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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  Flex/Box - 2010 Ford Flex
  By willbeblood - November 22 - 11:03 pm

  Just purchased, so that being said... Love it at this point. I did not want it, the wife did. I would have loved to have picked up a Sequoia but with all the toys it defeated the purpose of saving some $$ This ride is tight. Somebody gets it at Ford. Not the aesthetic dept. but engineering team did some homework. Things are where they should be and they work. The paddle shifters are a great feature to snap you out those times you see yourself driving by a window. Handles great, breaking you feel that youve got some weight behind you. Coming from an H2 its a little better but close. NAV system and voice rec. is very good, parking assist is really cool. If your a Mac, its a Mac.

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  So Far So Good - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Matt - November 22 - 3:31 pm

  Bought this as a winter vehicle. Wasnt looking for an Explorer but the price was good ($2,400) for what I got. 119K miles, ZERO rust (rare for Northeast Pennsylvania), and no fluid leaks. The underside is unexpectedly clean. So far I had to put in an AC comp. clutch, steering bushings, EGR sensor and front rotors. I also replaced the horrible stock speakers. Ive heard horror stories about the tranny (main concern before buying) so I bought an extended warranty. Mine is OK except when its cold reverse takes a second or 2. Going to change the fluid. It has push button 4WD but manual hubs... replaced before I bought. Thats another common problem, so Ive heard. Overall, Im happy with it.

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  2002 Ford Taurus SEL Wagon - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Mikey C. - November 22 - 1:00 pm

  My wife and I Just bought a Taurus Wagon, We loved the price and the space.Traded in a 99 Explorer Sport which was good but not a family car, also seemed like they kept on building it through all the recalls. The Taurus Wagon is very spacious for cargo and passengers. The roof rack is low enough to load up with out bringing a ladder with you as with SUVs. Ride and handling also are good. Dont know why Ford dosent put back seat head rests in there cars.

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  Best Ford Sedan Yet - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Justin1998 - November 22 - 3:10 am

  Wanted an SEL but none were available. Plenty happy with the SE Sport package. Got a great deal on the vehicle. Very quiet and stable going down the road. Brakes are very strong. The transmission shifts smoothly but sometimes hunts between 5th and 6th gears. Visibility out the rear window is not that great due to the high deck lid, but trunk room is enhanced due to it. Power seats and tilt/telescoping wheel add to comfort and the way I fit in the car. Sound quality of the 6-disc CD is good. Power from the 3.0 V6 is not the best but the 6 speed tranny picks the best gear to optimize acceleration. With traction control off the V6 will smoke the front tires for about 10 feet! Great car!

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  I love my explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By shocka - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Explorer.. Really its my hubbys car but I steal all the time.. I love to drive it.. It does get a little bumpy sometimes if your in rough areas.. but still I love to drive it..

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  Excursions for me forever - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By ferg7645 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I brought my 2000 Ford Excursion new 3years ago and it has been the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. It could use a little more smoohter ride, but heck, its a truck. It has been my MOST dependable and reliabile vehicle and I have purchase quite a few new vehicle. It has been perfect. (Date of purchase is wrong, as it only accepts 2003)

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  New Mach 1 - Good First Try - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By spike8264 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Great power and looks. I love driving this car. I would agree that the Mach 1000 sound system would be a good addition but the 460 is nice too. I usually drive with the stereo off so I can hear the throaty engine. Very disappointed in the CHEAP plastic they used for the interior though. Its as if they just ran out of money when designing the door panels, dash, and the center console. Ive had some initial problems and am still having them but all in all, the car is great.

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  My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Poisenivy2 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my Explorer. It handles the road very well and has a smooth ride. If I were to buy an SUV all over again, I would invest in a V8 engine instead of a V6. I would like a little more pickup when driving up hills. I also enjoy the great customer service that I received at Academy Ford in Laurel, MD. I can drop my car off for an oil change and their shuttle will drive me home and pick me up when it is ready.

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  Value Transportation - 2010 Ford Escape
  By sabretooth1 - November 21 - 5:56 pm

  Decided on 4cyl for overall economy of how often the vehicle will be driven by driver alone and/or with one child. Measuring 22.5 MPG after three weeks city travel, have not taken highway yet. Test drove limited 6cyl, but still stuck w/4cyl XLT, not big diff. to me. Traded 3liter Explorer in, the 6cyl Escape wasnt close. I feel entitled to all researching small SUVs to post this review in all fairness.Personal exp. measured against Highlander,Tiguan,Traverse &Equinox. Liked the overall weight and feel of vehicle in comparison. Could honestly live without as much tech given. Sync has not been smooth setup pending. Overall very happy with product value, great job by Ford.

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  Great truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Trayscool - November 21 - 9:57 am

  Got my truck used with 50K miles and now has 70K. No problems thus far and runs great. The front seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of room in the rear, like a limo. I tow a 7000 boat with no problems and plenty of power. The factory stereo is very nice. Wish the gas mileage was a little better but with a big V8 that is what you can expect. My parents have one with 150K on it and o problems as well