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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  Grandma Toy - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Grandmas Toy - March 24 - 11:46 pm

  Drive and rides really well. Fun car to drive. Get a lot of good comments. Love the style of interior and exterior.

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  Great car to buy! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By John55 - March 23 - 9:40 pm

  This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Before buying the car I considered either the Mustang or a Trans Am. I picked the Mustang because it looks better on the outside and on the inside. Its also a great car for modding. Just added 3.73 gears, K&N intake, Diablo Predator programmer, Bassain O/R X-pipe, Borla catback, short throw shifter, and lowering springs. Also add 03 Cobra rims with 315s in rear and youre set. With these mods I put down 278rwhp and 308rwtq.

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  Best car, Best price - 2005 Ford Focus
  By rob - March 23 - 3:28 pm

  This is a great vehicle, everyone that drives it says it has a better ride than most $20,000 cars. And it has a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty! I shopped A LOT, no better deal!

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  Best ca I ever owned. - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Daniel from S.A. TX - March 23 - 11:45 am

  I got this Expedition with 83k on it, now it has almost 200k and I am looking forward to 300k. Really comfy we have looked at newer cars and just cant trade it away. Great car.

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  Good car for less money. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Jack White - March 23 - 3:58 am

  The ride and handling for the price was much much more than I had anticipated. The mileage is over 30 on the highway and about 22 in the city with the air conditioning going most of the time in Florida. The mileage is actually better now at 105,000 miles than it was at 20,000 miles. The room inside is very generous. The look and paint is excellent even 6 years later. The depreciation is average for an American car so for the money a used 2000 Taurus is a good buy in my mind. The problems over the years were less than average for an American car also.

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  Safety, Power, and Smooth Ride, Awesome - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Stan B. - March 23 - 2:30 am

  To anyone considering this vehicle, do not believe the negative comments about power. I have just come back from a 500 mile round truip visit to the Inlaws and let me tell you my honest thoughts. This car is Incredible. It rides smooth, quiet and the POWER is very nice. I had to lay off the gas several times because the Freestyle had crept up to 85 mph without my even knowing it. My suggestion is get it with the DVD player if you have kids; it makes road trips heavenly! This car has so much for under $30,000, it is a steal. I had one road bike and 6 extra large duffle bags in the back and still had room. Car is very FUN to drive. Gas mileage is awesome, COMFORT & SAFETY make it worthwhile

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  My Baby - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Karen - March 23 - 12:08 am

  My baby sleeps outside every night and never complains. She doesnt cough or sputter when the weather gets cold. She doesnt blow her top and get freaky when it gets really hot. Gently she carries me daily mile after mile. It has the comfort and control of a finely tuned high performance car. I fear she has only one fault that I can find, with her front end as low to the ground it leaves the radiator and condenser sitting ducks for any small creature with a death wish. My only hope is that they redesign the protection of these by perhaps a deflector or stronger bracket.With that said, my Focus has been the most dependable car Ive ever owned ... I LOVE HER!

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  Takes a licking - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Joe - March 22 - 10:22 pm

  This car wont stop.Ive had it for 15 years and had no major problems besides recalls. I call it ol reliable. It always starts and runs like new. Ive had no degradation of gas milage or performance. Its too bad that the resale value is so low for such a reliable vehicle.

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  best pickup I have ever owned - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Terry - March 22 - 4:26 am

  Use this vechile for my business and to pull a 7,400 pound trailer. Pulls better than any of my previous trucks. Gas mileage could be better.

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  The Little Car that Could... - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Hbgguppy - March 22 - 2:13 am

  I bought my Escort in a pinch. I had just bought my first house and very quickly realized the expenses of home ownership. I traded in my Ford Expedition and bought my Escort, cutting my car payment in half. Having owned SUVs for years and years, I wanted another "full cabin on frame" vehicle. Nothing car be more frustrating than trying to wedge a book shelf in the back of a sedan in the IKEA parking lot. I soon fell in love with the "little car that could". 4 years later and Im still attached to "Fred" as hes now known. I particularly enjoy the visibility while parallel parking and making fast lane changes during rush hour traffic. Hes been a darn good car to me.