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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  Cheap, affordable, and great - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Nambow - December 31 - 10:03 pm

  I got this car after it had been sitting for 1-2 yrs. I had to replace the tires and tie rods. It drives good, and is a manual. I average anywhere from 31-35mpg. My car has 119k and shows no sign of giving up.

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  I love this truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Kcrowe - December 31 - 6:19 pm

  I have owned this truck since 1997. Had 23,000 miles when I bought it. Has 235,000 now. I just cant sell it. It has never let me down. The 300 six is un-stoppable. Ford should have never stopped building this engine. Mine is Black with gold accent. When shes washed and waxed, I still get comments on her great looks. Dont drive it much anymore, but like I said, I cant seem to part with her. Replaced one hydraulic clutch actuator, clutch and two alternators. Thats it. Still runs like new. Best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  Wow - 2009 Ford F-150
  By george - December 31 - 11:20 am

  Based on the deals out there due to the current market, i took advantage and swapped out my 2004 F1-150 for a new 2009. As another reviewer had mentioned any and everything that you would have like to have seen changed on the the 2004 was! The interior is outstanding in every way. The new flat floor and fold up backseats are a great idea. Overall performance, engine, braking etc. I cant say enough about it. After 1,000 miles now, the only thing i havent quite seen is the improved mileage. Im still under 16 MPG highway, about the same as my old 5.4.

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  What a good little car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By redgirl - December 30 - 7:16 pm

  Bought car 11 months ago it now has 134,000 miles and I think with a new clutch. It will make it to 150,000. Only thing is it is beat up looking. The person who owned it last scratched it all up. So I am selling her. It took me to Gainseville, and Orlando. I live in Stuart and thats a hike. Again great little car

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By Medar Cabello - December 30 - 4:13 pm

  For those of you that needs space, power and a pleasent ride, the Explorer is an excellent choice for the price. Its very fun to drive. Poor gas mileage in the city but good enough in highways considering the V8

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  One of Fords better ideas - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By John Hamilton - December 30 - 3:46 pm

  We bought this car as an "executive driven" used vehicle with only 5500 miles on the odometer in 2001. Other than the individual coils on the spark plugs failing at the worst times and the intake manifold blowing, the car has had only routine maintenance. The ride,fuel economy and reliability has been very good. The 24 valve engine has had the oil and filter changed regularly at 3,000 mile intervals and performs very well for an eight year old car. The leather seats are still in excellent condition and I had individual dual heating installed by the dealer at time of purchase. I hope to keep this car for the foreseeable future.

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  Freestyle Limited Love It - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By D.G. MILLER - December 30 - 1:26 pm

  Love almost every thing about this vehicle. Very nice to drive, feels very solid and tight. Like the fuel economy for a AWD large vehicle, 5-6 mpg better than my Explorer. This vehicle is a bargain vs. other AWD 7 passenger vehicles on the market.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Jeremy81 - December 30 - 1:08 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owened, very reliable, very economical, fun to drive. Very sharp looking car. Six star rating. I will be trading it in next year for a newer one. I like the way the 2010 models look.

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  Beautiful-if you dont stand too close! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By disappointed - December 30 - 11:17 am

  This SUV has some real problems cosmetically. The paint begins to peel after a few years, the panel on the liftgate cracks for no reason other than a bad design flaw, and the black trim on the doors fades and cracks after a few years. The worse thing about all of this is that after selling someone this SUV for $30,000, Ford will not stand behind one of their most expensive products and help the consumer out, especially when the design flaws and defective paint jobs are Fords own mistakes. As far as reliability, I have had no problems yet, but the transmission is pretty clunky, and will probably not last as long as it should. We had a 2000 model that needed a new tranny at 44,000 miles.

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  Its a good solid Car. - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Imsassy - December 30 - 10:36 am

  Bought the car used. Drove it for 2 years and put 48,000 miles on it. Sold it to my son as his first car. Now has 150,000 miles. Replaced the trans and timing belt. Its a great car for a first time driver. Maintenance is key, change the oil every 3months and monitor the fluids. Its not A piece of junk like others have said. Its a good solid car, and yes when the miles add up it will need repair, but show me a car with 150K on it that doesnt need repair.