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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  Cowgirl Cadillac + - 2016 Ford F-150
  By edwin LeMaster - July 28 - 10:08 pm

  Its the top of the top. Lots of bells and whistles. Only issue I have is I cant see the blinker on the mirror from inside the truck.

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  3 TIMES A CHARM - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By MIASTYLE/MIAYAYO - July 28 - 9:30 pm

  this is my 3rd T-Bird, 93,96 now a 97, i have literally taking this car around the country and back. i keep up with the oil, tires, sparkplugs, suspension, oil again b.c thats the best thing you can do, i just recently changed my manifold, break booster, starter, belts, bearings in the differential. i want this car to last another 5 years, currently i am at 140k mi, as long as you stay up on the maintenance @ ALL TIMES, you will be good to go, hiway gas mi is great, city mi is terrible, not to mention a lot of the work can be done urself if you have the time and tools, this car is great for a young whipper snapper looking for there 1st car, my nex project is to maybe paint it,

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  A worthwhile purchase - 2005 Ford Escape
  By PhilFromDetroit - July 28 - 9:05 pm

  We have had this SUV for two years, buying at the 24,000 mile mark and now at 42,000 miles. We have not had any unexpected problems except one: the rear tailgate started to rust. The dealer fixed that. Replaced front discs at 40K and the Contis at 40K. Otherwise no problems to report. Its surefooted in MI winters. On extended Highway driving it got almost 24 MPG, but in extended stop and go its getting about 16 MPG.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2009 Ford Focus
  By JWM - July 28 - 3:10 pm

  Have to state this was a short rental, but first American Ford Ive driven in 30 years. Great build quality and reasonably quiet. Acceleration on I-71/I-75 in uphill in Northern KY south of Cincinnati rather labored and noisy. Good brakes, but climate control needed a lot of adjusting. Am now really interested in 2010 Fusion Sport model as this Fusion at the price is a great buy.

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  Ford made this vehicle bland - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jahfre - July 28 - 1:37 pm

  I bought a Sport Trac in 2001 and drove it for 9 years, putting 260,000 miles on it over the period. That truck was special. Little details and features were well designed and useful...from the tie-down cleats on the bed to the bump feature on the rear sliding window. Dozens of things made those early model year Sport Trac attractive. When I finally wore out the first one I ran to the dealership to get another one. UGH. It is a totally different vehicle...so much worse in so many ways I cannot go into all of them. I use mine to haul rocks, firewood, gravel, etc. The bed was not designed to be used for these things. Awful.

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  230,000 Original motor & Counting - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By The Professor - July 28 - 1:04 pm

  I have owned my GT since 1997 arguably the most reliable American made car I have ever owned and that Ford has deisgned and manufactured. I have replace clutch and pressure plate and brakes. regular oil changes and I bought it with 15,000 miles on the odometer it now has 230,000 and counting never replaced engineit still turns head and can still giddyup!

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  My Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By frosty - July 28 - 11:59 am

  I love my car!! I bought my Escape with 150,000. miles I now have 215,000 and im still driving. i have only had scheduled maintenance, tires, and one alternator put on . Shes been AWESOME** Ford did great with this one.

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  Great value! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jon - July 28 - 11:23 am

  Tight ride plus comfortable inside. I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was more of a sedan ride except it wobbled too much on uneven roads or bumps. This Explorer rides exceptionally well.

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  Escape for less money - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Escape Owner - July 28 - 10:10 am

  The car rides very nicely. It has as much power as the V6 non hybrid Escape. It is roomy and comfortable.

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  Ford Freestyle is a Lemon - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Kim Gittins - July 28 - 9:29 am

  Since Ive owned this car the past 1 1/2 yrs its been in the shop for major repairs transmission overhaul, all brakes replaced, traction,water pump, all 4 tires, seat heaters, seat latches, two lines? replaces for leaks in the car total days in shop over 40