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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  Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jim - February 18 - 11:22 pm

  Our 2004 Ford Focus has been a great dependable car. We enjoy the way it handles and the gas mileage. We will without a doubt be buying another Ford Focus.

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  Mechanical Failure - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Norm - February 18 - 1:24 pm

  My Expedition is almost 6 years old with 71,000 miles. With just less than 36,000 the engine needed replacement. Last July 2005 with 67,000 it needed a transfer case. This past week in February 2006 the transfer case needed replacement with only 5,000 since July. At the same time Ford needed to replace the rear end. Quality is Not Job One. I would not recommend this vehicle.

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  Godd deal. - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Hoover - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Engine is turbine smooth.

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  Good but could be better! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By winchesterp - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3rd minivan we have owned. The other two were Mercury Villagers. The Windstar is more trucklike in both ride and feel than the Villagers. It is also much roomier than the Villager, and the remote electric door opener feature is a nice touch. Also like the styling of the Windstar, and the dashboard is a little more ergonomic than the Mercury.

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  2003 Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bryce - February 18 - 2:00 am

  We had to decide between the Explorer and Honda Pilot. Such a close race - nearly identical cars. The Explorer won for two reasons - additional options (Eddie Bauer) and dealership support/concern/friendliness. Ford matched the cost of the Pilot so we couldnt refuse. The two vehicles were so close and the Explorer has a conventional spare tire, extra room in the third seat for the kids feet, moon roof, 6 disc CD changer, dual function hatch and two tone paint. Even with 30HP less than the Pilot, it has the same acceleration numbers and better towing capacity.

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  Excellant value - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Rick A. - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This suv has been dependable and faithful. Whatever the need, it gets the job done. Pulls boats, loads furniture, toats Christmas trees, carries 5 people. Never a moan or groan. No breakdowns, no extra expenses, just loyal. Very satisfied with this EXPLORER. AWD has been maintenance free. Excellant safety during inclimate weather.

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  Best small SUV in its CLASS - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Robby D - February 17 - 7:49 pm

  Bought the car to help save on gas and boy it sure did so. I havent had any problems whatsoever. This has been the best bang for the my buck to date. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for to save on gas has enough interior room and has all the gadgets that you will need.

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  Porsche Killer - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ben - February 17 - 6:19 pm

  Great car, needed reliable transportation, good economy, but no sacrifice to performance, and needed it all on a strict budget. Shopped all the imports, but the SVTF had much more bang for the buck. The SRT4 will spank it in a line, but the SVTF out handles cars that costs 5 times as much. I autocross it often, once entered a Porsche Club of America event, came in 4th out of 75 cars, 55 were Porsches! Im a decent driver, but the SVTF makes me a great driver. Easy to drive and very predictable handling. I can haul a lot gear to work in the hatch, and go racing on the weekend. Well balanced car, Ford needs to make more cars like this!

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  Poor Rear end - 2004 Ford F-150
  By J. Mazzola - February 17 - 4:40 pm

  The original equipment tire that Ford uses for these trucks are passenger rated not LT rated. Although the ride is great for the first 20 to 25k miles, I noticed poor ride quality happening gradually as the tires lost tread. Try to find these sizes (255 70 17) is impossible. The rear end as a whole should be Fords focus on it all. The pinion gears and seals seem to be a low quality. Transmission is rough in down shifting from highway speeds.

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  Happy but not thrilled - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Bill S. - February 17 - 12:11 pm

  This is a great truck for someone like myself. It is my primary vehicle, but comes in very handy for hauling things from the hardware stores. This is my first truck and I can see how folks get hooked on owning a truck. I still have to get use to the heavy jittery ride of a truck. I cant throw it into a corner like a car. Way too much understeer. Especially in the wet.