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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  Great solid all around vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - January 8 - 9:39 pm

  This Explorer is fun to drive. I have not bought American in over 12 years. This vehicle is great!! I highly recommend it. Great value for the money.

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  Lights out - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By wagtop - January 8 - 3:49 pm

  Very disappointed that I cant get either automatic headlights or even daytime running lights on this car. Other Fords have them available. Daytime running lights are mandatory in Canada, but are not even available in the US. Come on, Ford, wake up and see the light.

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  Better Car than most in class - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jimKC - January 8 - 2:14 pm

  Owned mine since new in 2000. Other than recalls that I think are positive, Ive had a few minor repairs except for a transmission cylinder. Replaced front rotors at 50,000 miles of mostly city driving. Much less problems than 2 VWs Ive owned but more than the Toyotas. But then again I only paid $13,500 new.

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  Worth every penny! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Phil - January 8 - 10:10 am

  I test drove everything in this price range & for the money you cant beat it. It has nice 2-tone interior, 6 disc CD changer with subwoofer, awesome exhaust note and with $4200 in rebates & discounts I ended up paying about $14,500! Try to get a Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic for that price. This vehicle is no hot rod but it is very fun to drive.

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  went back for a second one - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Terence&Lori Keith - January 8 - 7:44 am

  This is our second Escape. Our 2002 model XLT was flawless and it fit our needs perfectly on the back roads of VT. We found that it held value and wanted to try the new model with the intelligent 4WD system . So far it has been excellent, great on all types of road conditions, spacious cabin and a car like feeling driving it. As of this review I look forward to another improved Escape in the future.

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  good truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Gary - January 7 - 8:24 pm

  Base model with manual transmission & no extras, which makes me very happy now with the price of gas. My fourth small pickup, and the best by far for comfort, fuel economy and handling. Have not missed the 4 wheel drive at all.

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  1999 4WD 5.4 liter standard cab SB - 1999 Ford F-150
  By David Hine - January 7 - 6:33 pm

  This has been a great truck. The only problem I have had is burnt out coils on the plugs. I have replaced three in four years which I guess isnt too bad.The 5.4 liter engine has great torque and has easily out run many Chevrolets with 5.7 liter engines. The ride quality is good but gas mileage really blows, I do good to get 14 miles per gallon in mixed driving. But the truck is still tight with no rattles at 71000 miles. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful, reliable truck.

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  EB 2003 Loaded - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Charles Deca - January 7 - 5:35 pm

  From the beginning the Electrical, RSR system failed causing undo wear to tires and transmission. Never addressed! Noise leaking through door and window seals? Windshield Wipers lasted 1 year? Brakes lock up now and again? Power steering warning light went on and a fix went out from Ford and the dealer just pulled the fuse? Large rattling noise heard by shop foreman and never fixed? All were under the three year or 36 k miles but never addressed. Bought the SUV with hopes to recover the large down payment loan to value. Ordered new Ford King Ranch came in late and not as ordered? Salesmen very nice but how does that help me as I lost my buyer for my Ford SUV!

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  peerless - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By boat fancier - January 7 - 2:13 pm

  At 107,000 only repair is rear end. Ford indicates no maintenance required - bad idea. 18 mpg summer, 17 winter at 75 mph. Still on original brakes. Harsh ride made up for by large comfortable seats. Excellent visibility. Upright driver position = no backache making 800 mile day quite doable. There is simply no vehicle in which you can carry as much or pull as much so far so cheaply in safety and comfort. Ford also has best am radios.

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  1995 Ford Bronco - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Gene Barnes - January 7 - 10:47 am

  I purchased the 95 Bronco new from the dealer and have driven it for 11 years (9 of those years were daily 50 mile commutes) without any major mechanical issues. I pull a 21 Kenner Center Console and on occasion a lowboy and tractor. The truck has the 302 V8 (5L) with the 5 speed manual (5 gear OD) I replaced the clutch assembly in 2003, but other than that only normal service maintenance and tires have been required. The vehicle averages about 14-15 miles per gallon. I still own the vehicle and am currently rigging it for a flat tow behind my motor home. At 17000 miles to-date, I kind of wish there was a comparable Ford vehicle on the market now.