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 SUV! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By smpavlikk - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Love the truck! Always reliable, Lots of room, great Pick up!(V-8) Gonna Miss it, have to sell got company car. Held its value well!

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  red toy on rampage - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By red toy - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck does everything I need it to do. I have hauled other trucks (lol) and boats, camping gear, never has a problem. The bed is a little smaller than my last truck, but fits almost everything. I like the pep, and drive it pretty hard. The color is great, and I like being so high above the other cars. I have had trouble with the tires and oil pressure sensor though.

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  Best hybrid on the market - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Eric - March 12 - 5:46 pm

  Ive driven the Prius, the new Lexus, the Highlander, and the Civic Hybrid. In terms of ride quality and performance, none of the other hybrids are as good. The transition from electric to gas is seamless, the vehicle handles well, and accelerates quickly and quietly. Im getting 40 mpg on average, and I drive aggressively. Consumer Reports data now overwhelmingly confirms top reliability for this car, and I know a number of other people who own them. I am very suspicious of the below reviews regarding reliability problems. Are these Honda and Toyota employees?

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  Love My Car - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By sds1433 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving this car for years now and the only time it is serviced is for oil changes and tune ups. For eight years of driving and 126,000 miles I couldnt ask for a more reliable automobile!!! Never had any problem with the convertible top either. Still does not leak.

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  Great little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By KJBock - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Other than the rattles from the rear, which were fixed by the dealer, my Escape has been relatively trouble free. Drives like a car, with good handling and plenty of power. I would recommend this vehicle for anyone.

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  Starting to show its age/ - 2001 Ford Escape
  By darcy98 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Weve got 33K miles now and things are starting to go wrong. The drivers door is sticking, the car stalled at 45 mph and its getting harder to start in cold weather. Overall its a good vehicle, but I wouldnt get the V-4. Stick with the V-6 and dont pay more than $22,000.

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  Surprises after 50.000 miles - 1999 Ford F-150
  By B Scott - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Loved truck until recent maintenance. Anyone else believe that new rotors (deep rust pits), new headgasket and new power steering pump should ALL be required after only 4 years and 50,000 very easy (no towing, off-road etc.) miles? Wonderful vehicle turned into major disappointment.

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  Too bad they dont build them anymore - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By homeowner-commuter - March 12 - 2:00 am

  With 110K miles, it still runs like a scalded dog. Very fast, good pick-up and tight handeling. The styling is classic and still gets complemens from total strangers. Ive owned a 58, 72, ant this one. They were all great cars, but the 97 is "the best".

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  cant win for losing - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By schwoop - March 12 - 2:00 am

  with this car you just cant win for losing.every time i turn around this car has something else wrong with it...would list them all but my fingers might cramp

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  91 plus SHO - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By shokid24 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  the 91 plus option is so mean looking, it can kill. the engine is a 3.0 liter yamaha. the 220 hp is nice, and @6800 ft pounds of tq. is quite exciting. mine is the emerald green option which i beleve only 900 were made. i have a mazda transmission, all of which that are on the car is stock. the slicer rims are sleek, and sexy. the car is so fun to drive, fast of course, when road conditions permit. although SHOs do have significant maintenence required, but i beleive it is well worth it.