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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  Class - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Outer Banks - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Everything I hoped an auto to be and more.

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  Im Impressed - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By DebraLynn - January 10 - 7:23 pm

  My husband and I love this SUV. It drives so easy and Im short. Im able to handle it okay. My 7 year old loves the room it has. With all the bells and whistles its a dream to own.

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  Super Mustang Bullitt I love this Car! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Tom T - January 9 - 10:37 pm

  First Mustang I have owned.. I am a old car lover of fast cars. Always owned 442s and fast Chevys. Did not like the Mustang when it first came out. Loved it when the Bullitt came out. Could not find one at first. Someone traded this low mileage Bullitt in for a pickup and I happened to be at the dealership when it drove in and everyone said "WOW."

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  Ford 500 SEL - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Thomas Crosswhite - January 9 - 12:50 pm

  I did a weeks worth of research on the internet. I then test drove a Buick, Pontiac, Saturn and Chrysler. The Ford 500 SEL by far gave us more for our money.

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  Suggested Changes - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By dpizzan - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the Ford 500 is an exceptional vehicle. Some improvements that could be made, more horsepower, better sound system...(Bose)...change the grill...get rid of the Ford emblem in the grill and replace it with a hood ornamant...and offer pearl white on the Limited version..with these few minor changes, this car would truly be a world class touring car!

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  Love this car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By karen928 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is so much fun to ride and Ive had strangers stop me on the street to ask about it. It gets a LOT of looks! The V6 offers great acceleration and the automatic shifting is excellent. Has overdrive, but doesnt need it...even when already traveling over 65 mph.

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Ford Escape
  By J. Sher - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I just got the Ford excape and I really enjoy driving it. It has a stunning look and drives very smooth while having a decent size engine. I suggest test driving this vehicle to understand the kind of performance and power it has. GO BUY ONE

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  Great solid all around vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - January 8 - 9:39 pm

  This Explorer is fun to drive. I have not bought American in over 12 years. This vehicle is great!! I highly recommend it. Great value for the money.

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  Lights out - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By wagtop - January 8 - 3:49 pm

  Very disappointed that I cant get either automatic headlights or even daytime running lights on this car. Other Fords have them available. Daytime running lights are mandatory in Canada, but are not even available in the US. Come on, Ford, wake up and see the light.

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  Awesome Choice - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By spell99 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I spent a lot of time doing research on many makes of new cars and none offered the level of features for the money that the Mustang did. It is a great car!!!