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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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Fred J - January 3 - 7:32 pm

  Very good seats good support.

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  2013 vs 1969 - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By John - January 3 - 11:18 am

  I had a 69 Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet. This 6 cylinder 306 hp will out perform the big assed Mach 1. I had a racing Corvette pull out in front of me on a deserted state highway. I either locked up the brakes or pass him. I chose the latter. I passed him at 120 and was still accelerating. I looked over and his mouth was open. It was worth the risk of a major ticket. I still get around 27 to 29 MPG while having fun. It was used and I got it for $13,500. A sweet ride at any price.

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  Mediocrity at its best - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Kuri - January 3 - 3:13 am

  Bought my 99 Escort with 24k on it, thinking it was a good buy. Less than a month later I had bad vibrations in the car during idle. Had to rip out and replace the motor mounts, a problem that Ive read other people having online. Horrible console design, cup holders wont hold anything bigger than a 20 ounce cup. Bad acceleration and Im already having transmission problems thanks to it. For some reason gas mileage plummets with city driving from 30-35 mpg to about 25 or so. I like small cars so this is actually a bit big for me Id have preferred a ZX2 if anything. Back seat has no room for comfort. My issues with the exterior looks were solved with a body kit. Speakers didnt even survive 2 months.

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  The reason I live - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Gerard - January 2 - 10:38 pm

  I love this car more than anything. I have never driven a car that felt so much like pure muscle. I have driven imports like the s2000 and WRX as well as others. But this car here, let me tell you, is a must have for any man needing a boost. Everything about this car is pure muscle, no turbos, superchargers or anything like that. I have a full Bassani exhaust as well as Steeda Stage 2 suspension kit, lowered it about 1.5 inches. Short shifter and K&N filter. 350 horses baby. There is nothing else like this car so if you find one in good shape buy it!

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  2000 Ford Taurus decent auto - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By peter - January 2 - 5:30 pm

  I have had this car for 5 years it is a decent car. My main gripe is lousy gas mileage in the city -- around 16-18 mpg. The mechanical reliability is ok, but it seems that there is a lot of normal wear and tear, such as struts,tie rods etc. I have the v6 with 153 hp. I wish I had purchased the more powerful engine as sometimes the car seems that it cannot get out of its own way. I like the safety features front and side impact air bags, 4 wheel ABS. It is a really good looking car and overall have no regrets buying this car.

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  Only one complaint - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Dan - January 2 - 2:33 pm

  I have had no problems with the car except that it is not that great in the snow with the original tires. I recently put on all terrain tires and now it is great in the snow. I have put about 50,000 miles on it in two years and I have not had a single problem!

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  Great Car - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By RedSho - January 2 - 1:13 pm

  What a great fast car! This thing just flies and my gas mileage was always in the low 20s. At idle, you can barely tell the engine is on. Few things in the world sound better than the secondaries opening at 4000 rpms. If this car was a 5 speed instead of an auto, I would never get rid of it. I love it. Of all the reviews that Ive seen, people complain about the cost of parts and or maintaining the car but this car was no more expensive to me than any other. I did the routine maintenance oil and other fluids and the car always took care of me. For them still to be on the road is outstanding, considering theyre performance cars with high revving motors. Great car!

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  SVT = KEWL - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Anonymous - January 2 - 4:46 am

  It is a blast to drive, a big difference from my 01 Focus. Interior looks a lot nicer and I grew to love the red exterior color I have. Bought the car with issues (bad previous driver), there are quite a # of TSBs on the car but nothing major.

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  still a minivan - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By stephen - January 1 - 11:10 pm

  We bought this car new in 96 because everyone else in the world owned a Dodge Caravan. Drove it for 8 years and 130,000 miles before I wrecked it. Never had any major engine/mechanical problems but Fords electric system is a joke. The speedometer went out at 90,000 miles, and for the next 3 years it waved between 40 and 90 MPH, so it was unclear how fast we were going. Helped us to slow down though. I rear ended someone going 45 MPH and sustained a broken ankle and some minor scrapes and bruises from the airbags which deployed. To this day, almost a year later, I continue to have shoulder problems resulting from this accident. Served us well, but not too protective!

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  Great Little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Chris Easton - January 1 - 9:46 pm

  This SUV is like the "Little Engine That Could." I wanted a small SUV that can tow and the Escape is the perfect choice. It has excellent handling, a nice ride and the V6 has plenty of power. It also gets decent gas mileage and performs well off road. Reliability has been excellent, I just change the oil every 3000 miles and thats it.