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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  Long Time Runnin - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By BBQDad - February 24 - 10:53 am

  Bought my 2002 Ford Mustang Coupe (232 Cu. In. V6, Auto/OD, Premium Edition) in August 2002. Vehicle has performed very well driving back and forth from Pittsburgh, PA, to Secaucus, NJ every other weekend, about 400 miles one way. The Mustang cruises effortlessly at highway speeds. Tranny is properly geared for city commutes, allowing the engines torque peak to be used readily (torque peaks at just 2,750 RPM). Gas mileage ranges from 22 MPG in stop-and-go driving to 31 MPG on long, flat highway drives at 65 MPH. Sound system is good AC handles summer heat. Still uses NO oil between changes! Goes WELL in snow, including recent trip through WV mountains during snowstorm! Still original battery.

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  Incredible! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By E! - February 24 - 8:36 am

  I have been caught in two snow storms since the purchase of my Edge. I must tell you it handled great! In dry conditions the ride on the highway is very smooth and plush. The feel of a high end luxurious vehicle.

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  Yep, its great! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By KChrW - February 24 - 2:00 am

  In 5 months we put just over 12,000 miles on our Focus ZX3. This is an outstanding car. So far not had a single problem. Gas milage is outstanding. Sometimes just over 30 miles to the gallon. The driving position is excellent, trunk capacity astounding, build quality very good, the tilt/telescoping fat leather steering wheel exceptional and the Focus is a blast to drive. It has power windows, mirrors and even remote door locks and trunk release. We bought over the internet for $2500.-- off the sticker.It was worth it not to have to deal with sleazy salespeople, who dont have a clue about the product they are selling.

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  like a rock - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Mark - February 23 - 7:58 pm

  I got my 96 Escort new 10 years ago. This car just wont die. I now have 131,000 miles on it and it still drives and looks like a new car. I have looked at new cars but I cant find any as nice as my Escort. I have had few problems and the oil is still at the full mark when I change the oil every 7000 miles. The body is rust free even after 10 Wisconsin winters. I still have cold ac. I keep it washed and waxed and the paint still looks like a new car. This has been the best car I have ever owned and I only hope my future cars are as good as this one (the car that keeps going and going and going).

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  Ford has made a great car/crossover - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Rick - February 23 - 11:00 am

  This car is a real winner. Ford did almost everything right. Great engine, great interior and very well equipped in the Ltd model. Exterior is different, but special. For as large of a car as the Flex, the gas mileage is pretty good.

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  1996 F150 XLT Standard Cab SB - 1996 Ford F-150
  By MIke Sauve - February 23 - 9:14 am

  This truck has been in my family since it was built in October of 95. Since then we have had NO breakdowns that we couldnt drive away from. We had one bad fuel pump, a bad vacuum sensor and the abs brakes went out. But we drove away from all of them because we have dual tanks. The vacuum sensor didnÂ’t do anything except turn the check engine light on. The abs doesnÂ’t works but you still have brakes, they just dont pulsate.

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  great suv and handles awesome! steering is great - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By skhaas@roadrunner.com - February 23 - 3:47 am

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  2004 F-150 XLT - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Skip Leicht - February 23 - 1:19 am

  The vehicle performs well, the 5.4 has all the power I need and the electronic transmission is geared well to this performance. The body style is a huge improvement over the F-150s built in the late 90s. The interior is comfortable for my 62" (200 lbs) frame.

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  93 Ford Ranger - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By RShearn - February 22 - 6:27 pm

  Purchased new Nov. 1993, it has 226,000 miles on the original engine. Wished I could find a new truck as reliable. My sons have learned to drive a manual shift with this vehicle and have put many miles on it themselves. Besides tires, brakes, exhaust, starter, belts, hoses, water pump, and 3 carrier bearings - everything else is original from the factory. It doesnt use a drop of oil - changed every 3000 - 4000 miles.

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  F-150 Crewcab - 2004 Ford F-150
  By MACTEP - February 21 - 12:25 am

  The 2004 F-150 SuperCrew holds the road well, offers a solid ride and comfortable room for five. Still, it leaves room for improvement.