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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  awesome - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By damore - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, it is awesome. Its roomy enough for my whole family but, much better looking than a caravan.

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  solid truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By FORDBYFOUR - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I got my ranger in December of 2002, its a 2003 fx4. Rangers Ive had (all new): 1987, 1990, 2000, and now the 2003. The only problem Ive had with this truck is the transmission was leaking after about 1200 miles. The dealer replaced a good portion of it, has had no problems since. This is a solid, fun to drive truck. I have yet to do any serious "wheeling" in it, but have been happy with its handling in deep snow. Id recommend this truck.

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  brake dust - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By unired00 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I am enjoying my sport trac. The only think that Ive noticed is the amount of brake dust coming from the front rotors. Ive gotten 3 opinions and have been told all 3 times that its normal on SUVs. I havent had any problems with the brakes, it just looks like crud. The interior driver space is limited. Your arm will get stuck trying to adjust the seat.

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  Not bad for a FORD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By goodnewsauto.com - March 10 - 9:36 am

  I am a dealer and bought this car to get me to North Dakota from Missouri. Drives very nice. Very peppy. I am not a Ford guy, but this is not a bad little SUV. Mine has 95000K on it and seems to still be very tight. I have not had any problems with it so far. It is for sale though - only because I need money!

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  Need part time job for gas - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Craig - March 10 - 7:24 am

  Nice mid-sized vehicle, very comfortable, smooth ride. But forget the gas savings,13-14 in the city and mine only has 15000 miles on it. Replaced my 454 4 barrel 88 Suburban with this, what a mistake - got 12 miles to the gallon with that driving in the city. Forget the resale value, was $6000.00 in the hole. Maybe theyll wise up and come up with more economical engine with new 08!

• 

  New Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By krunr4 - March 9 - 7:37 pm

  Just purchased a 2012 Focus with the Titanium package. Candy Blue. About all I did not get was the sun/moon roof and nav. I figured Id buy a Garmin for much less $$ and be just as happy. Its nice to have a smaller car that fits in the garage with more space, gets better mileage...so far 27.2 with around 450 miles on it, it looks good, and has a great stereo. Transmission is sometimes sluggish when initially taking off from a stop and yesterday, some gas dripped on the pavement from somewhere under the car when I topped it off. Ill have to look to see about that.

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  mountaingoat - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Preston - March 9 - 7:10 pm

  I purchased this truck as a replacement for one that was totaled in a wreck. It is a daily driver to and from work mainly but in the fall and winter this little truck really shines when we go through the mountains here in VA hunting for deer. If the tires could get traction on a tree I think it would climb it. The 4-wheel drive system has never let me down and I have been in some pretty bad places.

• 

  Best SUV on the Market - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Mark - March 9 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned this truck for 4 years now, buying it with 72000 miles and currently 120,000, absolutely no problem! I drive it 50 miles a day and its been ol reliable. I know that when I look at a new one in a few years they will be just as good.

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  poor transmission - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By eric megee - March 9 - 3:55 pm

  i bought this car used with 74,000 on it. and at 84,000 i had a transmission flush done due to being told it could fix the jerking. so 190.00 dollars later the issues went away for about a month. and the issues came back. now at 96,600 the issues are still here and now win your on the highway for about a hour the car feels like u got hit win it shifts gears. and there a slight delay between gears... my mechanic shop says i need a new transmission. i cant afford 3000 for a new one. and the value sucks i payed almost 20,000 for it a little over a year ago and now its worth 10,000 not worth it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Robsxlt - March 9 - 7:46 am

  For years I leased Honda Accords. I loved the cars but outside noise was a problem. After suffering through buying several used cars I landed with my Red 2010 Fusion Sport. This by far is the best car I have ever owned. And Ive had 15 cars and trucks since my first one and Im 42 now. The comfort and sportability of this car is awesome. I nick named my car the "Red Rocket". It has bells and whistles that you wouldnt expect on a Ford or for a mid-sized car. It is extremely comfortable on long drives and gets halfway decent gas mileage on the highway. I would recommend this car to anyone, but get the Sport, you wont regret it.