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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  Best Vehicle I have Owned! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Michael - October 30 - 9:13 am

  Only problem was initial dealership paint repair. No other dealer visits in 32K miles. Noticeable increase in wind & tire noise. Ride quality is degrading but probably due to use on washboard back roads and rough two tracks (though still only minor squeaks & rattles). Interior cloth stains easily & is difficult to clean. 5.4l gets 15 mpg at 70mph - ouch!.

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  Swiss Army Knife - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By PaloRev - October 30 - 6:30 am

  After researching the options for replacement of our 2005 Ranger, settled on a new Sport Trac. We wanted the flexibility of four doors, room for five, a cargo bed and four wheel drive. Initially leaned towards an F150, but the smaller Sport Trac made more sense. Only thing comparable is the Honda Ridgeline, but the reviews we read didnt show it to be superior. Plus, the Honda is more expensive and we werent taken by the boxy styling. We ordered the Sport Trac in February and took delivery in April. The wait was worth it to get the exact color and options we wanted. Proven to be a very good decision. Vehicles "Swiss Army knife" flexibility is great.

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  Ford Expert - 1995 Ford F-150
  By ERowe - October 29 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned every truck in the Ford line, Ranger,2 Explorers, Bronco, 2xF150s. Without question, the 94-96 F150s is a better truck than most pickups available. Ford Trucks are as tough as the toe nails on an elephant except for the transmissions! The trucks will nickel and dime you to death with little problems such as rear end gears(not so little) wiper/window motors,lamps, lighting, fuses,wiring etc..... There was a failure of research and development because they are a pain to work on but I love them! I am forever a Ford man!

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  Great and Strong Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By WOW - October 29 - 8:49 pm

  Great truck so far. Been driving it a week and am very impressed. This truck is definitely not built for speed, but it has so much torque. This is a "mans truck". Just by touching the gas, you will be up to hwy speed pretty quickly and never will never even see your RPMs go above 2300. I can just imagine the power when I start pulling my camper. Aside from the engine, the build and design of the truck is by far my personal favorite of all the trucks. It just looks American and built Ford tough!

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  Ford Freestar - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By TJ Wendel - October 29 - 4:43 pm

  2006 Ford Freestar minivan is a great vehicle. The only problem I have is the bench 2nd row seat. Its only comfortable for kids. Adults are very uncomfortable sitting on it.

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  Smart Buy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By blazojon - October 29 - 1:23 pm

  I did lots of research before buying my first vehicle and I found the Focus to be the best bang for my buck. My main interests in the Focus were the great exterior and interior looks along with the great gas mileage. I considered the Maza3, the Hyundai Elantra and the Mitsubishi Lancer, and I am very pleased I chose the Focus. I chose the SES trim with traction control.

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  Taurus Lover - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Thomas - October 29 - 1:02 pm

  Very clean, crisp corners on this Taurus. Previously owned a 1991 Taurus (Tortoise) as I called it. I love the look and feel of the Taurus. I will buy another but, I will keep this one for some time and enjoy it. Lots of room, very quiet. An all around great car for the money. I would recommend a Taurus to everyone. I wouldnt give this car up for a Camry or Avalon or whatever. I will stick with the Taurus. This is my Cadillac!

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  I LIKE IT - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By PAUL SCHNEIDER - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE IT VERY MUCH. LEFT THE EXPLORER BEHIND WITH NO REGRETS. BIG, ROOMY AND SAFE.

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  No major problems here - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Happy With It - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I think the reviews are pretty tough on sites like this because more often than not, it is the people who have problems that seek out to put up a review. Anyway, love my Explorer - just right size, not to big or too small. Tows like a champ with the healthy V8. Only two minor issues - squeaky front suspension and the airbag warning light came on. The dealership replaced the bushings on the front suspension and replaced a sensor for the airbag - no problems since! I think the transmission definitely could be improved. I sometimes find it slipping into gear after moving from park to drive or reverse, but once again, not the end of the world. Im happy!

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  2004 F-150 FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Alaska Wolf - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Ford got it right again! The 2004 F- 150 is everything they claimed, and more as far as Im concerned. Ultra quiet, responsive, good-looking and surprisingly agile for a full size truck. It even gives tricked out Jeeps a run for the money off-road and pulls them out of bogs very well!!! I love my new F-150!