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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  Design flaws apparent - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Ravenayr - November 10 - 4:36 am

  At 2 months we replaced the CD player which quit, then it was the ignition fell out of the steering column onto the floor, the master control for the power windows on the driver side caught fire, and the transmission and various sensors gone at 46000 miles, very disappointed in the overall reliability of this vehicle rearend and bearing are next and this vehicle though equipped for towing has never towed a thing, all miles are highway with some mountain driving which it did not handle in Rocky Mtns in summer, quit for lean fuel mix.

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  Mustang Bullitt 2001 - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By tony21 - November 10 - 12:19 am

  This car is great.

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  Focus MPG lie - 2007 Ford Focus
  By JoAyn - November 9 - 6:50 pm

  I took a large loss trading in my suv in order to get the boldly advertised mpg rating of 27-37. After a month I find I am getting 25mpg. The car is fun and cute and good value for what it is, but people are buying these cars for the mileage and Ford is severely misrepresenting the mpg estimates on the Focus. Its more like mpg fantasies.

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  My man hood is back - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By FAMILY MAN - November 9 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased in july 04 and have 5000 miles so far.Averaging 16.3 mpg.I replaced the shocks after 2 weeks with MONROE REFLEX shocks. I highly recommend this if you want the best ride and handling for this truck.Rubber mldgs on drivers side noisy. I put some back to black rubber treatment on them and noise went away.My daughter loves this truck so much she had to give it a kiss.Over 700 miles per tankful is a joy.

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  ranger danger(for competition, that is!) - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By zitro - November 9 - 5:59 pm

  i previously owned a chevrolet S-10. i couldnt be more dissapointed. it had to be the worst vehicle i ever owned. i went to ford and bought a ranger. i couldnt beleive the difference. everything about this car is great and much better than the S-10. engine refinement, power, handling, ride, and the overall vehicle beats chevy in every way. i would list it all, but its too much. its just that good.

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  suprised - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By twogood41 - November 9 - 4:25 pm

  I have enjoyed this truck from day of purchase. The way it rides, drives, looks. Was skeptical of mileage when purchased but it runs like brand new.

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  2004 Ranger is a great value - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By DucRider - November 9 - 4:06 pm

  I drive a mix of heavy freeway and city streets, about 70 miles/day, and have averaged a very consistent 19.5 MPG in this truck..Im pleasantly surprised given the great acceleration with this truck. It has a 5 speed, and 4.10 rear end with traction lock. Overall, Im very happy. Even the paint job was flawless from the factory. Ive noticed that for 2005 they got rid of the Value package. Thats too bad, it was a great deal in 04. You should know that the engine has a limiter at about 95 miles/hour. In areas where the speed limit is 75, and many drivers are going 80 to 85, that limit was scary the first time I reached it.

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  First SUV owned - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By NICE SUV by db - November 9 - 11:42 am

  This is the largest vehicle I have owned and my wife and I really love it! Before purchasing it, I read reviews like these and with Ford trucks word- of-mouth reputation, I purchased one. I havent regretted it. I use it mostly on long trips. It is fun to drive and I feel safer on the road. Mine is a 2-wheel drive, but it handles great in rain or snow covered roads. Replaced the drivers heated seat element already and the passenger side is getting weaker. $600. dealer cost for one seat repair! Out of warranty, but the dealer paid half. Replaced the brakes, but no mechanical problems yet. Would buy another one!

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  I made a mistake getting rid of mine - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By vwispos - November 9 - 3:21 am

  My explorer ran so perfect I loved it. Never had a check engine light or anything! It got okay gas especially to be an SUV. Only thing I ever had to replace was rotors. I hear of some problems from them though so make sure to buy one in great condition and it will become your best friend.

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  Awesome King Ranch 4x4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Wade - November 8 - 10:26 pm

  This truck is great looking, nice leather and the older the leather gets the better looking. Truck handles well, however is a little on the heavy side.