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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  Were very satisfied with our Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Escape - January 13 - 12:39 pm

  We bought it for my wife and she likes how it looks, and the response when driving it is very good.

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  Ford Ranger Splash X-cab - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Roger - January 12 - 9:49 pm

  Owned this 8 years with few problems, but Ive been living with flaky stuff like mirrors adjusting only one way, radio cuts on and off, many mystery things. Good truck to drive, but Splash model has a low tow capacity. Looks good. Paint along door and rain gutter peels, discolors easily. Looking back Im happy it has lasted this long but not happy with the little things. Hardly used the rear seats but the space in the back is useful. Shakes a bit much "sometimes". Quite mysteriously flaky. Pulls a small 2000lb boat OK.

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  Ford Explorer XLS - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Jason - January 12 - 9:43 pm

  I have owned my Explorer for a year now and I actually like it. Its a 1999 XLS. I like the style of the XLS because it gives you the sporty look of the sport version in a four door. Although it is under powered on the highway with its OHV 4.0 V-6, it does well off road and with towing situations. Overall it is a good dependable truck but would fare better with the OHC engine or the v-8.

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  Fun Ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By joanne - January 12 - 8:47 pm

  I love my new 2005 Mustang Convertible. I ordered it through Ford and got the options I wanted. Ive had the car now 10 months and it rides great. Ive not had a bit of trouble with it. It is my 2nd car so I only drive it when the weather is good.

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  Practical all-rounder - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Kevin - January 12 - 8:40 pm

  I purchased this car after relocating across the country, and having to leave my old ride for the vultures. Needed a car that would fit the bill to haul all manner of awkward cargo and serve car- pool duty for my 80 mile (each way) commute. At 8 months and 18,000 miles in, my Focus has peformed reliably and without complaint. Not the nicest car in the segment, but for just over $14K, I got a 5 door hatchback with all the conveniences expected from a modern car, including the optional ABS and front side airbags, along with cruise control and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The drivers seat has so far proved comfortable for my 61" frame on drives up to 400 miles with no aches or pains.

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  FORD FUSION - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 2010 fusion GREAT - January 12 - 8:10 pm

  the new fusion is a mixture of sportiness of comfort! and has enough room and comfort to haul the hole family around in comfort and style while getting over 48 mgp!!! wow that kind of MPG is something new for me coming from a toyota camery hybrid that could not touch the fusion on style performance handling and the overall build quailty!!! FORD HAS TURNED AROUND AND IS PRODUCING QUAILITY PRODUCTS!!!!! GO AMERICAN

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  yeehaw - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By luvdenise - January 11 - 11:14 pm

  This car is super reliable, super-quick, and I feel super-safe. However, it doesnt have the best fuel economy and its not getting the "Most Beautiful Car Award" But, its been a trooper and seen 2 children through high school without ever breaking down. That makes this a million dollar car!

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  Basic Transportation, Noisy on the Road - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Ken H - January 11 - 9:25 pm

  We bought this car for our daughters use while at school on the east coast. It spent three years in Philadelphia, crossed the country three times ending up on the west coast. The car has 101K miles on it currently. Weve had two major engine repairs. One involving an internal governing device in the engine and the other was a head gasket that had to be replaced at 80K miles. One thing that does stand out with this car is the high road noise especially at freeway speeds. Only other item that is an irritant is the seat belts are attached well behind the front seats and are very difficult to reach with the doors closed.

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  Why did I buy this? The Worst - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By msqvc513 - January 11 - 7:11 pm

  First complaint is the two doors and how you have to get out to let people in and out theres no way around it. Kinda stinks when its raining you know? Then you gotta be a bit of a contortionist to get back there and out, and they dont give you much space for this. Crummy little windows in the back make you claustrophobic. Okay and THE GAS MILEAGE is horrendous. That car eats better than I do! The rusty side steps, its just unacceptable and embarrassing. Its stuffy in there, no way around using the air vent and the A/C and heat are always either freezing or baking you alive. The roof rack paint is peeling. What else? The rusty drums that had to be replaced at 50k miles, the way it stalls in the cold.

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  owner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Drake - January 11 - 4:40 pm

  I have had nine Suburbans over the years starting in 1970 and this is a nice change. Pulling power has been great, body tight, comfortable.