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 little car with get up and go - 1998 Ford Escort
  By slats - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the escort five years ago and have had no problems whatever. It has more get up and go then would be expected and the gas mileage has been 27 to 29 pg. Just this past month the generator failed. first time I had to send money on it other then tires and windshield wipers. Currently 95,000 miles.

• 

  1st Truck -- Great investment - 2001 Ford F-150
  By newbief150 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. I added high rise top to bed, spray in bed liner, and stainless steel nerf bars. Great addition to a great truck. Overall can not complain. I did have a problem with the A/C when I purchased it, but the dealer fixed it. No other problems. Would recommend and buy again.

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  Nice Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By truckdriver - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I drive an F150 for work and have been impressed by the solid feel and comfort compared to smaller trucks I have driven. So when I saw the King Ranch version, I knew this was my next vehicle. The leather in this truck is great, very soft and comfortable. The rest of the truck is well built and have had no ptroblems at all. After three weeks there is no reason to take it to the dealer for the normal build defects.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - April 16 - 7:00 am

  Just what I was looking for. Replaced my 1986 Bronco II (255 K miles) with it. Hope it does as well.

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  Love my Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By just me! - April 16 - 5:06 am

  This is the second Focus I have gotten; the first was a 2000 and gave me some problems. Mostly it was the dealership I was taking it too. The Focus is a great car. I have back and hip problems and dont have any trouble with comfort. Get the Focus you will love it. Its good for any age too.

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  Used Ford Taurus - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By John Cole - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This car has been reliable. I had a handful of minor dealer solved problems when the car was new. After that the car has been perfect. NEVER BUY THIS CAR NEW. It was a deal for me at the start. Since then Ive been upside down on payment ever since. I would strongly reccomend getting one a few years old from a private seller. This car has the worst depreciation. It is because you see them everywhere and most folks are looking for something unique. Dealers have a tough time selling them for this reason.

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  High-Maintenance Baby - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By wylieSteve - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I really like the comfort, room, ride and performance of this car. It has enough room to easily seat 5, has good acceleration, handling, braking and top speed. Camshaft problem was a $700 pain to get welded, and the car is on the third transmission.

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  T Bird 5.0 - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By David B - April 16 - 2:00 am

  had a while travelled from canada to Fl,rear wheel drive in snow in this car is sweaty palms stuff.At @75k had to replace almost everything but the steering wheel,but I still like the car,and lets be fair, most domestics fair the same.

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  estimate value - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By William L Carlson - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle for me I have made three trips cross country and no problems. I have it serviced between 3000 & 5000 miles interior clean and witout damage exterior in good condition

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  My Little Red Machine - 2003 Ford Escort
  By bumble bee - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new in 2004, but it is a 2003 model. This car had only 17 miles on it when I bought it. I have have 2000 miles on it now, and I love it.