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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  If safety is not important - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By teresa - December 5 - 1:42 pm

  Ive taken my car in to have my seatbelts checked several times, starting in the first year - I never got any satisfaction and the seatbelts still release spontaneously while Im driving and Ive even had it come unfastened before I could even start my car. I wouldnt recommend it to drive your family in, especially if you love them. The side mirrors stink they are difficult to adjust and dont really give adequate coverage. The blind spot is pretty large when Im looking for cars in the mirror and checking out my window. I wouldnt buy another one and I especially would not count on Ford to follow-up on their "warranty", I guess you have to consider your new truck purchase to be "as is".

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  I will never buy a ford again. - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By NoCobra - December 5 - 11:56 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. Heres a summary... 0 miles: exact same squeaking sound coming from the plastic vent behind the hood that my 99 6cyl Mustang had and squealing brakes and rattling steering 5000: shift knob broke loose. 16000: the plastic handle on the inside of the drivers door broke off 18000: the keyless entry system has stopped working about half the time.

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  Wowser! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mkgibbons - December 5 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car from a lot of rental returns. I had been toying with the idea of an SUV for a while, and this one was available. I love my little Escape (though the mileage is a bit lower than I had in my sedan) -- its so much fun to drive. I can scoot up the on-ramps like lightning and it handles great. In MN weve already had lots of snow -- its not a problem. Ive had one long road trip (400 miles) and it was comfy enough -- I didnt need to stop. Around town its great, too -- I can park practically anywhere, even parallel parking. I would definitely recommend this if you want something a little higher up, the safety of all wheel drive, and plenty of cargo space, even for a family.

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  Best Ive ever owned - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Mountain Man - December 5 - 1:03 am

  This has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. After 157,000 miles (mostly commuting), Ive not had a single mechanical failure. My only expenses have been maintenance. I drove it on a 12 hour trip and it was as comfortable as any car Ive ever driven.

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  Fun to drive. No problems. Treats me well - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By UAFIJISPORTRAC - December 4 - 7:16 pm

  I have only owned mine for a few months, but going from a 95 Ranger to this, is great. It runs great, never had any problem, had to replace rear main seal, and just got new brakes all around. It treats me well and looks awesome on the road. I love the versatility it has, I can haul 5 people and lots of stuff in the bed. If you dont have one, get the bed extender, its great and gives you the extra space you need. I just moved and carried tons of furniture in it. I love this truck!

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  Gr8 Truck! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Paulo - December 4 - 2:33 am

  Great truck! Great performance! Excellent towing capacity and gas mileage in the city and road. Very happy about it.

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  best vehicle - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Happy Driver - December 3 - 9:29 pm

  Ive had this vehicle sence 95 new,bought it for the 2 doors and standard transmittion,and 4wd. Ive had no major problems. Now It has 223000 mlies on it and still going. to bad ford did away with the 2 door explorer and the standard transmition. for that reason I hope my 95 holds up for another 5years or more...

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  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Ken - December 3 - 1:20 pm

  This is a very nice SUV for the money. Its comfortable, has a great ride and has some pretty neat features, too. The Sync System connects to your cell phone, Ipod, etc. and allows you to communicate with voice commands. The interior looks very good, as well. All this and the mileage is fantastic! The transition that occurs from the electric motor to the gas engine is very smooth. Its a fun vehicle to drive. Ford really did a good job.

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  good car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jewelz - December 3 - 10:00 am

  this is a really god car for me because im 16 and i need acar to get to school and back wich is 13 miles to get there and back.

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  BEST OF THE LARGE CARS - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By PETE - December 3 - 10:00 am

  CAR RIDES AND HANDLES VERY WELL, SOME WIND NOISE AROUND WINDOWS BUT NOT ANNOYING ENOUGH TO WORRY ABOUT. DARK COLOR HARD TO KEEP CLEAN. INTERIOR COULD BE UPDATED.