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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  Good SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Buyer - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Attractive SUV. Bad steering but all the power makes up for it.

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  danny - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ddanny - February 5 - 10:00 am

  this car has been in the dealer since l bought it i did not get to drive it for 1week the car does not start in the morning and this car has alot of body role you feel you are going to flip when you take a turn at 20 i am going to buy the chevy tahoe because it has better ride. that will be the last time i will buy a ford

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  Fun BUT - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Hammock - February 4 - 10:10 am

  Traded in 2000 VW Cabrio which rode and handled better than the Bird BUT this thing turns heads all the time. Vintage Mint Green and all options. Fast enough but would like retro exhaust sound so will have that installed I think. List, $41,795 purchased new $31,990. For what it is, boulevard cruiser, it is about as good as you can get. Would like radio to increase volume with speed like many now do. Trunk just holds 2 golf bags. A really super nice cruiser.

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  my baby - 1994 Ford Escort
  By DANNY - February 4 - 5:15 am

  I bought my Scorty in 94. Since shes been truckin on my side the whole time. Ive driven everything, and for a short period of time i sold cars and compared to everything i had this has been the BEST. The manual transmission is nothing other than smooth. This car has always been at my side and I would recomend a Scorty for anyone whos looking for a GREAT DEAL. A lotta car for this little coupe!

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  Taurus X - Amazing - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Ron Davis - February 4 - 1:46 am

  The Taurus X was an instant wow! Luxurious ride, refined interior, exclusion of road noise. You cant hear someone standing outside of the vehicle talking to you even when the vehicle is shut down and all systems are off! This thing floats over the bumps with its extended wheelbase and handles better than any vehicle that we test drove with the exception of the Landrover LR2 which also handled equally as well. My wife whos afraid to drive anything too big says it drives like a large sedan. We bought the limited version for just a few hundred over invoice and have no regrets. If you must fit 3 in the second row of the vehicle this is the only vehicle that can make everyone comfortable.

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  Love This Truck - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Gypsy - February 3 - 11:49 pm

  I went from a little import sports car to what seemed a "big" vehicle. I came to love it like no other vehicle I have ever owned. On snow and ice it handles beautifully. For an SUV it gets great gas mileage. I personally dont like 4 door SUVs because they seem too long and ugly so the Sport model was right up my alley. It looks cool, rides great, and is just plain fun to drive.

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  Good first car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By distortme - February 3 - 9:33 pm

  I bought my Escort in Feb of 2004. It was in bad shape. With some fresh oil and new spark plugs it ran pretty well. The body has a lot of rust on the outside, and the interior is falling apart on the doors. Its got 143,000 miles on it, and even though cant handle the highway anymore it is WONDERFUL for driving around the city. I rarely need to go on the highway good thing because the car feels like it will stall if i go above 60. Its been good to me in the year Ive had it. I have only had to put new tires on it and buy a new 10 dollar belt.

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  Ford F-150 XLT Sport - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Mitch - February 3 - 3:32 pm

  I really love my F-150. I have always wanted an F-150, and when I bought mine I havent been let down. Around town or on the highway, it definitely does not disappoint.

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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Contour
  By robertn78 - February 3 - 7:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. It handles great and has a lot of power with a small 2.5L V6. I have a SE model which in my opinion looks better and it handles better due to different sway bars and shock valving. No problems with this car, just regular maintenance.

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  It aint broke so,,,,,,, - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By hutchG. - February 3 - 12:11 am

  Last month I bought my fourth ranger. Ive had such good luck with these small trucks, I just keep coming back. Ill have to admit that the smaller engines didnt have much pizazz, but the 4.0 engine meets my every need. If Im traveling, towing{I dont use it for work}or just going to the super market the ranger is perfect for my needs. If you have a family of four or five I suggest you look elsewhere. since 1988 I can count on my one hand the number of times the trucks have had to be in the dealers shop. So they are a little dated. Unless you want to spend an arm and a leg for a foreign truck{I checked before I bought the ford]I would consider the less glitzy ford. If it aint broke dont,