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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  Another solid Ford truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kfkodiak - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 89K, Have fixed only minor issues. 4.0 OHV is slightly lacking on steep highway grades, but very reliable, and reasonably efficient for a vehicle this heavy. 5SP auto transmission is still smooth at over 100K mi. The cargo space is great, and the seats are comfortable on long trips. Auto 4x4 lets the truck claw its way around in wet/snowy weather, even off-roading Ive rarely needed 4HI/4LO. Hasnt let me down yet! My only complaints: - Rides like a truck, go figure. - Water collects in the roof channels during rain, then spills over the windshield when you first move the truck. - Tinted rear window scratches easily.

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  Love My Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Flchic - August 8 - 2:00 am

  After wanting this car for 2 years I finally decided to buy one. I have no regrets. I love it.

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  Mach 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By RickTrone - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Not new to Mustangs but this is the best so far. Interior is getting old on design but is still great. Exterior on the Mach 1 is just awesome. Great performance. Great bang for the buck overall! Excellent engine. Awesome brakes! The seats are the best in a Mustang yet. Highly recommend this car for the muscle car lover.

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  My 03 Mach 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By cl-m1m - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I had issues with the A/C not working. It was under warranty so FMC fixed it. However, there was some mumbling at the dealership about seeing Mustangs coming back with similar issues with the A/C. Go figure. Gas mileage is poor, but you dont drive this car to save gas.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By brooks white - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Pay extra for the Diesel Engine, it is worth for the fuel economy. The new Turbo 6.0 engine is Fabulous and surprisingly quiet.

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  2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid after 1 Year - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By mgmd11 - August 5 - 4:21 am

  I have been driving my Ford Fusion Hydrid for 1 year now with 16K miles on it. I routinely get 41-44 mpg with an 80 mile roundtrip commute to work. Living in the Seattle area has advantages for better gas mileage beciase of milder summers and winters which do not result in poorer mileage due to using AC and heater as much. Freeway speed limit is also 60 mph around here. The estimated MPG generated on the Fuel Economy page matched my actual value quite well until July when I had a software ungrade. Now I routinely see 48-51 estimate MPG after burning a full tank of gas but my actual is still 41-44 MPG. Hmmm. Is Ford fudging the data?

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  Green GT - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Green Stang - August 5 - 2:00 am

  have owned the car for a year and had to replace radiator and power steering pump. Great car to drive but have a deep wallet to put into parts.

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  A fun first truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Ralph49 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Its been an overall solid truck. Problems have been: sensor replacments, wildly inaccurate fuel gauge (these things have been around for 100 years, think they could get it right?), slight pinging when a/c is on and the power windows jump like hell when putting them down.

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  This truck rocks - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By JoeJoes - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great, I looked around at Toyotas, Nissans, and GMCs. I found this a much more powerful truck than Nissians and GMCs, and it was cheaper than the Toyota. I love this truck.

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  Not bad for the money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By RandyM - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Taurus (1994, 1999, 2003). No major reliability problems. Very few minor ones. The 2003s handling isnt as good as the 99s, but it is roomy, comfortable, and well built. Safety ratings are impressive. Base Vulcan engine is a little weak at mid-range with AC on, but Im not convinced the DOHC optional engine is dramatically better. My early 2003 has a lot of goodies such as puddle lights under the outside mirrors, a windshield tint bar, chrome inside door handles, and reasonably good interior materials. Ford nixed these and others on late 03s and the 04s. My friends like the cars styling and interior room.