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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  great car, bad seller - 1997 Ford Escort
  By worldgirlorbit - November 12 - 2:10 pm

  I really enjoy my Escort, except for one thing. The oil system. I havent heard of anyone else having this problem, but I have had so many problems with the pump, the sender unit, the filter. Ive had three oil changes in the past two months alone, and Ive only driven it a few times. Other than that I have had no problems.

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  I still like my Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By GPDMTR25 - November 12 - 2:06 pm

  I still love to drive my Explorer. Ive never had a problem with mine although several of my friends have had minor problems with theirs. I was worried about getting an American made car so I purchased the extended warranty. Ive never had a reason to use it though. My second car is a convertible Mini Cooper which is a blast to drive but I still use my Explorer to do all of my main driving because I like it so much.

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  The Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Islandbrah - November 12 - 1:13 am

  This car can be summed up in one work. AWESOME! I am not a fan of Ford but they did it with this one. I am a converted bow tie owner and havent looked back since. The power and torque are great in factory form but Ford left A LOT on the table. After a couple hundred dollars and a weekend the Mustang can hang with a Vette.

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  I Love My Roush GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 1HTPONY - November 11 - 8:05 pm

  I bought a 2005 Red Roush GT. It rides like a dream and looks awesome. The power is great and sounds great too. Im also very happy with the Shaker 500. Always looking for a reason to drive my new Pony!

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  V8 Tbird Sport LX - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By ritchie - November 11 - 5:58 pm

  I have two. Both are very reliable and have plenty of power and handle well. Smooth ride from the 4 wheel independent suspension. I own 12 Fords and love them all.

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  Surprise! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By JKennedy1612 - November 11 - 3:13 pm

  I own a 01 Vette and I needed an everyday driver. I wanted another sports car thats fun and reliable. To my surprise, the Mustang GT delivered. Before turning the car on, I couldnt believe how comfortable the seats were. The seating position was just perfect, as well as the location of the 5 speed shifter. I can not emphasize enough how smooth the 5 speed transmission is. Im in awe. The interior is well crafted aside from the plastic pieces. The chrome and aluminum accents are favorable. Now to the performance. Let me tell you, this thing goes and thats coming from a Vette owner. The sound/rumble of the 300 V8 is fantastic. Im happy with my decision on this vehicle.

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  MUSCLE MUSTANG is back! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By LJC - November 11 - 12:33 am

  With just a few tweaks here and there, this car becomes a hybrid muscle car and sports car. Goes FAST, sounds AWESOME, great handling -- like its superglued to the road. The best part about the tweaks -- e.g. aftermarket exhaust -- is that they dont compromise reliability or fuel economy. The convertible top is very solid and secure when locked up, no flapping or significant noisiness, even on the highway. Top-down, this car is a blast just as well, and the MACH sound system can easily be heard over even a passing semi.

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  fun to drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By ljcollaz - November 10 - 9:53 am

  3 months owning the car and am more impressed than when I first bought it. MPG holding in the upper 20s, handles like a dream with a responsive Mazda engine. Hopefully the engine will last like my 13 year old Miata, which @ 140,000 miles is almost indestructible. Ford is doing their homework to compete with the imports.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By LUV MY BIRD - November 10 - 6:51 am

  Ive owned my T-Bird for 2 years and it just turned 3000 miles on the odometer (yes, I only drive it on Sundays). I selected the Granite Gray color right off the show room floor and it is indeed a very seductive car. No matter where I go with the top up or down it turns heads and people stop to ask about it. With the hardtop installed and opera windows gleaming it looks ready for a night driving down Broadway Avenue. The smooth V-8 engine coupled with the 5 speed auto transmission runs like a sewing machine. Reliability has been very good with only a minor glitch associated with rear wheel rpm sensor that affected traction control. I intend on owning this vehicle for a very long time.

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  I love my car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Joy Browning - November 10 - 4:31 am

  The day i went to the dealership, I wanted a little Escort. I was at that time very much overweight and I was having a hard time getting out of the car. I was walking into the showroom to purchase the little car, when I spotted this beautiful car with the color of green. I call it silver-green. I test drove it, but I already knew I would buy the car. And I love it.