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 Vehicle to Drive - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By OMB - February 3 - 2:00 am

  We love our Excursion! We use it to tow a boat as well as a horse trailer. This is a great tow vehicle. Very comfortabe on trips, it has a great ride on the highway and has tons of power under the hood!

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  Ford Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Rich Hermanson - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned two Ford Explorers, I survived a head on accident in my first Explorer (the occupants of the other vehicle were all killed) and would strongly recomend them based on safety alone.

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  Very good used car purchase - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By datpoet - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used T-Bird with V-8. Excellent reliability, and comfort features (if you ignore the stupid location of the cup holder). No problems after 114k miles. Not a winter weather car however, traction in snow is shaky at best.

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  SUPER FUN CAR - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Lisa - February 2 - 10:36 am

  This car has a lot of get up and go and often have to hit the brakes. The ride is smooth and with all the adjustments to the seats, very comfortable. I love the controls on or near the steering wheel and everything within a comfortable reach. Often times I feel like I am driving on clouds. I love the sharp look of the exterior and the comfortable interior. This is a must have car for anyone who likes to drive.

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  Best Ford that I have bought - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By nettenette - February 2 - 2:30 am

  I just purchased my 6th Ford vehicle and even though I havent had it for long it is my favorite. In recent years I have mostly been in the suv/truck mode but was ready for a change. My husband didnt want me to get a 4cly engine but when he drove the vehicle he instantly changed his mind. Plenty of get up and go. The car is beautiful and filled with enough bells and whistles to keep me clued to the owners manual to get educated. Good going Ford!

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  The Money Pit - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By bluecar - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I was so excited to purchase this vehicle back in 1996. It was so much fun to drive and very comfortable. When the car hit 47,000 miles things went sour. The head gaskets blew and the car was out of commission for 2+ months while waiting for a new engine to replace the damaged lower block. A few months after that, the car was recalled for this problem. Right after that the a/c line broke. I had all the repairs made at the dealer. Then most recently, the engine blew again! I could not believe it. This will make the 3rd engine and it only has 108,000 miles. Based on my experience, this car is THE money pit.

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  bring back the bronco - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By karvon - February 2 - 2:00 am

  not as much room as my 91 but just as fun to drive power when needed i love it

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  Mechanically Unsoud - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Amy Ostrow - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Great ride when it is functioning.

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  Good Truck, But Loves GAS! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By SPOLkLd - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Well built truck, but it loves the gas a little too much. Never bested 20 mpg in the year I owned it and usually averaged 16 to 18, and that ws w/o a load in the rear. Choppy ride didnt help matters much and dont push one into a corner too fast or youll be swaying all over. Avoid the French auto tranny. It stinks.

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  I like my Edge - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Dougie Fresh - February 2 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this vehicle, I compared it to the Chevy S-10 and Dodge Dakota, and based on price, features, perfromance and over all appearance, the Edge package had everything I wanted in a truck. On the interior, everything is easy to reach and well marked. The carpetless interior also makes clean up very easy when the weather outside is messy. The four doors makes it very easy to get stuff in and out of extended cab. Ive driven it cross country through the mountains, and its as comfortable as any car Ive owned. The 4.0 has a lot of get up and go!