I couldnt with my truck.

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  Got rid of it - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Chris - August 3 - 3:06 pm

  Bought this car at 40k miles and got rid of it at 64k. We had the key problem where the ignition locks up we just never took the key out, always left it in the car to avoid getting stranded. Couldnt put chains on it. Trunk wouldnt shut properly. Gas mileage steadily declined despite regular oil changes and check ups. After reading all the reviews about the car crapping out around 60k, we just wanted to be rid of it.

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  2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 SuperCab - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By 2001 Ranger - August 3 - 11:00 am

  Purchased vehicle new, had virtually no problems until 115K miles. In last 8 months, I have had to replace the fuel pump, cost $700 w/Labor, and both front wheel bearings about 3 months apart, cost $450 each w/labor. Had to buy a complete assembly just to replace the wheel bearings. So much for Fords "better ideas". Gas mileage is crappy, averages 15-17 mpg in daily commutes. Although it has gotten 21 mpg on trips, with a bed cover in place. A 4.0 litre engine in a mid-sized truck should get better mileage. A neighbor had a 1980 full- sized model F-100, with a 4th gear o/d manual tranny that got 29 mpg on the highway. Now the transmission at nearly 119K is giving signs of needing a rebuild.