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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  I Escaped - 2004 Ford Escape
  By escaped - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I first learned about the Ford Escape when I rented one to go on a long skiing trip to Vermont. I was immediately impressed. Not only did it easily fit 2 sets of adult skis, gear and luggage, but the driving performance was excellent. I drove from Pennsylvania to Vermont and it was like more like driving a car than an SUV. The Escape handles snowy and muddy terrain with no problems. I was hooked. I purchased one a week later. Absolutely love it. My other car is a Mercedes E320 4 Matic and thats been sitting in the garage lately. The Escape is really fun to drive.

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  Long Term Review - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Todd - June 20 - 12:05 am

  This is the first Ranger Ive ever owned and has been reliable since new. It has lots of power with the 4.0 and manual trans. The 2500 tow rating is a little underrated as Ive pulled a 5000 lb boat and trailer on occasion for a friend. It had a few quirks when it was new such as the squeaking clutch and clunking drive shaft but the dealer has fixed it with out repeat problems. My kids also love riding in the truck and hauling all kinds of stuff. I bought this truck after looking at all the others and couldnt find a better utility vehicle for my familys needs. It does seem to eat brakes quickly but they are very easy to replace. It has been a great truck and I will be sad when it has to go.

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  Great pony car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By mustnag46 - June 19 - 11:37 pm

  This car has been great to own. It gets great economy (25+ highway) which isnt why I bought it! Performance car with easy to add options (B&M shifter, programmable computer). The performance is there if you dare to drive it like it is meant to be driven. I have had no maintenance problems. And the car just looks great. It is a classic (outlasted the Camaro and Firebird) and the new 05 looks better.

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  Disappointed owner - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jeanne morrison - June 19 - 9:03 pm

  I fell in love with Fusion and at first the car delivered style and a great ride. However, after only 4 months the transmission was a problem and I was told the car was not safe to drive. It has been out of commission and on the dealers lot for over 2 weeks with no return date. In all fairness, Ford Motor Co. has been trying to be helpful, but this is a disappointing experience. I bought a new car to have a safe and reliable vehicle and this car wasnt.

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  a very good vehicle. - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By prior owner - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  The Explorer handles very solid. Has a short turn radius which makes parking a breeze. Is great in the mountains and open road. Have really enjoyed driving this vehicle.

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  Desert Rat - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Bob H - June 19 - 11:39 am

  I purchased this vehicle to explore the Southwest deserts. As I can afford only one vehicle this truck perfectly meets all my personal and recreational needs. It is small enough to be quite maneuverable yet large enough to handle all my traveling requirements, including sleeping in the rear. Thus far it has gone everywhere I have pointed it without a hitch or complaint.

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  For the money, it doesnt get much bette - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Timwithabass - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I paid $9,900 for this 99 Wagon with 26,400 miles on it. It runs great, rides great, drives great, and has a ton of space for my double bass. Great on a trip. I dont race the car so I dont need anything super sporty. Theres a slight rattle in the tailgate somewhere which I havent sorted out yet. Wanted to upgrade to a CD player but had to buy about $100 of extra equipment to get a standard deck to fit in the oval shaped dashboard. Also, The sixteen gallon gas tank reads empty when theres still four gallons left. So youve only used 12 gallons when it reads empty. Thats only a gallon better than my Escort!

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  The Baddest Truck on the Planet - 2002 Ford F-150
  By bow-tie basher - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Let me start by telling you of my LOVE for FORDS, I currently own a 1992 Special Edition Red 5.0LX Convertible, and a 1957 Ford Fairlane Clup Victoria Coupe with a brand new crate 428CJ engine, my past Mustangs have included; 1969 Mach 1, 1969 428SCJ Mach 1, and a 1968 390GT Coupe! So I have a DEEP LOVE of big block FE engines! Ok, on with the LIGHTNING REVIEW.....all I can say is I would CRUSH all the other fords if it would get me one more day in the SVT LIGHTNING!!! MAKE NO MISTAKE, this is NOT a TRUCK, this vehicle would make many many other sports, and or muscle cars put their tails between their tail pipes and run for cover!!!

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  Good results - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Clay Prentiss - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned an explorer for two years after buying it used. It has been a great vechile with good power, functional, roomy and no repair costs. I maintain the vechile with regular oil changes and the performance has been much better than my friends with Jeeps and Jimmy/Blazers.

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  New Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By akscott - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice, roomy vehicle that probably rides better than previous model, but still is much stiffer than a car. Front row seating is comfortable and second row is OK for trips. 3rd row is only for kids and maybe short trips by willing adults. Around town gas mileage with V-8 is pretty sorry; I get 13 mpg with combined street and freeway rides. Highway mileage seems to be about 19 mpg. Eddie Bauer model is pretty loaded with options, but interior appearance is not very "upper class" - lots of plastic. Radio/CD player has good sound (in Eddie Bauer upgrade model). No mechanical problems, except drivers side seat heater quit after 3 weeks (not a big deal in Houston).