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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  F-O-R-D - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By brian - January 8 - 12:32 am

  Bought new in July 04, dealer replaced front brakes due to a defect at 10k, no problems until 38k when transmission blew seal. Cost 1700 at independent trans mechanic since it was at holiday. Brought faulty seals to dealer, they replied "you should of brought vehicle in to us and got an estimate" Would of gotten gouged for sure my opinion. Plan on driving it to the junkyard. How can sticker on this plastic monster be 27k, got it after rebates for 17k and worth 4k 5 years later? Brakes squeak, and I put so much time into shims and anti-rattle compound. Dont let dealer put another Ford trans in your vehicle, let someone rebuild it with new seals. Why invite the same trouble twice?

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  Just as good, but cheaper than imports - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By 1sttimeford - January 7 - 10:41 pm

  Due to lots of bad experiences, my family is anti-domestics as far as cars go. I test drove a Fusion and couldnt get past how much less expensive it was for more options. It has been a great car so far. Its amazingly quiet and smooth, easily the best car Ive owned so far.

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  Best Ive owned - 2001 Ford F-150
  By M - January 7 - 10:34 pm

  This is the best truck Ive ever owned. Sometimes I wish it wasnt so reliable so I could justify buying something newer. With 115,000 miles it still has the original spark plugs, coils, alternator, shocks, etc, and gets just shy of 18 mpg on the highway. Ive never been crazy about the styling (exterior or interior) but it drives well and is very comfortable.

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  Looks like the 60s - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By terkar - January 7 - 6:09 pm

  Test drove the GT, but the V-6 with upfitters package caught my eye. One ride and my wife and I fell in love with the car. Very peppy acceleration, good gas mileage, and nice smooth ride. Will be getting an intake and exhaust soon but actually has more than enough pickup without it and nice 30MPG on the highway.

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  Good Car - Wish they still made wagon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By D - January 7 - 4:00 pm

  We really enjoy this car. Bought it used 18 months ago, the transmission did need rebuilt after we owned it for 1 year with only 66,000 miles on it, but we got a great initial price on the vehicle. Runs great on the road and handles much better than the MiniVan it replaced. Good gas mileage 23 on highway with family of 5 and car topper.

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  Great looking and fun but some drawbacks - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By rocpat - January 7 - 11:05 am

  Overall I love my Mustang GT. Its very fun to drive and makes a great daily driver. The style, performance, and sound cant be beat for the price. I drive mine year-round and only the worst snow storms will slow it down. It also gets decent gas mileage when driven with respect. I constantly get around 30 MPG on the highway and 18 MPG with mixed driving. My only complaint is the build quality could stand to be improved. Ive brought it to the dealer numerous times to have various parts replaced. None were serious, mostly just to fix rattles, clunks or other odd noises the car was making. Other than that the car has been reliable for the two years Ive owned it.

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  Dark Horse - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By James Little - January 7 - 10:05 am

  I bought my Mustang used. I have always loved the Mustangs. The only problem I had with mine is somebody changed the rear end oil and didnt seal it properly. I had to replace the gears and lsd. I replaced the 3.27s with 3.55s. Amazing. I have alot of mods: intake, exhaust, gears, suspension, rims, tires, shifter, audio, hand held tuner. The car responds well to mods. Through on an Eibach Pro System Plus Kit with good tires and the handling becomes go kart like. I recommend buying a Swarr Bar for the rear axles if you have a GT. This will make the car more predictable on take off and in corners. Only true problem I have had is the traction control kicking in too fast. I just turn it off.

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  Best Vehicle Owned - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By mike - January 7 - 8:06 am

  Owned a Honda Pilot and the Taurus X by far is a better vehicle. Ride, interior quality, and fuel economy is good. the all wheel drive is great.

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  Dont believe the hype! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Jimbo - January 7 - 7:46 am

  The car is incredibly noisy inside the cabin for such an expensive vehicle. Performance from the 2.0 Ecoboost is great for a 4 cylinder. Fuel mileage is rated at 34 mpg, but the best I have yet to see better than 30 on a long highway run. My V8 Mustang did better than that. It does get about 27 mpg combined. The transmission is very unpredictable. This is the one thing that really makes the car feel like a 4 cylinder. Dont pay for the tech package! I was really hoping the Sync system would have improved beyond its reputation by now, but it is about 50% useless - especially navigation. I am seriously thinking about replacing the factory system with an iPad but I would lose the only manual control of the heated steering wheel. The remote start works well with a great range. Its really nice to get in the car with pre-warmed seats and steering wheel.

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  Worst Ever - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Peter - January 7 - 1:04 am

  This is my 4th F150 Lariat since 2000 and probably the worst (Lariat Chrome edition). Ive had it for 2 years now and its been in and out of the shop on many occasions for engine bogginess (5.4L), transmission problems (transmission has now been rebuilt), brake problems (2 brake jobs already), backup sensor problems (replaced 2 so far). My lease expires in less than a year. Thank God! Ive had enough. I dont think I will be leasing another Ford truck again.