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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  Love my Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bernie - March 25 - 2:53 pm

  What a fun car. Its an eye catcher. Its my eighth Thunderbird and I think its the best of all.

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  Best of Class - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Frank Smith - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2003 expedition EB about two weeks. I traded a 1999 expedition EB which I loved. The 2003 no longer has that truck ride, feel, or comfort. No flaws at this point. Gas mileage still a little weak. I have all the options and the DVD is nice but blocks your rear mirror view, in the seat like Cad would be better. I would rate this car a 9++ and I have owned many different brands and types.

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  Love that Sport Trac - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SpttrkBob - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle for its versatility. You can seat four comfortable (five in a pinch) and it drives like an SUV. Yet, I still have a bed to get mulch or bring things to the dump. I really enjoy driving it. It was a good replacement for my 94 Ford Ranger

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  First month - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By g2121 - March 25 - 1:16 am

  This is a great car. We enjoy driving very much. The milage has been great. According to the on board computer we are getting just under 47 MPG. However when we manually calculate we are getting 49 MPG (mostly city driving). The car handles well and rides well. We are very pleased at this point. The only thing I can say bad about it at this point is the sync system doesnt work well. It will recognize my wifes voice but it will not recognize mine. We need to stop back at the dealer to see if they have any suggestions. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is interested in a hybrid.

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  Great Truck.....so far - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Jay - March 23 - 9:16 pm

  I have the 5.4 engine in this truck. So far so good. Bought in 5/2004. Looked at the Tundra, Titan and Sierra. In my opinion this was the best truck out there. This truck has lots of interior room unlike the access cabTundra. I have bucket seats with the HUGE center console - plenty of room for storage. Only complaints: not near enough room under rear seats and the standard tires are a joke. They need tires like the Titan. Right now I have 8,900 miles. In the summer I was averaging betweem 16-17 mpg (city & hwy). Winter avg is 15 mpg, but thats what you get with a big engine truck. New interior is awesome. Highly recommended. 1st Truck.

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  Nice small family SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mindy - March 23 - 8:51 pm

  I purchased my Escape in August 2003 and I have had no problems with it. I really like the car, but I feel it is more of a family vehicle. I have heard the front side air bags make it much safer, so I would recommend them. (Mine has them, but I had to special order it). I am considering selling mine in the near future to buy a New Beetle, which I owned before the Escape. Overall, great car, not too tall for short people! :)

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  My 5th Ranger - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By fugitive - March 23 - 8:26 pm

  Have owned Rangers since 1983. The only real problem I have had with the 96 was the automatic hubs went out, I had them replaced with manual hubs for $260. As of today I have 98,000 miles and the body and finish are still excellent.

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  007 Special Edition - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By perrydog - March 23 - 5:48 pm

  Compared to my previous Mercedes SLK, this has much more power and style, though the handling is no match for the SLK. It is more a mixture of luxury and performance. The engine is as strong as any muscle car I drove in the 60s, yet gets 17 - 26 mpg. This is a real head turner, and a hit with the ladies. The car looks much better with the porthole hardtop than the soft top, unless it is down! The build quality is excellent, with just 1 minor problem in two years.

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  I love this car - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Rod - March 23 - 3:30 pm

  The ride and look of this car really sold me on buying it. I had a 2002 model and traded for a Ford Escape. What a mistake! I thought I needed a SUV for pulling a trailer and a couple of 4 wheelers. The ride and cabin noise really turned me off with the Escape. I traded back for the Taurus and will not make that mistake again. I will buy a F-150 if I need a truck for towing. I feel so much safer in the Taurus.

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  Best value - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By John - March 22 - 9:08 pm

  With the marginal press reviews this van gets, discounts are plentiful. Very quiet and comfortable. Zero problems so far.