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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  f150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By joe - March 28 - 6:02 pm

  I have had a few problems with the truck. They were resolved by the dealer which is great. At 28000 miles the rear end was chattering, turned out the clutches were bad they fixed it under warranty. Two times now the air bag light was on and the sensor was replaced. The seat sensor for the air bag (passenger side) was bad and repaired. Other than that the truck is good.

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  Early Impressions - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jack - March 28 - 5:50 pm

  I was about to trade in my 98 F150 for an 06 F150 King Ranch when I read the write up on the Sport Trac. I test drove one and was hooked. I bought the Limited, 4wd V8 and after 2000+ miles am absolutely delighted. It is peppy, handles great, is extremely quiet and pulls my boat out of the lake with ease. The best thing (or possibly the worst) is my wife also loves to drive it. She very seldom drove the F150 but I cant keep her out of the Sport Trac. This is a real winner, dont test drive one unless you are really ready to buy a new vehicle.

• 

  fish - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By angela martinez - March 28 - 2:53 pm

  I love driving my Taurus, its very comfortable, roomy, front and back, large space in trunk, very good on gas. I drive 14 miles to work and 14 miles back and I go out of town, 200 miles total every week.

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  Powertrain Problems - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By pava - March 28 - 11:51 am

  My second Explorer, first one did not have any issues. Bought it used with 30000 miles on it. Driveshaft was vibrating, dealer replaced, worked OK to 40000 miles when check transmission light came on. Dealer spent two weeks repairing, cost was covered by extended warranty. After the repair rear differential began to make noise. Also shifting was not as smooth as it used to be. Have decided to trade it in.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jessica - March 28 - 11:49 am

  When I first saw the car I did not like it. Once I drove it and looked at all the safety features and options for my family I fell in love!

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  Strange road vibration - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ralph - March 27 - 8:45 pm

  Basically, it is a fine SUV except when the speed reaches 60 MPH. Then an intermittent vibration starts. By 80 MPH it feels like the rear tires are totally out of balance...then it quits...then it starts again. Have been unable to find the reason even after all tires were replaced and rebalanced.

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  So glad we bought another Expedition - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By sonsonly - March 27 - 6:57 pm

  I owned a 1998 Ford Expedition and decided to purchase a smaller crossover this time. After driving several crossovers, my husband and I decided that we just did not want less power in our vehicle. We then drove several large SUVs. When I decided to drive another Expedition (my husband wanted another one from the start) I fell in love. The changes Ford has made are wonderful. I am really enjoying my new Expedition. I absolutely love the power fold seats, and this was a big selling point for me. It has been a great convenience after having my old expedition. Although my children are teenagers now, this would be a great car for someone with little ones too.

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  pretty happy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ronnieleg - March 27 - 10:00 am

  very trucklike, but if i wanted a wussy car-like truck, id have bought a pathfinder. V8 is great for towing heavy weight buy mileage is abysmal. thats the trade-off. cant have everything in life.

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  Right Choice - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By DRA- 53214 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  After narrowing my choice of new a SUV to the Envoy and Explorer, I finally went with the Explorer based on the numerous (+)reports on the and not so good reports on the Envoy. One last drive of both clinched it for the Explorer even though I wasnt thrilled with the styling and trim. I was suprised when I got my new 2003 limited and saw the many up-grades to trim (the dash now has a "rich" looking wood trim, new gauges, etc). After 2 Jeeps I must say the ride is very nice, handling is good.

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  Dissapointed in the focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By joe dirt - March 27 - 10:00 am

  The focus is a reliable car. The only problem is its too small, very stiff ride not to comfortable. I would think with a car of that stature you would get good gas mileage, I dont. I probably get 18 miles to the gallon when on the sticker it said 27, not even close. I cant wait to get ride of this car, I hate the focus