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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  nice job - 1997 Ford F-150
  By tms98 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with this truck,no major problems with anything.Rides very smooth,has a great body design very flowing

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  Love My Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Escape - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Took possession on 09/10/2001 - now have 33,050 miles on it.I follow the service manual but change oil every 3,000 miles faithfully. ABS brakes are terrific. Vehicle handles well in all weather and driving conditions. Comfortable on long rides. Holds a lot or cargo. Backseat conversion is easy- I can do it alone. Thinking of buying another this year and giving the 2001 to my husband.

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  This has been a great car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Betty2 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since it was new and it has never failed to get me where I want to go. It has been kept outside, and has always started, at 95 degrees or zero degrees, just turn the key. The kids are older now and we need something that holds 6 people, which is the only reason Im going to sell it.

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  Go on an expedition to the repair shop - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By HATEUFORD - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Well hate doesnt accurately depict the way I feel about this vehicle. As soon as we hit 60K everything went to hell. Had to get a new engine, new suspension, new gaskets, radio doesnt like up, CD player doesnt work, had to replace the suspension. Passanger side air bag failure light is on. Being a stay at home mom who drives it to the store and for kids to school and then to see family on the weekends, I dont think weve been horrible to the car. It just is a horrible horrbible horrible car

• 

  Will Buy Another - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Will Buy Another - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had truck for 10 months & 11,000 miles. Has been 100% trouble free. Be sure to get the 4.0 Liter V6. The extra cost is worth the grin-factor. Considered the Tacoma, but for the same equipment it would have cost about $5K more. The extra cost was not worth the possibly better reliability. Plus with the Ranger I bought a 75K mile extended warranty so whats to worry about. Im way ahead on $$

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  Its been a great truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By Coby - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had only two mechanical problems with it in 10 years. AC compressor and front locking hubs. The 2.9 liter 6 has always had enough power, and I do not understand why anyone needs the 4 liter engine. I get 22 mpg on the highway. (Automatic transmission). I have loaded this truck down on several occasions with no problem. Towing 2000 lbs you dont even know its back there. I consistantly drive 5 hours at a time in it and my 62" frame gets a bit stiff, but no permanent damage. Other than change the fluids, I havent done a thing to the engine in 95000 miles.

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  1993 Mustang GT - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By Dan P. Kirrane - March 6 - 2:00 am

  It is a great vehicle all around.

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  so so savings on fuel - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Louis - March 5 - 6:50 pm

  Not told by salesman that A/C didnt work while car stopped or running on battery, must start engine by switching AC to Max. No fuel savings if engine needs to run so that the AC will work. No cargo net.

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  great value - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Len Amato - March 5 - 11:48 am

  I believe the Freestar is underrated. This van is a workhorse. People hauler and item hauler love it.

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  Move back to ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By joe b - March 5 - 3:33 am

  Was surprised by smooth ride, good size and mileage. Got a good price and low APR.