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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  comfortable ride - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By n2games - February 8 - 2:00 am

  As the driver of this car, I find it more comfortable than any of the other cars I drive for work. I drive about 50,000 miles a year total. I rent cars about 1/2 the time. The windstar has plenty of power and room in the driver seat to get comfortable.

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  Great balance of size, function and fun! - 1994 Ford Probe
  By sppooo - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Put nearly 100,000 miles on my Probe and am having a TOUGH time finding a replacement that offers as good a combination of fun driving, great styling and the ability to haul a LOT of stuff. (People comment that they cant BELIEVE how much I pull out of its trunk.) It HAS been problematic and expensive at times, and Probe parts can be expensive. Put about $1100 into it last year, a new clutch, some sort of sensor costing hundreds of bucks (they all do), and some issue with the starter. Still runs fine, is still fun, could use a little tuning perhaps and...my seats are starting to rot, Ive GOT to get another car! But WHAT KIND????

• 

  o.k. - 2001 Ford F-150
  By jconwater - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall good vehicle. Have problems when it is cold. Power windows, emergency brake, and blinkers do not work when temperture is below freezing.

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  Supercrews the best - 2002 Ford F-150
  By pops - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Supercrews are very nice. On the down-side, if you want to haul big things (like a few 2x4 or 4x8 sheet of anything) the bed is too short. Another downside -most of the Supercrews have the center console- pretty dumb, given that it takes away the ability to seat 6. The 4-door Japanese trucks feel small and ride like wagons. (And Im not talkin about station wagons) The Dodge has a great engine, but the finishing details lack. The same comments for the Chevrolet, but no great engine. For creature comforts, -Lariat. The big V-8 is a must. If you want gas- milage, may I suggest a Honda Insight? The Supercrew is hard to beat in any category.

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  gr8 - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By trashman - February 8 - 2:00 am

  only had vehicle a couple of years but have put 60000 miles on it with a total of 311000 miles great service wish they still made them as im looking 4 around a (99) model now and looking at the windstars reviews im scared of them.

• 

  Solid - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Focus Fan - February 7 - 6:23 pm

  I had an SUV, so the fuel economy is flat out great. For the price, the ST model looks good, has plenty of cool features and is fun to drive. Anyone looking for a low cost fuel, efficient and fun car shouldnt sleep on this.

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  Best Ford Small Passenger Ever Built - 1990 Ford Probe
  By spjm - February 7 - 2:00 am

  242,000 mi. and this 3.0L 6 cyl. engine still has some punch left. I just bought a used 97 Probe GTS to replace my 90 because this truely is the best car Ford ever built. Why would any car company discontiue such a gem? I guess people would rather pay more money for Hondas or Toyotas (4 cyl... Puhlease!) that dont even come close to the speed or handling of the 2nd gen Probe V6.

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  I Recommend this Truck - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By C-Can - February 7 - 2:00 am

  GOOD LOOKING AND EASY TO HANDLE. WIFE LOVED IT. THE HEIGHT FROM THE GROUND GIVES GOOD CLEAREACE IS JUST RIGHT FOR NY POT HOLES. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIPERS WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP THE WIPERS WOULD START AND WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN OFF. I HAVE BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND IT IS STILL A PROBLEM.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By STLBOY2 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I like this car. It rides well and I have had no problems with it.

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  Good Old Boy with 178,000 miles! - 1994 Ford F-150
  By ronco - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle from a dealer that marked it "salvage only" on the bill of sale. Clutch was rough but overall this was a runner. I put a new clutch in it a few months after purchase (easy job!), rebuilt the brakes, and added new tires. This old 5 liter V8 runs great, uses a little oil but leaks considerably from front and rear mains. If it didnt run so darned good Id have it rebuilt. Never see a used lower mileage 5 liter for sale.