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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  99 Explorer has been great! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By JMA - June 1 - 9:55 am

  We have had little or no issues with our Ford Explorer. In fact my siblings have a few issues with their Honda Civic and Honda Odyssey while I have few in the six years I have my Explorer. It rides great, looks good, is easy to maintain, and handles very well for an SUV.

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  Its The Only Vehicle For Me! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By cindy - June 1 - 4:05 am

  After driving my 2000 Explorer to exhaustion, I shopped 11 different models before I repurchased the Explorer. I thought I wouldnt like the 2005 as much, but it has turned out to be better than ever. After 5 months, I love the ride, great power, and gas mileage is better than I expected: 70% city/30% hwy = avg 16.1 MPG. If I had bought another model, I would have given up many of the features I love from the 2000 AND my new 2005 has even more features. I think Ford has done an excellent job and this model was thought through well. I practically live out of my vehicle and Im pleased with every aspect of it. It is roomy and has the extra features of a luxury car, without a luxury premium.

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  Theyre good!! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dondilio - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I really like the new explorer, its very reliable.

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  Enjoyed Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By how166 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ford did right.. the newly designed Expedition LOOKS great. Only problem is rattles.. Service department stumped for over a week.. says not the only Expedition with the same problem.. Hate spending over $30K for a rattle.. Walmart has them on the baby isle for less than a dollar.

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  I keep having a bad feeling... - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ginga - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I initially really liked my car, even after a few months when I had to replace the brakes, I still liked my car. Well now, 5 recalls, 3 brake replacements and an ignition cylinder replacemnt, I now hate my car. I keep having a bad feeling that things are just going to keep going wrong.

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  Excellent Choice - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Timmy23 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 Sport Trac is amazing. Its smooth running v6 engine is quiet and powerful. The ride is very improved from the 2000 explorers, it rides more like a luxury car than a truck. Its fuel economy, all though not great, isnt bad at all (I average about 19 city, 22 hwy)its very comfortable and stylish. I reccomend it to any and everybody.

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  Exceeding my expectations - 2002 Ford F-150
  By myfirstford - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2WD XLT Supercrew 4.6L for three months and love it. I prefer the exterior 03 design vs. the new 04 look and with the 5yr/0.0% payment option I got a great deal on a truck that is built on a proven manufacturing platform. I suggest the captains chairs with its "grand canyon" center console, the 6 disc CD that loads easily and the bigger tires P255/70R (the standard size tire on the 2WD is to small for the wheel wells). I was impressed with the amount of options that come standard with the truck.

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  Texas Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Austin - June 1 - 1:12 am

  For the money, you cannot beat this SUV. It is quiet, fast, and safe.

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  an old pal by now! - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By PR - May 31 - 11:50 pm

  Got an 83K miles V6 power everything. Now at 201K miles still commuting 60 miles every day but selling it for more room (bigger family). The car is comfortable, the V6 is a pleasure given the light weight of the car. I know the 4 cylinder version is really crummy but the V6 is a no maintenance deal. Work was replacing the transmission ($600), starter, and radiator hose. Not cheap but put in perspective over time of ownership and use, still a good deal. I had 2 V6 Tempos and what one guy said is true. 100K is about when the transmission goes. The thing is the rebuilt transmission I had put in is holding up very well (95K to 201K). I guess it needs regular care and no abuse.

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  I love my Ford Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Deborah - May 31 - 9:06 pm

  I brought this car about 3 weeks ago and I love it. I has a exceptionally smooth ride. Attractive features, especially the radio controls on the steering wheel for safety. Its really a nice car and Im loving it.