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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  I will never drive a regular car again! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By vcrawf1207 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  If you tons of driving like I do,you will love the comfort,and ruggedness, however it does really use the gas! Very comfortableand reliable here where the snowloves to fall!

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  Great sports car--- and affordable!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By franky l1011 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  fun to own and drive

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  Crown Vic Lover - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By bob & his wife - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is our 6th Crown Victoria (to date). We love these cars! We have 4 kids and this vehicle is a nice alternative to the mini-van. By the way, we are not old (mid-30s!).

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  Ford Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Tim Rambo - June 5 - 3:03 pm

  The Ford Expedition is the greatest family vehicle out there. Great performance, incredible driving ability, and very comfortable on the interior. The vehicle rides like a luxury car and handles like a small sports car. Truly an amazing vehicle.

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  This Car Will Get You Noticed - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ben - June 5 - 12:41 am

  This is my wifes car and she just loves it. It turns more heads than a Corvette. If you want attention and comfort and a quality built car then this is it. If you want to carry groceries or kids then this car isnt for you. The car style is not overly aggressive or cheap and I believe it will stand the test of time in style. All the ladies in her group love it. My wife has finally got the "Car Craze" bug because of this T-Bird. Its cheaper than the Corvette as well and I believe more fun in the long haul.

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  F150 was great - 2001 Ford F-150
  By F150 Lariat Supercre - June 4 - 10:37 am

  This truck runs great, gets 21 MPG highway and has plenty of power. Im going in for a brake job at 59,000 miles and had no other problems. Shifts well, the 4.6 liter engine is smooth and delivers 231 HP. Lots of space and passengers love it too. Bed is 5.5 feet long but served me well as I can easily put 4x8 sheet of plywood in. Other trucks including 6 cylinder Rangers, Toyotas and Dodges just dont deliver the gas mileage that this truck does.

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  Love this SUV - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By twinktamer - June 3 - 8:11 pm

  Same mileage as my Explorer, plenty of power and loads of room. I dont think that I will be able to go back to a mid-size SUV after this vehicle.

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  Sweet Ride - Poor Marketing - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mojohio - June 3 - 6:11 pm

  This car is my dream car. It has wonderful handling and great style.The acceleration is excellent its not neck snapping, but it is very strong. This was not designed as a dragster, but as a cruiser and it serves that purpose to perfection. Ford dealers did themselves a disservice by adding the "dealers premium" charge to the sticker price and Ford didnt help by delaying the availability as long as they did when they were introduced. The T-bird did not meet sales expectations due to those reasons plus a virtually non-existent ad campaign. I bought mine in July,04 its an 03 that languished on the lot for a year. I bought it new for $9500 UNDER sticker. I could not be happier with the auto.

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  50th on my 50th B-Day! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jerry - June 3 - 5:03 pm

  Ever since I was a kid growing up in the Detroit Suburbs & going to the Ford Employees summer Day camps at the Ford Rouge & assembly plants, Greenfield Village and the Ford Test Track seeing those cool convertible T-bird of the late 50s and early 60s at the Ford Rotunda Building (burnt down in mid 60s), did I want my own Ford Thunderbird Convertible. And although I have owned over 25 Ford, Mercury or Lincoln cars since my first Pinto at age 16 have I finally got my wish. On my 50th Birthday, I drove down to the nearest Ford Dealer that had the Gold 50th Anniversary T-Bird and I bought it!

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  better than ever - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 67729094 - June 3 - 9:30 am

  An e-ticket ride. The GT 300 hp engine is a rocket ship on wheels. Ive had 4 Mustangs, my favorite until now was a red 3511972 Mach 1. This car is superior in every way in acceleration and handling, although Mustangs always do best when traveling in a straight line. Forget the back seats, this is a two person car. Nice leather finished seats are comfortable.