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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  More Mustangs - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mark Gill - April 25 - 5:33 pm

  Its nice to be able to enjoy a performance car at this price level. The styling is retro in some ways but the features and ergonomics are 2005. Everything works at a fingertips reach and the feel of interior is superior to what we got in the past.

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  The 65 427 cobra has been replaced - 2014 Ford Shelby GT500
  By guidave59 - April 25 - 7:22 am

  The car is awesome but demands respect, I traded in a 2012 GT. When you pulled out to pass a semi at 60 and nailed in the GT it just took off and went, nail the GT500 in 4th gear at 65-70 will bring the back end around quickly and you are starring at oncoming traffic!!! The car is fun but you must remeber there is a BIG difference between 400 and 700 hp. I have seen these cars on a dyno put out 616 hp at the rear wheels which equates to about 700 at the motor. Overall an iconic car, but it did make number 2 on the video "The top 10 cars that want to kill you"

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  Daughters 2016 vrs my 2013 - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Gregg Miller - April 25 - 3:50 am

  We have a 2013 Explorer and LOVE IT. One of the best vehicles I have owned (hope it stays that way). This is our 3rd one. I have always found Ford seats to be the most comfortable in the whole industry. I have a bad back and so does my daughter. Congenital defect. We need perfectly flat back rest in any seats. My 2013 is so comfortable we both sit in to when our backs bother us, it is like therapy they are so good. My daughter bought a 2016 Explorer, same as mine. They did some "face lift" to it but basically the same vehicle. She and her husband love it in every way, except they RUINED The SEATS. They are so bad she cannot hardly drive the car. I cannot stand them. They have bulge in the back rest that will not go away. My power lumbar completely retracts and the seat back is flat. Hers will not do that. When the lumbar is retracted there is still a bulge. The dealer was going to offer to take the power lumbar out, but when they checked closer the seat itself was made different then mine and has a built in bulge to the backrest, the reason when you deflate or retract the lumbar it is still there punching you in the back. She has had to try and design a wedge pillow to try and get rid of this. My other daughters Fusion has power lumbar and it also fully retracts and it very comfortable. It also is a 2013. Mine and hers (2013 and 2016) are great in every other way. If the seat bulge is good for you, they are great SUVs. For the rest of us, Ford please fix the seats to what they were and have been for years, the best.

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  Rocket Fuel - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By BallBreaker - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the SHO model. The car sat around for a while without being driven so The computer was the first to go. Then the master cylinder. However I love this car. I named her "ROCKET FUEL" because she so fast. She Handles great and is real comfortable. Only thing is that she drinks gas like a thirsty child in the summer. I say get one if you can afford to pay for the fuel. Fords come as a case by case basis. I think some people are lucky and some arent. I hope Im one of the lucky ones.

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  the moosetang - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By mizoose - April 25 - 2:00 am

  all in all, i love my car more than anything. if the gas consumption doesnt bother you all that much this is the best bang for buck out there. i bought my 1998 chrome yellow mustang gt coupe from ford for 17 000$ canadian. i recomend it to anyone thats just looking for some fun.

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  My T-Bird - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By Nana - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car faithfully and serviced it regularly.. now that I am retired we use my Husbands car .. and Baby T-bird sits in that lonely garage... It has 67,000 Kilometers on it now, but still has original Tires and is in nice shape... one tiny scratch on right front bumper.. which I guess happened while shopping.. no idea when or where as never noticed it till I was washing the other day.. otherwise it is great..

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  Bearings shot at 30,000 miles - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By BadBearings@30k - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I expected better quality from my Ranger. My front bearings started grinding around 23,000 miles and now I have to replace them at 30,000.

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  03 Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jonathan - April 23 - 11:26 am

  The only flaw I have found is the rigid and light rear end causes some stability issues. Often at normal road speeds, hitting bumps when going any direction but straight can cause the rear to skip a little, not a fun feeling. I would pass on the power seats if you want to be able to store anything under them, and the rear seats dont fold down flat if you store anything of size under them. Other than that, a wonderful truck.

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  1999 P71 Crown Vic - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Robert Schyck - April 23 - 3:20 am

  I purchased my Crown Vic early in 2008. I enjoy the ride and handling is very good. This is a nice looking car with just enough style mixed with plenty of performance. It seems that every where I go people are always looking over. Its appearance is striking. This car has plenty of room inside and the truck is spacious. Drivers seat should be more supportive especially when driving aggressively. When I purchased Vic it had the very high rated tires. The ride was very stiff so I immediately installed new 225x60 Goodyear touring type tires, the ride improved tremendously. Even though they are not rated the performance is virtually the same, still handles very good.

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  Glad I didnt buy a Suburban - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By SUVLUVR - April 23 - 2:00 am

  After 2.5 years and 52,000 miles with my Expedition, I have no regrets. Love the looks of the Eddie Bauer as well as the standard features. This vehicle seems to be just the right size - a little smaller than a Suburban (easier to park), a little bigger than a Tahoe/Yukon (more cargo/passenger space). It has more second seat leg room than the Suburban. Its a great tow vehicle with more than adequate power. I wish a power passenger seat was available. Road noise on concrete pavement is a bit intrusive as the original equipment Goodyear RTS tires wear down. The ride is a bit jiggly (it has the 4-corner leveling system), but the handling is very car-like.