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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  Functional but not very reliable - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Ken - June 15 - 4:22 am

  Im a big guy 64", so the roominess is highly valued for me. Its also great for families and to lug things around. But I now have 125k miles on it and the front and rear differentials just went - $3 grand for that and I just dumped another $1,500 into it a few months ago. A lot of minor things have also gone wrong -- back windshield wiper broke, cruise control broke, cup holder broke, etc. And I am not hard on this car. I baby it. I get 15mpg, so thats a tough one too, but I knew that when I bought it. I just didnt know gas was going to be $5 a gallon!

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  Dream Fulfilled - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Dream Fulfilled - June 14 - 10:56 pm

  Always wanted a Mustang (except yrs 94 to 04). Great exhaust note, great burnout ability, great launch with 3:55/MT. Always brings a smile when I can drive it. Wish I could manage more MPG, getting about 16mpg with mixed driving conditions and up to 18 on the highway after 3 months and 2000 miles.

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  First Month - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Tony Thompson - June 14 - 9:06 pm

  Have had a great time driving this car. Horsepower is incredible and handling is much better than I expected. Have had no problems so far, gas mileage has been in the high teens - but who cares! A well designed car - good job Ford, another winner in a great Mustang heritage.

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  A big surprise from Ford - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By sontran - June 14 - 5:34 pm

  I have used this wonderful sedan for a year. It is quiet, smooth, and very comfortable.I am sure if Ford continues this direction, it will get back to its previous place in the market. I used to have many Japanese cars, and thought never bought an American one. But this Taurus (my first try on American cars) has proved that Ford can make a good car if it wanted to. The Taurus is the kind of car everyone wants: high performance, comfort, affordable price, and save a lot of gas. On my last trip from San Jose to Los Angeles, I have got 30mpg with use of the cruise control.

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  Best Car Out There - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Big Ed - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun and functional. It carries adults in the rear seat without them being cramped. It accelerates to highway speeds (65 MPH) on the shortest of on-ramps. The trunk can hold more than your wife could ever pack! I cant understand why people would buy a cramped little Honda when you can get this for about the same price. This car has zero defects and the fit and finish is perfect. And I do get 25 MPG on the highway and 21 MPG around town with this rear-wheel drive V-8!

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  1996 Explorer A Solid SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By lgcook - June 14 - 10:00 am

  The ride is a little stiff, gas milage not all that good, but this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned in my 58 years of vehicle ownership. We have had one recall but other then that we have only had the Explorer in for regular scheduled service, spark plugs, wires, hoses, belt, and fluids. 135K miles and the front end is starting to squeek but I would not be afraid to take it to Alaska tomorrow.

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  OK, but - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ron - June 14 - 8:58 am

  My Escape has been very reliable. With over 120000 miles, its also had its challenges. Its thrown two belt pulleys, and three belts. It goes everywhere and starts all the time. Have the xls, 5-speed. Mileage is not that great, 22-23. Last year, replaced the clutch, let my son learn to drive it, and shocks.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Gail - June 13 - 9:15 pm

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  To pull a Dodge out the ditch! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By nizzlejr - June 13 - 7:22 pm

  All I have to say is wow! Ford hit it pretty good with a cheap 4x4 to get around in the winters and summer in Canada. I have to say that the only real problems Ive had is changing a motor under warranty. Other then that my Escape has treated me well. Off road in this and youll be very surprised. Ive had the chance to go with Jeeps and such with no problems geting through the muck. Ford has put metal parts on this "truck" where you would see plastic, ie end links. Very strong SUV. Fuel economy is something to get used to but then what would you expect to get in a near 4000 pound vehicle? Tows great. Transmission is good. I plan to enjoy this "truck" for another few years yet.

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  So much fun to drive - 2007 Ford Edge
  By jholl - June 13 - 4:57 pm

  I went from a Honda Odyssey to the Ford Edge and I could not be happier. I am always being asked if I like the car or not by admirers and I cant stop raving about it. I had transmission problems with the Honda since day one but my Edge is a year and a half and it runs perfectly. I am happy to buy an American car from now on after this purchase.