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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  A Lemon - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Pedigo - December 11 - 8:32 pm

  My husband and I bought our first Expedition in 2003. It was okay. The small things went out faster than our previous car like tail light bulbs. We upgraded to the Eddie Bauer in 2005 to a 2005. We have had it for 14 months and has been in the shop 4 times. We are not happy with Ford at all. We are trying to go back to Japanese cars.

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  BEST I EVER HAD! - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By lynne - December 11 - 6:18 pm

  I was on a disability supplement when i got this used, with 135K and now with a 145K. I love it, will not let it go EVER! Comfortable! Gas miles are not that great on mine. But in snow it is a winner. Too bad not making anymore. They should, I would buy another in a heart beat. The only costly expense so far is the boots and CV joints recently went out, other than this, a marvelous vehicle. Worth all of the $3500.00 I paid for mine.

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  Not so impressed - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Michael S. - December 11 - 4:24 pm

  Ive had the car since it was new - a little over 5 years. Last 18 months, the maintenance has been expensive. It gets serviced by the dealer or a national reliable chain, but the transmission died today, last year it was the transaxle seals. If there is good news, Im running out of things to replace on this car.

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  Robs Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Robert Hurley - December 11 - 12:40 pm

  This car is a dream to drive, Im almost tempted to compare it with a used Beamer I test drove, its that smooth. Ford has done a great job with this car I was all set to buy the Toyota Camry until i tested the Fusion.

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  Perfect Match - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By AP - December 11 - 5:16 am

  As a previous 1997 Ranger owner, 2002 & 2003 Explorer owner and a 2004 F150 owner, I have to say the new SporTrac is the best of both worlds. If you are looking for the best combination of passenger room and a bed, the SportTrac is your best choice. Excellent handling, extremely comfortable and superb features make this my favorite Ford truck so far.

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  Love This car. - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Adam Nathan - December 10 - 10:27 pm

  This is a great car. I got the base model with 4wd and this car is loaded with very nice features. Ford put a lot of thought into how the driver uses the car and the interior works great. Bose stereo is great! The interior is better designed than most Japanese cars. This car is deceptive in how much room there is inside. It has more room than my minivan. It rides great and handles well. Great brakes. Engine is low on horsepower. Got a great deal. Comes with 3 year bumper to bumper and 5 year engine warranty which is great.

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  nice truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Jeff Miller - December 10 - 7:21 pm

  This is the nicest truck I have ever owned. The ride and handling is great. It rides smooth and quiet like a luxury car. Its also one of the best looking trucks on the road.

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  Great Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Gr8Escape - December 10 - 6:41 pm

  We bought our Escape when they came out in 2001. We were drawn to the body style and took one for a test drive. We bought an XLS with a 4 cylinder engine. My wife likes the fact that it has a low-emissions rating. She averages 28 MPG in the summer. It drops to 25 in the winter. This was something we could not find in any other SUV, foreign or domestic. Since the purchase the Escape has been excellent. Nothing more that routine maintenance has been required. We now have 80,000 miles on ours and will buy a new one when Ford comes out with a new body style

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  1995 Ford Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By glennwood - December 10 - 2:01 pm

  My Ranger has been a reliable vehicle. However, it is gutless. Barely gets out of its own way. A/C and heater work great. Never overheats. Dont feel safe in it going over 70 MPH. Does not track well.

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  Close to perfect - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Omega - December 10 - 1:55 am

  Driving experience on Indonesian roads. Steering accuracy at high speed is good. Response to acceleration is excellent. Emergency braking on curving wet road is excellent. Performance & driving safety on mountainous highways are excellent. Best SUV for Indonesian road and offroad conditions at affordable price.