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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  Great SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By accountant - January 15 - 8:06 am

  I planned to buy a Ford Freestyle in 2006. However, when I went to the dealership, I had a chance to compare Freestyle and Explorer. After test driving of Explorer, I changed my mind. I bought it that day. Several months since I bought it, I love it more and more. It is great fun to drive it. I should say the Explorer is perfect in every aspect. Every time when I sit in my Explorer, I feel safe. I have also tested Toyota 4 Runner, Honda Pilot. Compared to the Explorer, they are not fun. I will buy Explorer again and again.

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  Its a Ford - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By loves my ford - January 15 - 4:12 am

  Reliable if you take care of it. That car was awesome, bought used in 97. Nothing went wrong until few months ago. Great reliable car up until I left the lights on. Twice. Had to replace battery and alternator. Didnt fix problem, then I needed a map sensor, whatever that is. Still died on me. Then a completely different problem that same month ignition module. Didnt help nor did a tune up. My fault, didnt change oil on time, drove on empty, never got transmission fluid flushed, etc. Great reliable car while it lasted. Only buy with low mileage.

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  A REALLY fun car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By D - January 15 - 3:56 am

  Got this as soon as it came out - was hard to find too. A quick little car - and EVERYONE stops to look ! Got the V8 5 speed with tan leather and the mineral grey color - though the grey is more tanish I think, but it looks nice on the car. My kids LOVE it too. Already put new black chrome wheels on it and looking for an aftermarket bumper. A really fun car! If youre going to buy this car - dont bother with the V6 - getting a car with some attitude - inside and out - is the whole point !

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Matthew Polus - January 14 - 8:23 pm

  I traded in a Honda S2000 for the Expedition quite a change. The Expedition is much more practicable, but not quite as fun to drive. I like the interior design, the seats are comfortable and its very quiet on the road. We towed about 5,000 lbs from Tampa, FL to Whidbey Island, WA (about 3,500 miles in all). The truck did great, even over the 10,000 passes in Colorado. It was extremely comfortable the entire trip and we managed about 13.5 MPG.The only problem Ive had with the truck is the passenger side fuse panel shorted. I came outside one day and the brake lights were on - with no one in the car! Ford fixed it and its been a great truck since then. I paid $36,300 in TX.

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  Good Value - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By MC - January 14 - 6:59 pm

  I have just turned 100,000 miles on my 2000 Taurus wagon with the Duratec engine. It has been very reliable. Only had it in the shop twice- battery died at about 25K (warranty) and fuel pump went at 90K. Outside of these, just routine maintenance. I drive a lot of highway miles so I get good mileage out of brakes and tires. Brake rotors are thin and need to be changed when pads are changed. All in all, I got good value for my buck.

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  This is one bad truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By TINY MARTIN - January 14 - 5:02 pm

  Man, I owned a 1988 Ranger XLT for 13 years and loved it. Decided to try another Ranger. Got me an Edge 4 dr and love it. It is one bad truck. Powerful engine, smooth ride and great look. I love the styling and the way it sits up. It turns heads and I have really fallen in love with it. The gas mileage is actually better than advertised. I would put this truck against a Toyota Prerunner any day for durability and styling.

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  Love it Love it Love it - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Maggie - January 14 - 2:56 pm

  I love the way this car rides and the large interior. The cargo space is awesome as well as the passenger space.

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  You get what you payed for. - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mykl - January 14 - 4:57 am

  I do like this truck it rides well, especially on the highway. One problem is that the rear is so light. It doesnt handle well if the rode is even slightly wet, never mind snow. The 3.0 engine is all right a bit noisy, and the pick up is just OK. But i never had one single problem with this truck in 18,000+ miles. I would definitely get the 4x4 next time, but I got a great deal on this 03 leftover and couldnt pass it up.

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  Every problem imaginable. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By J Brown - January 13 - 11:47 pm

  Ive had to put $1400 into this car since buying it 7 months ago. Thats almost more than its worth, but I kept putting more into it thinking each time that it would be the last repair necessary and that I didnt want to "lose" the money Id already invested to repair it previously. The suspension system broke and the spring attached to the front tire snapped in half as I was driving down the highway. I had to replace the whole suspension system. The transmission jerks, the electrical system is buggy, and Ive had more problems with this car than any other Ive ever owned.

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  Bestest Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Mike - January 13 - 9:28 pm

  Recently bought this truck used. My first BIG TRUCK. Also my first V8. Awesome power added with the 4X4 and you have a powerful truck that can do just about anything you may ask it to. You cant go wrong with the best built truck on the market. I recently slid on some ice and hit a guardrail going about 35mph and I was not hurt at all and the truck only had some fender damage (and the airbags work!). FORD TOUGH is right on - probably saved me from being hurt.