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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  Cheap, but tough - 1995 Ford Escort
  By brewster - March 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this car since new, and it has become the car I love to hate. The hatchback/wagon design is immensely practical (why dont all brands have one?) and the mileage, at nearly 40mpg on the highway is great. Also, I agree with other reviewers that the drivetrain is as reliable as a hammer. Unfortunately, the interior noise level, complete lack of power, very weak brakes, and uncomfortable seats make this vehicle miserable to drive for any real length of time. Also, the quality of assembly is clearly lacking--doors dont fit right, wiring was faulty from new, etc.

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  No Problems with This Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Kevins432 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 9+ years with only normal maintenance (oil,filters,air-filter and such). It has performed wonderfully. When I purchased it I wanted a small,reliable car and that is what I got. I could not be happier with my purchase.

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  FOMOCO warranty next to worthless - 2002 Ford F-150
  By excop - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has had rear end whine since new,caused by irregular gear wear. Ford has been unable or unwilling to successfully fix vehicle. The whine continues to get louder with mileage. I am now faced with taking the financial loss of Fords defect because they refused to.

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  Love My Toy Car - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Tippy3 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1993 Festiva new, and even though I keep thinking I need to get a new car with modern options, I like it so much I cant part with it. I have replaced the exhaust twice, the brakes once, the tires once with some extras for nail punctures. Its getting harder to get 12 inch tires which is a problem. I drive it in New York City and the size helps a lot when I park on the street. Its amazing what will fit into it.

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  Great affordable car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By july - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car. I got it at 35,000 miles and got all the way up to 90,000 without any problems other than normal wear and tear. I delivered pizza in it for two years and it still worked fine. Would have kept going if someone hadnt totaled it while I was sitting at a red light. Im looking for another one now.

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  A fun car to drive - 1993 Ford Probe
  By uncle mozo - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 93 Probe new, and after 145,000 miles, Im still enjoying it. The 5 speed still has the original clutch and Im still getting 30 mpg! I added 4 Pirellis several years ago, since the car had no traction when accelerating in wet weather. What a difference. Also added an Alpine CD player and upgraded all 4 speakers - sounds fantastic. You will not find more bang for the buck. Just forget about using the back seat for anything except small packages.

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  We love it! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By tmwalsh - March 4 - 2:00 am

  We just love the van. It is comfortable, roomy, easy to get in and out of. The kids love it and so do I.

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  Mommy-mobile - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Re2112 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck with 36000 miles and Ive had my explorer for 16 months now and Ive had a/c and transmission issues. I had the compressor changed and a new pressure control valve changed in the transmission. Since then Ive had no issues with my truck. Im looking for an expedition because we just had another baby and the back seat just isnt roomy with a big car seat. Other than that the Explorer is fine.

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  about to buy another one - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By explo420 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1995 XLT V6 4x4 and have pushed it to its limits only to have it ask for more. I bought it with 78k miles on it and Im about to sell it with 111k on it. My new car is a 2001 Limited Edition, because I enjoyed my 95 so much. Its comfortable on long trips, practical around town, and unstoppable off-road.

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  Lauries Review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Laurie Hannah - March 3 - 8:06 pm

  I previously had owned two Escorts before my Focus. When Ford quit making the Escort I was very upset because I always knew what car Id be purchasing next - an Escort. However, I decided to give the Focus a chance, since it replaced the Escort, and Ive really been happy with its performance and quality. The only maintenance Ive had to perform so far is changing the oil and tires. I did have a problem with the truck when I first got it, but it was under warranty and Ford fixed it right away. Its been a great car and I will be purchasing another one really soon!