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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  Piece of Junk! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Kim Oleman - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Windstar with 30,000 miles. We have had it 6 months. The electric seat adjuster went out the next day. The locks went out 1 month after purchase. The right sliding door does not stay shut at times. And now the transmission went out at 53,000 miles. I have never been so unhappy with a vehicle.

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  Best Ive owned - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By djcash2000 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle from 37000 miles till 112000 and this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. The only issues that I have had was the window dropped inside the door right after I bought it, but the dealership fixed it. Recently I had to put on an alternator. Otherwise I have only changed the oil. No plug changes, or anything. It has 2 wheel drive, all wheel drive and of course high and low 4 wheel drive. The truck has held up wonderfully and is just about as tight as when I bought it. I now have a 5000lb camper and the truck is rated to pull it. It just has too hard a time getting up to speed, even with the 5.4 titan.

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  Worth the Money - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By AllWeather - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased it new in September 1999 after wrecking my beloved Bronco. I threw the third seat away for it is a waste of space and too heavy. I commute in Buffalo, NY to my hospital job in as much as seven feet of snow, ice. I never missed a day of work. It never failed to start even in -17 degree weather, I still have the original battery it came with. I recently relocated to Las Vegas. I averaged 17 mpg with the truck loaded down. I have had only general maintance performed on the vechile. Except for a set of tires everything is original.

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  We love Excursions! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Dr. Ken - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Excursion.We love them!We have 7 kids and this is our favorite for hauling around the crew.3rd seat is most accessable of anything in its class.The load space is tops,the ride is good and the seats are great.It is heavy and doesnt get blown around,but it is tireing to steer for long distances.

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  weee - 1998 Ford Escort
  By iced98lx - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The 5spd helps with performance, and it never breaks down, get 38mpg on the road, what more do I need?

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  My Favorite Car Pick - 1999 Ford Escort
  By AngeMSU - January 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my second escort and I love it. I bought it used with especially low miles, and I havent regretted it for a minute. Defiantly worth more then its priced at.

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  Solid truck, American Glitches Remain - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Hands - January 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is still new to me, but I have a strong sense of it already. Its solid, comfortable and powerful, but the build quality is American all the way. I have already had it in the shop for a mis-aligned door and a malfunctioning wiper switch. I have owned a number of imports (Japanese and Korean) and have never had to return them to the dealer the first week. It seems I have had to return every american vehicle I have owned for some type of repair/adjustment. Speaks poorly of American workmanship, Im sorry to say.

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  Very Reliable - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By broberts - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1997 and it has been very reliable. I wish the gas mileage was better as my overall average is only 20. 27-28 on long highway trips.

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  Very Impressive Record - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By sorpa - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Incredible reliability over the years. There was never a day that the engine or transmission missed a beat even in twenty below zero Canadian cold. The only problems ever encountered in 165,000 miles(264,000KM)were warped brake rotors, front sway bar links clicking and a hardened and cracked windshield washer line. Of course I had to change a few light bulbs and adhered to scheduled maintenance, but thats all that has ever failed! I am hanging on to this car and have my fingers crossed...

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  all around good pickup - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Donny - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I have a Lariat with the 5.4 in it and am really impressed with the pickup, but would really like to see one with a five speed, I think it would be more fun to drive. I get too bored driving an automatic. plus the performance would be a lot better with a five speed. I really like the ride and handling of the pickup and it does everything I want it to do. We are selling it because of the automatic, we would probably keep it if it had a stick.