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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  Front end problems - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By truered - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The van overall is nice and very roomy... But, there is a problem with the front ends with these vheicles... It is almost like they just trew them together....

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  good on paper/ decent in reality - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By avesrulsik222 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  within the first month the front right headlight went out for no reason. other then that the truck runs great.

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  For Once Rightly Done - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ariuss - July 31 - 1:53 am

  Have only bought Japanese cars in the past. Drove the SEL and fell in love. If you had told me a year ago that I would be buying a Ford, I would have said you were insane. Ive been proven wrong.

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  BEST IVE OWNED - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By TENNESSEE DRIVER - July 30 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT NEW,148000 MILES LATER STILL GOING LIKE NEW, REPLACED STARTER AND USUAL MAINTANCE,STARTED USING SYNTHEIC OIL AT 100000 AND IT STOPPED PINGING AND BOOSTED POWER,I LOVE THE DRIVER SEATING, 23MPG.ITS SO GOOD FORD STOPPED MAKING THEM.

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  Love It -- but its turning into a money - 1996 Ford Probe
  By cathmary - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 20K, now have 75K on it. Love driving it, but have had numerous problems: In the first year, the CD player, and the hydraulics for the hatchback/trunk door went out. The radiator had to be replaced. Seatbelt buckles for both front seats had to be replaced. The EEC relay board and a battery cable cover just got replaced today ($350 plus towing). Without the EEC thing, the car wont even start. Im postponing $1500 worth of emissions parts (oxygen sensors, etc.) Cover panels around passenger feet keep falling off. Parts are VERY EXPENSIVE + HARD TO FIND! Now just want to get running and sell it, alas!

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  My lil red car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By NurseNell - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to Drive. Dependable car. Good in snow. Attracts deer lol! Had a deer riding on my hood and windshield.Windshield never broke- mechanically sound vehicle--gas gage stuck on full at 89000 miles--regular oil changes done and replacement of y pipe a year ago. Thinking of trading to Dodge Stratus but will miss my little escort!

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  Dont Count on It - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By kjb in tn - July 30 - 2:00 am

  OK for about six months but then it all fell apart. Car left me stranded on the highway with no warning. Not once but three times. Each time dealer had car for up to two weeks and computer showed no problems. Finally replaced the fuel pump. This year replaced rear brake system (chalk it up to former life as a rental). In past month car died without warning again. Diagnostics again did not explain stall but did need some faulty sensors replaced. The mystery continues. Dont fault the dealer just a bad product. Quality issues and too many cars in market explain poor resale. Grew up in Ford family and I purchased 4 so far but this will be the last.

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  Comfortable small call - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jenzsdad - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car about a month now. So far so good. It is an automatic with the sports package. I would have liked some other options ABS,& Moonroof. I also would have prefered a 5 speed, but thats what happens when you buy a leftover. You have to take what the dealer has. I did get a good deal though $12,500 + tax & tags. Not bad! Its comfortable & quiet for a small car. The handling is good for a 4 door of its size, but not as good as my Nissan 200SX SER (Auto), or as fast. I must say though that the Focus rides like a bigger car. It must be the 103 wheel base.

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  4Dr SuperCrew 5.4L V8 4x4 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Brett Taylor - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this truck, its features are fanatastic. It is so amazingly fun to drive. The only negative aspect of this vehicle is the fuel consumption. I put on about 200- 290 miles a week on the vehicle, and I get about 12-13 miles a gallon. Now, I really baby it, but if you step on the gas, you can watch the fuel needle move. Other than that, it is perhaps one of my best vehicles I have driven.

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  My 1st new truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By fsufan - July 29 - 2:00 am

  My new 2004 ford ranger is great for me and very versatile. The ride is much better than any of the other trucks i test drove. Especially the chevrolet s-10.