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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  Best overall Mustang Ive owned - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By jbrillo - July 16 - 1:44 am

  Im no stranger to Mustangs as this is the 4th Mustang GT Ive owned. This car may lack the grunt of a Camaro SS, but it makes up for it in every other department. The interior is excellent in quality, ergonomics & aesthetics. Its the most quiet & comfortable cabin of any Mustang Ive owned. I would not have paid extra for the My Color feature, but it came with the car. I do have to admit though, now that I have it I really enjoy it. The handling is phenomenal. You can really wring the car out even with the traction control on. The power is not bad. Its more than enough for the average driver. However, as a performance enthusiast, I wish it were more competitive with a Camaro SS.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer User - July 16 - 1:25 am

  I bought this car to replace a vehicle that couldnt do everything i needed from my car. I love this car, i can fit 2 bikes in the summer and all the boards, skis, and gear of 5 people in the winter time(this car handles great in snow) i drive it pretty hard offroad and it takes all of the punishment without issues. its been jumped, drifted, backed into, smashed, and evertything else i throw at it and it keeps going. the mpg is not great in the town but its a SUV. however i recently put a flowmaster 40 on it which made it sound great and it brought the mpg up to 17-18 which is fabtastic to me because i drive it hard. the only problem i have it a CV joint but thats a wear item and easy to fix.

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  Fun Car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Vince - July 16 - 12:37 am

  I bought this car at the beginning of 2008 and I had no problems in the snow. During the following year I drove it as my daily driver in blizzards and snow storms and I didnt get in any accidents. To those afraid of rear wheel drive, just be careful and keep the drifting to impress your friends and your sweetheart at a reasonable speed in the snow and youll be fine. I drove a year and a half with very little maintenance. I had to replace the power window regulator, but other than that I dont recall any work I had to do other than maintenance until I reached about 140,000 and I found oil in the coolant reservoir(head gasket) so I upgraded to the more dependable, and older 5.0 V8

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  If you find a nice one, snag it - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Vinnie - July 16 - 12:20 am

  This would be my second mustang. My first car was a 93 celica which was ok but proof that japanese cars are no better than american ones with the 3rd engine that had pinging, leaking head gasket, plenty of burned oil, and more at 75,000 ish miles with the 1.8 corolla engine which is supposedly a reliable engine. The next one was a 97 Mustang V6 with the t-5 5 speed manual trans. The only work I had to do was I had to change the window actuator and that was about it. I sold it when I found oil in the coolant(the dreaded head gasket) at 147,000 miles and said bye to it. Now I have a 94 GT with a performance intake manifold, intake, exhaust, underdrive pulleys, and plenty more and its FUN&fast!

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  There are better choices for the money - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By CHICAGO - July 15 - 11:10 pm

  If I were buying a new crossover, I would certainly consider the Mazda CX9 first. The new Chevy/Buick Enclave second. The Freestyle (now the Taurus X) lacks serious driving and performance refinement. No matter how conservatively you drive it, you can sit and watch the gas gage go down. My only hope is that I can trade it in under the cash for clunkers act.

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  My First Ford...Again! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By ScottH - July 15 - 10:28 pm

  The quality of my 2009 Fusion has been extremely good so far. The ride is very nice and the performance is great. Fuel economy on my I4-SE has been slightly above what the sticker stated and I do not drive like my grandfather....although I use the cruise consistently. The more I drive this car, the more I like it. I know that sounds corny, but I drive a miriad of vehicles and the Fusion is my favorite. We looked at several other makes and actually decided on the Fusion because of price. After getting the car, driving it and feeling the quality of the ride, I am totally happy with the car. I think Ford hit a home run with the Fusion.

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By wyxlzorf - July 15 - 8:00 pm

  I use my Ranger for a daily driver, doing run and bump North Dallas commuting during the week. The weekend finds it pulling a 30 foot long, but light trailer hauling a glider. Great utility vehicle, but could use some more giddyup. Reasonable comfort, driveability, and build quality for the price. This is my second Ranger. The first went 10+ years and 200,000 miles with very little problems and this one looks to be even better.

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  Only truck to own - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Anthony Canon - July 15 - 6:08 pm

  Traded an older F-150 and wanted a new truck that had the same features. Im glad I did because it performs better than expected. I priced other trucks in the same class and found this new F- 150 has a far better exterior. Its quieter and the interior was tops for the money compared to a Dodge, Chevy, or GMC. First week after purchasing the truck it turned heads and had people coming up to me in parking lots just to say what a great looking truck it was!! After a long drive with the family (over 8 hours), even my mother-in-law had to say that its a hell of a truck in comfort, ride, and interior space. She even liked the look and price!

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  PRETTY NICE - 2009 Ford Edge
  By KENNETH BISHOP - July 15 - 6:08 pm

  Upgraded from 2000 Windstar.Love the car,love the vista roof and awesome audiofile stereo system,very fun to drive.sharp looking vehicle.Plenty of get up and go.

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  Best Work Truck On The Road - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Bug-Man - July 14 - 10:38 pm

  If you do the reserch (actual consumer reviews)you will find the Ranger is far more reliable than the Tacoma or Chevy.Just wish it got a few more MPGs.A family member who works for Toyota has told me that Toyotas own internal quality testings show that in recent years Ford cars & trucks beats toyotas hands down!I cary apox. a 1000 pounds of equip.& get 17mpg.I did add a leaf spring. I get 21mpg unloaded.The king cab says it seat 5, lets get real unless its 5 skinny dwarfs you can seat 2 adults comfortablely.