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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  wanna race? - 2001 Ford F-150
  By 01 Lightning man - December 17 - 7:19 pm

  My truck is GREAT! I could not have bought a better pick up. It is my dream truck, since I was 16, and now I have one. Its amazing the looks you will get when you are driving a shiny, black Ford Lightning SVT, with chrome wheels, bed cover, cowl induction hood, Bassani exhaust, and an extra 30 horse power to the already 390 stock. WHEW, what a truck!

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  Awesome car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Mikebrawn1 - December 16 - 1:43 pm

  I love my car. It is fast and fun to drive. I was unsure about what it could do, but was forced to find out when a car pulled out in front of me on the freeway. I swerved hard and the car held (at 75 mph). Since I have pushed the card more (at lower speeds) and have been very pleased about the car.

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  1994 Ford Explorer - Great SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Greg - December 16 - 12:12 pm

  We bought our 1994 Explorer from my wifes uncle and it has been outstanding. I keep thinking I should replace it with a new model but this one is so good I just cant bring myself to do it. My son loves driving it to college so who knows maybe in another year or so we will replace it...even though I doubt we would really need to do so.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Jenn - December 16 - 9:50 am

  I love my 2007 Escape. Its fun to drive, looks sharp and I get a lot of comments on it. The only thing I would change is the dashboard. I prefer digital info on the radio, such as temp, fuel range, etc. but that is not an option on mine. I would also put more numbers on the speedometer. Its a little difficult to tell if I am driving 65 or 70 because of the limited numbers listed.. Other than that, I am very happy with my vehicle.

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  Love it - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ed - December 15 - 6:33 pm

  I pick it up 2 weeks ago and Im loving it. I traded my 03 GT and have no regrets. The retro body style is way cool and the V8 3V engine is very nice. The only thing that Ford needs to improve on is the throttle response but that will be fixed as soon as I get the aftermarket upgrades.

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  Not so Little Pony! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Jay - December 15 - 12:56 pm

  I just took possession of a new 2016 Ford Mustang GT Ruby Red Convertible! Yea! The mighty Coyote V8 thunders and rumbles even when sitting at idle. Everyone loves it! It just oozes power and performance. Its a trip! Punch it and runs! At stops people can hear the powerful engine and they look over often giving a big thumbs up. Cruising through town or just on the local boulevards the car catches eyes and ears. You just have to look and listen.

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  hot red - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By aa1977 - December 15 - 8:01 am

  I love this car, too bad there isnt more hp, but its great! Its cute mine is red, people love it, they always want to race with me. I have a 5 speed, and I must say, its not bad on gas at all. I was thinking of buying another but I like the 2005 Infiniti G35, which will be my nice buy because its faster! Highly recommended.

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  Excellent built vehicle. Flawless towing - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 03fordtime - December 14 - 7:09 pm

  I am the second owner of a 2003 year Expedition. This truck is all stock except it has 20 inch rims in the summer. It tows my 30 foot boat with a weight of about 11,000lbs including trailer. Drove 13 hours with it and no problems at all. This truck really is impressive, nothing has failed on it yet at 100,000 miles. Awesome build quality. Cosmetically its great, engine runs like new. Vehicle is very safe and the stability control is an amazing feature. Could not be happier. All the friends love it too. Would recommend to anybody.

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  Excellent Minivan/SUV replacement - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By dzdncnfzd - December 14 - 1:31 pm

  We have had our Freestyle for over a year now and we are still loving it. With the exception of the rear brakes wearing out prematurely we have had no issues. There seems to be a lot of negativity regarding the amount of power the engine has but I have not had any complaints in this regard. Ill be honest its no sports car but then again this is a family car not a bachelor/mid life crisis mobile. The calls for a larger V8 engine in my opinion would kill one of this cars strongest points, its gas mileage. I challenge anyone to find a vehicle with as much interior space as this one that gets as good of gas mileage.

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  OUTSTANDING - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Buckeye Fan - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I am impressed with the entire vehicle. Ive only had a couple of small problems and one big problem with Fords National Customer Service. I live in Columbus OHIO. This past winter it snowed 24" within a week. I had no problem getting through 2 to 3 foot drifts. This vehicle will boogie through snow. It rides great. Ive never had this much fun driving a vehicle. It fits great in my garage unlike my previous F150. People who rag on power, bed capablility, and overall truck performance. Buy a truck (F series), this is a SUT.