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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  The Ride of your life - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By cmos - February 22 - 2:00 am

  The sheer power of this car is quite evident once you get enough mileage to get boost from the supercharger. Just a punch of the pedal will have your head instantly pinned against your seat. It is both an angel when handled carefully, and it can be beast when you can handle all of its power, and want to see what it has to offer, I prefer this on the track. I have drag raced the vehicle and it quite fast, thanks to the SVPP (Performance Package) . Without the Speed Limiter, it surely is 180 MPH+ car; I have witnessed this first hand. I also highly recommend the Electronics Package, This makes it a complete package. If you cant handle people staring, then this car may not be for you.

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  Still going strong - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jeff88 - February 21 - 12:01 pm

  Our 04 Expy EB with 4wd has been a great ride so far. We have been trouble and maintenance free and after 2.8 years of ownership @ 45k miles, we are very happy with it. Its a great SUV for long road trips, carrying large items, easily configurable for cargo, carries 8 comfortably for short trips and 6 for long trips. This truck has been reliable and safe. Am glad I did not invest in an extended warranty. We are still running on the original Contis and expect to get them to 50k or maybe 60k. It has not been in the shop for anything besides normal 5k maintenance and operating costs are minimal except for gas costs. The fuel costs are offset by carrying capacity for people and items.

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  Slight stall - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By AndrewFox - February 21 - 7:03 am

  When I slow to make a turn (at low speeds) the truck has a slight pause when pressing on the accelerator. It is incredibly frustrating because I bought the Adrenalin package. My dealer is being great about trying to find the problem. We are waiting for Ford to find a technical (programing) solution. There are no problems at normal speeds.

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  Great Value - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By HLS - February 20 - 6:26 am

  Fun to drive. Handles well. Quick steering response. Adequate acceleration from a stop. Excellent acceleration for passing. Driving a lot of highway miles and still averaging 29. Have seen 33 in city driving. They could have done a better job on front seat creature comforts, i.e. cup holders, change holders and sun glass holder. Safety features were a consideration in buying. Road noise is a little loud but not terrible. Overall a great buy.

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  great truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Jimmy - February 20 - 6:09 am

  My truck has the 8 ft. bed and the 5.4 v-8 engine. I test drove all the trucks in this class for what would be best for me. I chose this one for looks, room in the cab, performance, and the bed size. I live in the country so I have not been able to do a good gas mileage test yet, but I can compare it to the Caddy I have and it gets about the same gas mileage for my driving. It got 18 city and 26 highway. My truck has the 3.55 ratio axle.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Charles Woolley - February 20 - 12:40 am

  This is a fun car to drive. Very comfortable ride and plenty of power. Interior room is incredible. More trunk space than in any car I have ever owned.

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  Very Happy - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Tony - February 19 - 7:33 pm

  We just bought a Eddie Bauer V6. Traded up from an 02 Sport Trac. It rides so much better than the Sport Trac. We did not get all the goodies but what we got for our money was a very good value. Looking forward in 3 years to getting a 2010 model. It will be here soon.

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  Great all around car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jeremy - February 19 - 8:26 am

  For many years I have been a staunch supporter of import cars. My last car was a Honda Civic and was not the automotive icon everyone depicts it to be. Ford still has some ground cover on the little things, but for the real world, you cant go wrong with the Focus. It rides better, has more power, better visibility, and better factory support than any import out there! Especially Honda.

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  Blast to drive! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By LA Fun - February 18 - 9:52 pm

  Had a GT 20 years ago, was fun to drive then, even more fun now. Convertibles are a blast, like riding a motorcycle but more comfortable, the V-8 power is awesome, can easily spin the tires. Seats and position are comfortable, back seat is fine for kids only. Handles quick, a little light in the rear though. The tops wear out and run $400-$800. Real fun to drive, turns heads. Plenty of power.

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  Mommas New Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Paul Peacock - February 18 - 10:20 am

  Very comfortable, pleasing to the eye, V-6 has more than adequate power for driving and passing, have not had a trailer behind it yet. Third row seat a must for family vehicle. Audio system has very "professional" sound.