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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  Nice Escort Replacement! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Gas Saver - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car almost 3 months ago. I had a 95 Escort before this one. The biggest improvement I noticed first is 48 more horsepower with the same 31 mpg I was getting with the Escort. Lots of power for a little car. I looked at the Hondas, Kias, etc. looking for a good comuter car without costing a bundle. This car is loaded with features that would have cost a lot more had I bought a Honda or Toyota! A lot of car for the price!

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  Truck that has had it all, and then some - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Marc Mendoza - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Having had this truck for almost 5 years, it still feels the same as when I drove it off the lot. It has taken me as far as central North America to upper Canada. Never having to warm it up in the winter, will always keep me running.

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  Great so far - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ZX3 review - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, trend-setting styling for low price are the selling points on this one. It blows away the Civic, Corolla, Echo, Sentra, Protege, or anything else in its class. Weve personally had no reliability problems for 45,000 miles other than some squeaky brakes that Ford replaced for free and a few recalls. Others have had mixed experiences, but I cant say theres anything about this car that has disappointed me.

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  Love It! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bigman - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Our previous SUV was a 97 Tahoe LT. We test drove the 03 Tahoe and Suburban. 5 years ago the EXPY didnt hold a candle to the Tahoe, now its the other way around. The comfort of the interior and design engineering of the EXPY are GREAT! I thought the interior of the Tahoe was pretty confining and "cheesy".

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  3500 Miles in a week - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By sloan4 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Im not the owner, but drove this company vehicle 3500 miles in a week. Had good ride quality considering 4wd. Glove compartment, storage areas and cup holders were sized and placed well. 4.0 V6 gave peppy performance, although the 5spd auto had to shift often to keep the engine in the power band. Audio and other controls were well placed except for rear-wipers and door handles Base non-power cloth seats were as horrible as anything I have EVER had to sit in. My 81 Chevette seats were better. Padding/support was non- existant.My rear end was sore after 20 miles, and it didnt get better.

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  Solid, safe, reliable - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mark Flannery - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive no problems with my Explorer. I drove it for four years before turning it over to my teenage daughter for her first car because it is so solid, safe and reliable.

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  Good, but watch out - 1998 Ford Escort
  By wingchunner - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I didnt like the way the automatic transmission shifted. It handles and responds well, but because of the lightness of the car, it is affected by wind which at times makes it a little more difficult to control. Changing the serpantine belt is a little coslty .I thought there was a squeecking noise which I thought was the belt (not), then they thought something was rubbing against the transmission, so that was pulled (not that either), so the mechanic believes that the crankshaft is somehow getting out of kilter or the bearing might be worn wrong. It will cost over two grand to replace the engine or repair the crankshaft.

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  Dont Buy this Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By suckerfish0 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had a mechanical problem with my truck since the day after I bought it new, and Ford will not take responsibility for the defect. My truck shakes and rattles in idle, so much so that you can see it moving from outside the vehicle. I have had four different dealerships tell me four different reasons for the problem, and ever single one of them refuses to make a repair attempt, even though it is under warranty. I recommend everyone that is thinking of buying a truck to steer clear of a company that will blatantly refuse to take responsibility for a defect that is so obvious.

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  2004 Lariet - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mdhodge - November 1 - 9:54 am

  Best truck I have ever owned period. Dealership is the greatest also. I have purchased trucks for the last 30 years and none have the ride or low noise of this vehicle.

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  Would someone please crush this van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Why oh why did I buy - October 31 - 10:01 pm

  Suckered in by a low purchase price used - $12,000 with only 20k miles. The steep depreciation should have been a clue. Lumbering handling, decent acceleration, 20 mpg. Eats brake rotors and various other expensive things. Cupholder jumps up and down wildly. Transmission occasionally misses a shift, and pauses in an apparent neutral state for a second while the engine freely revs to the sky. To top it off, two months ago the anti-lock and brake warning lights turn on after the engine warms up. Ford dealer says its the speed control module, and it aint cheap. Power windows quit about the same time. I keep hoping someone would just steal it. Sickening ownership experience.