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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  Surprised at how well it drives - 2004 Ford F-150
  By nyscamper - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I actually have the XLT but that wasnt a choice. I traded in a 99 Ford Expedition with the 4.6 engine for this F150 Crew Cab with the 5.4 engine. This truck is far superior in many ways - handles so much better - doesnt lean when turning - rides smoothly - much quieter. I tow a 4700 lb. travel trailer. The new truck basically pulls it in the next higher gear compared to the Expedition so gas mileage has improved. Dont get "pushed" as much by tractor trailers when they go by the trailer. Also dont get as much bouncing over bumps in the road. I like to drive and ride this truck more than many cars Ive driven and its got all the room I need.

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  Hello - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Crystal - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Fords r tha bomb!

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  2005 AWD ESCAPE LIMITED - AWESOME !!!! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SIDENISE - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I just luv my new Escape. This is the first SUV Ive owned cuz the others really did not appeal to me. I receive alot of compliments on my Escape. Everyone seem sto luv the Metallic Gold Ash exterior color. The Mach sound system is one of many of my favorite features.

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  Hip and Green - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Griff - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The Escape Hybrid for 2008 is an extrememly smart buy. I have a 2004 Acura TL that I was using for my commute every day (120mi round trip). Since I bought the Escape I barely drive the TL anymore, and I am saving almost 300 bucks a month! That more than pays for the car payment. There are some very minor annoyances in the design. While the audio is first rate, there are no audio controls on the steering wheel , definitely a design oversight.

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  We enjoy it every time - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By FR@NK - January 30 - 12:23 pm

  I really like my crossover. It has space, safety, and looks. Very smooth drive and excellent for the kids. All I need now is a DVD to complete the package.

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  Just Plain Fun - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By dbucfan - January 29 - 11:57 pm

  Most fun I have had driving a car. Since the wife got the minivan for her and our three children, I wanted a car for me. This fits the bill perfectly! Fun to drive, exhaust note is exhilarating, performance is outstanding and it has the potential to do so much more!

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  Just a great car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By reeger - January 29 - 11:20 pm

  We purchased a used 2008 X Eddie AWD for a song. I guess Fords poor decision not to market this car is a big plus for the pre-owned market. My wife loves it, period. Other than the noisy Perelli tires the car drives great. It is far and away a much better and versatile car than the 05 Murano it replaced.

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  Finally a fun American small car - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Steven Parry - January 29 - 11:30 am

  America hasnt had fun small cars like this since the German Opels. Great car, small, fast, nimble, cheap to own and to operate. Nothing fancy mechanically that will break the bank later, very nice amenities inside. Not for a family of four all the time unless youre all small, but as I now have a new driver, I find that as a "2 seater with four doors and a lot of storage", this car is perfect. 3 people easily also, but the storage isnt awesome. She is a little car after all.

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  Very GOOD Truck ! - 1994 Ford F-150
  By John Griffiths - January 29 - 4:34 am

  My folks bought this used truck back in 96. I got to drive it from Arizona to Seattle, WA. I revisited them in August 2004, and the truck only had 49K miles on it. So, I took it down to have a front end alignment and 2 new front tires on it. Perfect Ride! Paint, exterior and interior is in excellent like condition. So, I bought it. Some I-beam suspension/alignment design problems due to sag (cam adjustments/ball joints) but still in specs. NICE!

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  Quite a change - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Duane D - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only had the vehicle a very short time, it looks like a love affair is in the making. I went from a Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible to the Explorer and love it. I was afraid it would feel too big, but does not. I love the fit and finish in the new fords and the exterior turns heads. The 6 cyl 4.0 seems to pack enough punch and the 5 speed tranny is a dream.