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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  They are here at last - 2004 Ford F-150
  By geneo56 - February 12 - 3:53 pm

  This is a very beautiful pickup.Drives as good as a car.4.6 adequate.Bucketseats very comfortable.16 mpg so far.built Ford tough.

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  The FUN Mid-Size Sedan! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Deuga - February 12 - 11:53 am

  I test drove a dozen different cars before settling on the Fusion Sport. I never dreamed Id buy a Ford when I started my search. I chose the Fusion Sport over a used Acura TL, used BMW 3 series, and new Mazda6. Why? Heres a car thatll do 0 - 60 in under 6.5 secs, handles turns like a BMW, has a very good Sony audio system, truly quiet interior, Microsoft Sync, and you can get it absolutely loaded with hi tech gear. If youre in the market for a sports sedan and think you need to buy a Audi, BMW, Acura, Infiniti, or Lexus to get one, just try the Fusion Sport. Dont let the Acura dealers sell you on that superior reliability bull. The Fusion is more car for the money.

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  06 F150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By 602pipewing - February 11 - 10:52 pm

  The only thing that the truck needs is stronger rear suspension and a little more low end power. Easily fixed by airbag suspension and a few performance upgrades.

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  Still Love THe Room - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By C. RItchie - February 11 - 10:51 pm

  Im still very happy with this product. This is the second one I have bought. I like the extra room. We only have to take one instead of two when we go places with all the family members. It has been dependable with no problems at all.

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  I love my Escape! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Karen - February 11 - 9:33 pm

  Ive only had my 2003 Escape for about three weeks now but I do love it! This is my first SUV and it took a little getting used to but now that I am, Ill never go back to driving a car. The Escape handles great, has great acceleration and looks really sporty. The interior is roomy except I think that the seats are too short. This is the only thing that keeps the comfort level from being perfect. The stereo has great sound and I love having the six disc cd changer in the dash. I miss the outside temp,compass displays and lighted vanity mirrors from my car. Waiting for snow to check out the 4 wheel drive as this will be my first experience with it. Overall, its a great vehicle.

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  Good used truck buy for the money - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Chris - February 11 - 9:08 am

  Bought the truck used. Love it. I just replaced the engine at 67000 miles (spun 4 bearings). Risks of buying used with no history. Other then that, the truck has been great. Lots of towing power (5.4 engine). Good cruiser. Owned many brand of trucks in the past, this one is the best.

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  Bac to the Future - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By PONGO - February 10 - 7:45 pm

  The car reminds me of a Porsche I owned. Most stable performance from a convertible, no less. I like the long throw shift better on this car than a 2007.

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  what an improvement - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dave - February 10 - 7:06 am

  just bought the new 07 Sport Trac-- what an improvement! This is our 4th one(01, 04, 05). The ride with the new frame and rear axle is vastly better. The V-8 gives more power and better mileage than the old V-6 with the 4.10 rear axle. We bought a loaded Limited model and were most impressed with the upgrades. Only possible criticism would be that the console mounted shifter takes away the small storage tray the old model had. Overfall a big upgrade for Ford.

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  Thank you, Ford - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By 3rd Escape;1st hybri - February 10 - 5:50 am

  This is our third Escape, but first Hybrid. We love it. The quietness, non-pollution in Houston traffic, and electronic read-out system are great! It is a shock to people in parking lots to have a vehicle move without engine noise when in the electric function. I am proud not to be adding to the polluted air in Houston. It does fine on the interstate, also. The gasoline mileage improved after the first month, as we were told it would. The green color is pretty; my favorite Escape color was yellow. With oil uncertainty, I have done my part. It is important to me that we can still carry more cargo than if it were a smaller hybrid. We need that flexibility. No lifestyle change.

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  My wife loves her truck - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Mat Koenig - February 9 - 12:46 pm

  We bought this truck with about 80K miles and it has pulled two boats and driven a family of 8 for the last 4 years and my wife wouldnt let me sell it to buy her a new Toyota SUV.