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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  " The Best Minivan! - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Peter Leech - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 3rd Lexus LS400 for this Freestar & enjoy driving it every bit as much!! A few years ago I owned my own Mercedes Dealership for a number of years & I do know & "Love Cars & Driving"! I consider this Freestar a FIRST CLASS VEHICLE. Contact me for any other details!

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  Sporty old 2 dr explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Rosy - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This little thing has done very well under some rather tough usage. Its actually quick and fun to drive - not at all like its 4 door big brother who turns like a boat and rocks and rolls over bumps like an elephant -but he does hold more stuff! Keep up the maintance and little things do go wrong, but.. it will hang in there.

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  Simple but pure truck... - 2003 Ford F-150
  By JMA - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, head turning, responsive, extremely reliable, muscular build and all at an inexpensive price. I added a low profile LeBra tonneau bed cover which made it look even sharper and improved gas mileage. This is my 5th new F150. I actually like it better than the 99 extended cab XLT short box that I traded in on this one. JUST PURE FUN!!

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  2000 4WD xlt - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By MAlexander - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this red Explorer

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  Tested TUFF - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jeffjax - October 27 - 2:00 am

  VERY GOOD TRUCK 107027 mi ADD OIL GAS AND GO

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  Good Minivan for the Price - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Sunburn - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Recently bought an 04 SEL after looking at used Grand Caravan SEs. The Freestar was only about $1K more after all the rebates and discounts. The Freestar has far more features for the price. The interior design is good, with lots of storage. The 1st and 2nd row seats are comfortable. The 3rd row is only suitable for adults for very short trips. The bottom cushion is too close to the floor. The powertrain is a mixed bag. The 4.2L has great torque, but can be a bit unrefined at times. The mileage could be better as well. The transmission is unobtrusive. The ride is comfortable and quiet. The handling is good. The build quality appears very good as well. Overall, a good, but not great minivan.

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  Everything I Expected & More! - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang_Baby - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Purchased car after kids went to college. Was one of the best things I did for myself. Absolutely love it! So fun to drive, except in winter. Need snows & 200# of sand but it still goes. Wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  Can last forever - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Good mpg - October 26 - 2:00 am

  My family bought our escort brand new in 1991. So as a hand me down it is a great car, unfortuantely half the engine got replaced within the last 3 years(belts/hoses/alternator), but with the new parts I plan on driving the escort for another 5 or 6 years.

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  After 7 Years 149K Miles Still OK - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By dilbert2 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 12/97. Engine had to be replaced at 103K. It was covered by warranty. Handle to recline driver seat bent and eventually broke off. Cost $600 to fix. Wow! AC will hold a charge for a season. I live in cold weather (upstate NY) and dont bother. Great in snow. Great towing vehicle. I hauled easily 3000 pounds in the vehicle with no problem. (32 bags of cement). I have a 7 foot snowplow and it handles it well...even though I have a 6 cylinder engine. For the abuse that I gave this truck it is great. I can still hit 95MPH on the NY State Thruway with it, get 17 MPG, haul 3000 pounds in it, or tow 5000 pounds. Not bad.

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  Go Getter - 1999 Ford Contour
  By CISinger88 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Contour V6 with 56,000 miles. I bought the car for its strong engine, good looks, and tight sport suspension. Good interior room overall, and trunk is spacious. I love the way the car handles - especially with a little upgraded rubber. Disc brakes all way around with ABS and traction do a great job keeping the car going the direction you want it, and handles very well in the snow. Wish I would have gotten a sunroof and the 5 speed manual transmission for resale. At 60,000, the trunk sprang a leak, had to have the seals replaced and some brake light wiring that was damaged because of it. Other than that, this car has been a pleasure to drive.