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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  Just simply amazing! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Joe A - January 21 - 9:31 am

  Im 16 and I bought a 2000 Mustang GT as my first car. Having a 5 speed manual makes this car a blast to drive. The car handles beautifully in dry weather, have yet to drive it in anything wet. Since I am in high school, its nice seeing heads turn everywhere I go. The full Flowmaster exhaust sure helps bring attention to my car. Only thing I have to say is it is a eye-catcher, especially for the COPS. So drive safe and be careful!

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  2005 Eddie Bauer - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By rs - January 21 - 5:10 am

  Great improvement over previous 99 Eddie Bauer owned. Ride is a bit stiffer, but feels like a sportier drive. Handling and turning radius is excellent for a vehicle of this size. The new 5.4 3V is much torquier than the old engines and can pull a moderate hill at 1200 RPM without downshifts. Mileage is not bad on the highway we get 19-20 mpg on trips if we keep at 70 or below. Tows our 23 boat/trailer at 7,000 lbs. with ease getting about 12-14 mpg highway. Other than a window rattle which the dealer fixed with a new weather strip, no problems, and very reliable so far at 15k. Great truck!

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  happy - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Austin jones - January 20 - 6:21 pm

  buyford

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  Delight to drive - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By nopolsky - January 19 - 9:30 pm

  I was especially surprised how well the stability control worked in the snow. We got a ton of snow recently and when I looked out the window I began to regret not getting the 4x4 option. Anyway, out in the snow I went... The explorers RSC option kept the veh going in a straight line without swerving and tight in the corners without the rear going out. I was really pleased, why didnt Ford have this before.

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  My reliable used Ford. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Eric Wehrenberg - January 19 - 3:41 am

  This is by far the BEST used car that I ever purchased. The ride is smooth and the car is mechanically sound. Gas mileage is as high as 28 highway but on average is in the area of 26 mpg. Even around town the Taurus is good on gas. I am truly pleased with this car. Visibility is good and the truck space is large. Seating is comfortable and car seats fit in the back without difficulty. I would recommend the Ford Taurus to anyone who is looking for a reliable used vehicle.

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  Excellent Choice - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By timothy novak - January 18 - 7:12 pm

  I have owned this car for a little over 4 years, and have not had any major problems with it. Of course, the oxygen sensors have needed to be replaced, but doesnt every car have that problem? Periodically, my odometer displays turns off, but this is just a minor problem...if even a problem at all. Yesterday, it wouldnt start, so I will need to replace either the battery or the starter. Now this is no big deal, considering the car is paid for, and this is the only problem that I have ever had. Over all, excellent car and I would buy another.

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  its a Ford - 1994 Ford F-150
  By F-150freak - January 18 - 3:58 pm

  I love my F-150. I have had no issues with it, and I have put on custom wheels and it still rides like a dream. I just wish more people would fix them up, and not just use them for work horses. I treat it like my third child. It is safe and up high so I feel like I can see everything when driving. I would recommend the F-150 to everyone. Mine is a 1994 and has all the sexiness of a new one. I love Fords! P.S I am a 30 year old female, and would recommend one for all gals with spirit!

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  Happy 55 yr. old! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Ron E. Brandich - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I have been drivig Ford custom Vans for 30 years and decided, after the kids were gone, that I needed something different! I sold my 97 custom Ford van and ordered a new 2002 Explorer Sport Trac last Oct. with every option available and waited till Dec. 26th to get it. I then ordered some other available optins from my Ford dealer and had them installed and then ordered gray metal flake pin stripping and had that put down the sides and I really LOVE my car/Suv/truck..it has been call everything under the sun, but I LOVE it! Wish the gas mileage was a little better..its almost like driving a big Econoline again..with the mileage, but I LOVE it.

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  Need a truck and SUV ?Answer F 150 crew - 2001 Ford F-150
  By ezak4ss - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck just a few weeks and every day I see more things about it that I like.This is the do all vehicle that can take you and the wife to dinner,take the kids to baseball practice with all the gear,and pull the boat all in the same day without missing a beat!

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  Eddie Bauer 4X2 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Rick in Alabama - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Prior to buying this vehicle we explored all other competition. It wasnt even close. We have a family of five and tow a 23ft boat. This vehicle is well built, roomy, quiet and handles better than any vehicle this size. Many others complain about the mileage, however, by avoiding jack rabbit starts we average 16/17 in mixed driving with the 5.4 engine.