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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  POCKET ROCKET, small size but large powe - 2004 Ford Focus
  By joshuam - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a small car with alot of power. SVT is that way to go. i test drove a few other cars (celica,eclipse,sunfire) though each have there benefits, i must say that the FocusSVt is on top.

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  1997 Ranger XLT king cab - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By ranger guy - October 27 - 2:33 pm

  This Ranger has the 2.3 liter engine.Very reliable, good mileage, great handling truck. Truck does not have much power, however engine works good with 5 speed manual. Excellent truck for city or highway driving, does not like hill climbs however, you will have to gun it. I have had a few Rangers, liked the 97 2.3 liter the best. Stay away from 4.0 liter Ranger unless you are hauling or hill climbing. An absolute gas guzzler, motor is too heavy for truck

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  Good truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By biekerman - October 27 - 1:33 pm

  We had this truck for 8 years and had only minor problems. 5.0 V8 delivers excellent overall power, but sacrifices fuel economy. No trouble when hauling 3/4 ton of rock and towing a 2 ton vehicle. I would recommend this truck.

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dodad - October 27 - 9:00 am

  Bought this Sport Trac in October, had nothing but problems since. First the PCM burned up. Then three weeks later it wouldnt start. Its in the shop right now .They dont have a clue whats wrong with it. It only gets 10 miles to the gallon of gas. Has no power at all.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Doug - October 27 - 3:20 am

  Other than a lack of acceleration our Freestyle has exceeded our expectations. The interior is roomy and offers many seating and cargo options. The drive and feel of a medium to large sedan. Exterior looks and finish are exceptional. Ford has developed a fine crossover between SUV and van, it offers the best qualities of both.

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  Get a Warranty with it! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By BriGuy - October 26 - 4:59 pm

  My first new vehicle was more unreliable than many used vehicles I had before. Ready for the list: Valve body in transmission, engine rods, oxygen sensors(2), transfer case, front differential seal, drivers side ball joints 3 times, tie-rods twice, passenger side ball joints once, center console collapsed, rear window leak! 5k in repairs! All this by 75,000 miles! Too bad I enjoyed it when it ran.

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  Fun Pony! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By BriGuy - October 26 - 3:58 pm

  This car is in my top 3 of cars I have ever owned. Didnt want to pay the extra insurance or worse gas mileage so I went for the 3.8 V6. I was worried it would be a wimp, not a chance. Rivals the power I have in my V8 Grand Marquis! Handled great on corners. Got 26 MPG consistently! Sold at 78k and never had a repair!

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  Love my 2013 C Max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By ctylane - October 26 - 7:22 am

  Just purchased my C Max from Chaparral Ford in Devine TX. Have been thinking about replacing my 2005 Ford Five Hundred with 148,000 miles. I also have a 2013 Taurus Limited, so wanted a run around car. When I got the car it had about 150 or so miles on it. The dealer filled it up and I drove almost 500 miles. On the first fill-up I got 41.3 MPG. I was satisfied with that. Then I came on here and read some of the mileage figures and was surprised to see some of the low figures. I began to wonder in my mind. However on this my first fill-up I am getting between 46 and 47 with it reading 46.7 right now. I am leaving next week for Maryland, a 1800 miles trip. Will report when I return

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  Best Car Ever - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Denise - October 26 - 1:14 am

  Because I was a Bill Elliott fan, all I wanted was a bright red Thunderbird. When I saw this car, it was love at first sight. I am still driving it after 16 years. It still is a great handling car. My T-Bird still looks great and gets good gas mileage. Ford would recover faster if it starting building cars like this again.

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  What a Wonderful Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By RedWingFan - October 25 - 9:16 pm

  I love this truck! It is by far the best truck I have ever owned. I have driven and hauled trailers across the country from Miss. to Montana and back to Mich. and this truck has no problem at all. I have the 4.6 engine and I have 70,000 miles on it and it runs just as good as the day I bought it. I change the oil every 3-4k and I still get 20mpg on the highway. I couldnt ask for a better truck. I will drive this truck until the doors fall off or a million miles, whichever comes first...My son wants the truck but only after Im dead and gone. I only drive Ford trucks. No other truck compares in my book. I have had four other Ford trucks in my days but this is the best. Period.