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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  Definately Ford Tough - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By richard o - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I drive my Expedition like a truck. I had a liner constructed to fit the back end with the seats down & I haul everything! It tows our 2 horse trailer without a problem. I am a avid upland bird hunter & I find it to be the perfect vehicle in the field. Dogs & passengers travel in total comfort. Ford definately did things right with this model, the new ones are just big cars

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  Its good... - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Winston Cup - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Race car and trailer with tires and fuel weighs in at 10300lbs. and this is the only vehicle that can manage it without going to a F250/350 pickup truck(which I did have prior to the Excursion coming out. Going through Yellowstone Park with 2 baby seats filled and 5 adults plus all the luggage was excellent in this vehicle...we had all the room we needed. I have the PowerStroke Diesel and I assure you it gets 20.3 on the highway and no less than 17.8 on average which is as good as most vehicles on the road. Of course I use Cruise Control to its maximum. This is my second Excursion(the first being a 2000 model).

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  Dual Excursion Family - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By jbhogue - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We own two Excursion, a 2001 and now a 2004 - We love them! Great for pulling heavy things and for a large family. Plenty of room for kids, friends and all the gear

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  Never Buy a 2 Door SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By jemiller4golf - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Explorer Sport new and found that it did not handle well on wet roads and curves. Besides a hefty transmission repair bill, I have had issues with the ABS system, air bag indicator light, and keyless remote system. Before I purchase my next vehicle I will review any Technical Service Bulletins and Recall notices on the National Highway Safety website as I saw a number of issues listed for the Explorer that I am experiencing.

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  k - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By wingnutkev - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the truck like ride and hieght of the vehical. I also enjoy the capacity for toating everything from dogs to my work equipment. I dislike that Ive been through 3 transmissions and that the engine lacks power and acceleration. My vehical has over 200,000 miles and only so much can be expected. It had 120000 miles when I purchased it. It is easy to work on. A few quirks here and there but there hasnt been much on it go that I havent been able to fix myself.

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  Great car - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By gigantor - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My experience with Mustangs is nothing but great. Thats why Im on my third one right now. I wouldnt keep buying them if they werent a good car.

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  gas hog - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By gorilla - March 19 - 2:00 am

  this car is more fun than my 64 mustang, but sucks up high test gas like a sponge. One day on i-95, i barely touched the pedal & found myself doing 120mph. it cruises at 80mph & its the most comfortable car ive ever had.Miami to Palm Beach is 130miles roundtrip & it uses at least half a tank. if id known how much hightest gas it drank, i never would have bought it.but its a fantastic car otherwise!!! So if gas isnt a issue,buy one.

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  My birthday present - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jackelyn - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought this beautiful car for my birthday, it was the dealers show room model and I love everything about it, a dream car and I feel like a Princess when I drive into town. Thumbs up to Ford.

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  Local Use Only! - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By SteveFromSyracuse - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Dont ever take this baby on the LONG HAUL! That transmission will sing you an expensive tune. It heats up after an hour or so and everything starts to blink and go alarmed. Fixed the traditional things like the mysterious power windows & lights & warning alerts. Just over 100k miles now, front bearings are going. Must sell and buy anything but a FORD.

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  No problems here - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By JackReed133 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no problems with this van.