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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  Very dissapointed owner, bad car. - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By sadownerofbadcar - July 10 - 1:21 am

  Back in 02 I owned an LS1 z28 camaro and loved it. It had speed, looks, and its only downfall was its drivability in the winter. As a result I purchased an 05 Subuaru sti, which i also loved. However I put a lot of miles on it so I decided to trade it in, and go back to the muscle cars by getting a Ford Mustang. This is anything but a "muscle car". Maybe Ive been used to cars that were actually fast, but this car isnt at all. It feels more like a v6 honestly. The looks are very nice, and the interior is ok. The drivability and handling of the car is average at best. Overall, Im very sad that I purchased this car. Its not what I thought it would be, and I look foward to trading it in.

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  Luke warm - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By peggy - July 9 - 5:07 pm

  Bought this car because so many people raved about Tauruses. I was unimpressed with features in the SE, tape deck! Why bother? The rear seat doesnt fold down for extra trunk space. Gas mileage was only around 19 mpg in winter, 23 in summer. Sound shielding made listening to radio pointless at highway speeds. I thought pickup and power were great, but wasnt impressed at the handling, steering just not tight enough. I dont think Ford is offering enough quality for the price.

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  When repairs are needed, theyre major - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By radioiowa - July 9 - 4:01 pm

  I purchased the XLT with about 50K miles and am happy to report that I am now at 155K. Overall, its very sure-footed in the snow and roomy enough to haul the family and the dog. On the down side, repairs in the last three years have been major. Ive replaced two fuel pumps in 5 years, the rear differential, put in a new transmission and am now dealing with intermittent, unidentifiable stall/start problems (the car stalls while driving down the road and/or refuses to start for hours but no one can seem to find the problem- leaving me stuck on the road with no warning). The truck has received routine maintenance religiously and has never been driven off road.

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  Best thing I have owned sense my 70 Mav - 1996 Ford Probe
  By David Johnson - July 9 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased my SE in Nov 2005 and this car has done nothing short of giving me its all. I tested it on the highway and it got 37MPG 5speed standard is the only way to go with one of these cars. I have sense then installed a turbo upgrade from a Mazda 626 kit that makes this little car a tiny monster. I am pushing 300HP at the front wheels and still get 30MPG when I drive it like I have some sense. The only car that I have ever owned that came clse to as much fun as this little car is my 1970 Maverick that I put a 1969 302 BOSS in. If you can find one in standard shift it is worth buying for a single person to get around in. Dont have any room in the back seat for anyone older than 7or 8

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  First SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Keithk - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2003 Explorer in December 2002 and it is probably the best car Ive ever had. Rides great. Exterior and interior good. Third row seating a definite plus and its easy to get into. Zero financing was the reason we got it instead of the Escape

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  Good SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Wesman - July 9 - 2:00 am

  So far its been a very good SUV. Good performance, handling and design. Gas mileage is average for a V6, better than the 4.0 jeep but worse than the Japanese V6s. Drives like a car, and very good off-road and I dont even have the 4wd.

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  2001 Ford Taraus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By dk111 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Great experience with car. No problems at all. Duratec engine has lots of power and gets 29mpg on the highway. Power pedals are nice for my wife. Great family car.

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  The best Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jstroh - July 8 - 10:26 pm

  The Freestyle is fun to drive for both long and short trips gets; great gas millage and is very comfortable.

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  I hate the Ford Edge! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Stacey - July 8 - 8:54 pm

  I had a 05 Honda CRV, and regret trading for the Edge. Am now looking to trade back in on another CRV or something else. I have a 45 minute drive to work (one way) and am hurting by the time I get there. The seats are uncomfortable,makes my back hurt & makes my legs go to sleep and hurt. The seat needs to tilt more at the base for the shorter person. This car is not built for the short person. I cant drive through the ATM without a lot of problems or need to get out. The AC vents are pathetic. At certain angles the sun shines on the chrome strip on the shifter and surround and shines in the eyes. Would rather not have the chrome. Road noise on this one, I believe due to the brand of tires.

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  One of the best years - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By LuvMyFord - July 8 - 8:51 pm

  In spite of the low mpg, this model is an excellent reliable vehicle thats great to drive short or long trips. The overdrive is worth its weight in gold, dropping rpm to so little you forget the engine is running. No road noise, so you know the insulation is terrific. The downside is even the V6 only gets 16 mpg, but thats with the a/c on and doing 65mph. Not terrible considering the weight. This V6 is also a flex fuel, but if you use E85 the mpg is far worse. Plenty of room in the back for sleeping, or cargo. And you cant beat the 6 CD stereo, and the seat warmers that are coordinated with the cabin temp selection. For the sheer comfort this model is a winner.