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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  Escape has served well - 2001 Ford Escape
  By C.Bral - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV. Im buying another one this year! This car has held a pretty good resale value as well.

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  Dont spend your money - 2001 Ford Escape
  By escapefromtheescape - February 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice looking car that performs well. The quality is persistently poor. The car has had a leaky roof, broken rear gate latch, malfunctioning rear storage cover, broken cigarette lighter, extremely rough running, herky jerky engine, broken spark plug coil, a recall for seatbelt tensioners that did not work, and the seats stain easily even after Scotchguard. I will never buy another Ford again.

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  Awsome V8 T-bird - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By redace98 - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 97, it had only 28,000 miles on it. I love this car handles great and the v8 engine is smooth and quiet. I would buy this vehicle again if i could. Always my choice for long trips. Few mechanical issues but still going strong.

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  love it - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By codnat - February 14 - 2:00 am

  i love my excursion. its the best suv that ive ever owned. its perfect for a large family. the gas milage isnt that great but that would be my only compaint. the ride is comfortable.

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  Worth Every Penny - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By lovemySUV - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought used 47000 miles, now has over 66000 miles. Have had no problems. Has been through many snow storms and drives very well in them. Best Truck on the road.

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  good car - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By scooby doo - February 13 - 2:00 am

  this car is a good reliable car

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  Explorer XLT - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By bikerbill61 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  When Ford built this Explorer XLT, I think someone must of thinking of excellent. They have done a great job on this truck. I have owned other SUVs and this one has to be the best so far. The only bad thing I have had happen is now I have to buy a trailer to carry things, since that "COMPANY" has us Explorer owners as being "bad risk". My XLT has all the features of the Eddie Bauer for a few $$$$ less. Which I like.

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  Excellent All Around Vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Jon K. - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new in March 2001 and we use it for traveling and pulling our boat. With 80,000 miles on it, it is still as tight as the day we bought it... I cant say that about my sisters GMC Jimmy that she bought at the same time! The Explorer is excellent in the snow and mud and will take almost anything you can throw at it. We use it to pull a 4,200 lb boat and trailer to lakes that are over 300+ miles away and have never had a single problem with it.

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  Great Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Mrtigger13 - February 12 - 10:00 pm

  I have owned three Mustangs now, a 89 5.0, 98 Cobra and now the 06 GT. Love the V-8 power, good torque curve, reminds me of the 89 5.0. I have a redfire deluxe. I like the cloth seats with the little Mustang ponies. The interior quality has gotten very good in the last few years. Handling is very good, very balanced, brakes excellent. I love the retro looks, tri-bar tail lights and the big driving lights in the grill.

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  2004 F-150 SuperCrew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Charlie B. - February 12 - 6:20 am

  The 2004 F-150 SuperCrew holds the road well, offers a solid ride and comfortable room for five. Still,it leaves room for improvement. One bugaboo is the A/C; you have to hit a smallish button every time you start the vehicle to engage the A/C. The Continental tires that came standard are cheapish, and would be much better with Goodyears or Goodrich truck tires.