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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  F150 Lariat Off Road - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Andy Jackson - August 16 - 10:37 am

  I use my F150 for work to haul my boat as I am a fishing guide. It is a well built truck that very adequately tows. The only complaint that I have in towing is that the engine can use more low end torque. This is due in part to the fact that it is a SOHC engine versus a pushrod design which is known to have much stronger low end torque. The ride and handling is first rate. The quality of components and their assembly is far superior to the domestic competition and the ruggedness, durability, and beefy frame and suspension makes you realize that the Japanese trucks really fall short in these key areas in comparison. Ford trucks continue to be the best built trucks on the road today.

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  Great truck - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - August 16 - 10:34 am

  Truck has been great mileage 19 city 22 highway. Awd is perfect in the Indiana winters. Heated seats loaded up Ford made a winner. just wish i had the 3rd row seat like the 2000. Ride is quick and smooth. Not as smooth as my 95 ltd but smooth. I have 111,000 miles no wrench turning as of yet.

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  C-max Sel - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By z51hdtp - August 16 - 3:36 am

  Had a 2012 Ford Focus that I liked very much except for the rough shifting trans and cramped rear leg room. Drove the C- Max and fell in love with it. Better visability, more comfortable seats, Love the cvt transmission, floor it and it just goes, No gear hunting, good handling and good rear seat leg room. As others have stated gas mileage is not as good as advertised. Cold weather really effects mileage. Driven as instructed in the owners manual in 50 degree weather have averaged 46 in suburban driving on one tank, when its cooler 42. Highway mileage over 60 is 38 to 40. To get the best highway mileage you cant go over 60. Most hybrids get better mileage in town than on the highway.

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  Myop - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Msexplorer - August 16 - 3:20 am

  I would recommend this SUV to mothers, especially those who have larger families. You can transport 8 individuals with ease, but that would leave you little baggage space. Some of my favorite features are the dashboard alerts. I am forewarned of low fuel, an unbalanced tire pressure, or even low coolant. In addition, the backup safety feature (which can be turned off) comes in handy and provides reassurance that you are not going to hit a child or object.

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  Strange issues - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By SFV-Man - August 16 - 2:37 am

  The charm and joy of driving is great. The quirks heating (SaunaBird) of the interior when idling is awful, transmission still slams into Drive, clock (third) still runs slow, rattling top, electronic bugs, lack of amenities (like a stripped Lincoln LS), etc. For the price this is a slapped together car. Too bad. Many trips to dealer did not work out the problems. Ford didnt help. Ford made this car an orphan and dropped it at the orphanage. Bill Ford should be ashamed.

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  consumer - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By jam500 - August 15 - 10:31 pm

  excellent ride i am 6ft 8inches tall and i need the room for me and the grandkids.

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  1999 Explorer XL 4x4 - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By fire2722 - August 15 - 6:26 pm

  Overall not a bad vehicle. Had very minimal problems with it. Poor gas mileage (14-16city), but to be expected with an suv. Under powered, pulling a double jet ski trailer it shifts down several times to keep up with its self. Seats are little uncomfortable. Ride is ok, not bad for size of wheelbase. No major problems mechanically. Rear wiper broke, headlight socket melted, power lock switch, and A/C leaks like most fords. Otherwise nothing broke. 75,000 now and havent replaced ball joints as most have, and havent had any transmission issues as most have. Have owned for little over 2 years and selling in a few days now for better fuel economy and comfort.

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  Great Family Van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Parents of 2 under 2 - August 15 - 5:27 pm

  We traded off a Acura TL for the van when the 2nd kid was in route. I can not believe we would love this as much as we do. Our van is the LX Deluxe with is an understatment with all the features: Power windows, locks, seats VCP, wheels, tire pressure monitor, rear a/c, plenty of horsepower. Our second row is a bench since both kids are in car seats this allows easier access to the 3rd row.

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  My second Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Kevin - August 15 - 11:26 am

  This is my second Ford Escape. I purchased my first Escape in 2001. I drove it for 4 years until I upgraded to my 2005. I have noticed small but effective changes. First is the power. Its quick on the take off and the engine is much quieter than the earlier models. I love the changes to the front with the more sporty head lights. The seats were not as comfortible as my 01 Escape but I added lumbar support and heated seats and that cleared up the comfort problem. I love the interior trim with its easy layout of the controls. I also added an after market Kenwood Excelon DvD/MP3/CD/Navigation system. It looks like it came from the factory. I am very proud to be an Escape owner!

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  Runs Great BUT Eats Tires - 2002 Ford Focus
  By MBFlorida - August 14 - 4:15 pm

  I researched many different brands of cars in the same price category before choosing the 2002 Ford Foucs SE Comfort Sedan. I love the styling, the interior especially the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and the height adjustable drivers seat. I am tall at 6 ft 2 in. so many small cars were just way too small.The Focus fits nicely without making me look like a clown unfolding from a clown car. At almost 4 years old I have had few problems other than excessive tire wear. I replace my tires every 20000 miles or less from the first 20000 miles on.