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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  My 97 Used P/U - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Jack Latty - March 31 - 3:06 pm

  Vehicle has been very good. It has done all Ive asked of it, both in a "fun" situation and in a work situation. It handles well, however, fuel economy, particularly in light of extremely high fuel prices, could be better. It averages only about 14 MPG. I have a 01 Expedition, with a larger engine that gets much better mileage. (P/U has a 4.6 V8, Expedition has a 5.4 V8) I would not hesitate to recommend this year model to anyone looking for a good used P/U.

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  After one month... - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By cr - March 31 - 12:16 pm

  Weve had the car for just over a month and have been quite pleased with its handling and comfort. All the extra features make the car fun to drive on long trips with 4 people and it handles great in the snow and rain. We had hoped for better MPG in the city, but highway mileage is appropriate for a car of its size (or even smaller). The higher seating puts it at a very nice, neutral level (no getting up out of a car or down out of a truck) and the seats are very comfortable.

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  Not what I expected. - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Charyn - March 31 - 10:56 am

  I bought this vehicle when they were first released in December of 2004. Although I previously owned an Escape, and I do like this one. The performance is not what I expected. Mileage not a dramatic increase over a regular Escape. Also the dealership has been unable to service my vehicle for oil changes due to lack of experienced technicians with hybrids. Therefore I go to a trained mechanic that is Ford approved. I think the dealerships should be prepared to service the vehicles they sell. All in all I do like my Escape but there is room for improvement.

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  Should have bought a Civic - 2001 Ford Focus
  By hardkore/s2 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had my fill of ford dealerships. Having nothing but problems with my car from stalling for no reason to the check engine light going on at least once every two months, I would not recomend a Ford Focus! Possibly I got a lemon, but I know a few friends who have had quite a bit of problems with the Ford dealers service departments.

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  an ok suv - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By kevin5150 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle workred pretty well overall for me. My biggest complaint was with the handling. It just never felt very solid. I had the 4.0 V6 with a 5 speed manual worked ok but down on low end power (needed lower gearing). only major thing that went wrong was that the clutch master cylinder went out but that was after 90,000+ miles. All other repairs were just standard maintainance. overall not too bad.

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  Will buy another - in a Few years. - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Matt F - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 1996. I was initially skeptical about buying a Ford after having owned Acuras and VWs and reading reviews on line. You have to treat these reviews the same way you would a movie critic panning your favorite movie. Almost 6 years later and close to 80,000 miles, I still enjoy this SUV. Besides the routine oil changes, brake replacement and Firestone tire changes, I had to replace the thermostat. $100.00 repair. While under warranty, the 02 sensor was replaced. Thats it. The leather interior has held up well, even with two golden retrievers riding in the back. The V6 and transmission have performed well in the hilly San Francisco terrain.

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  Outstanding - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By oxbow - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My 1996 Explorer has 118,000 miles on it and all I ever did to it was oil changes,shocks and brakes nothing else and it is still going strong.There is one thing I dont like is the rack and pinion steering it is to quick, Ill take gear box steering any day.Overall a great truck.

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  Fun car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By BigJrff - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Tight, crisp handling on 16-inch low profile (205x50) tires. Delivers decent power from a sweet sounding, twin-cam engine at 4-6000 RPM. Precise rack and pinion steering gives good feedback. Very comfortable inside. Lots of room for big people. Nice sound system with 6 cd changer in the dash. Good ergonomics. Neat, edgy exterior and interior styling. Flexible cargo carrying configurations possible with 60-40 fold down rear seats (which are also quite comfortable). Good head and legroom front and rear.

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  Hard to find manual transmission SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Midwesterner - March 31 - 10:00 am

  We looked long and hard for an SUV with a manual transmission. The 2002 Escape has met our expectations and then some. Easy and fun to drive.

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  Tire Smoking Fun - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Lightning speed - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I sold my Corvette for this lightning. I enjoy the truck much more. Its faster, gets more looks and you can tow your boat anyplace you like in "lightning fast" time. I will be keeping this truck for a while, at least until the 2003 comes out.