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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  Very solid - 2013 Ford Escape
  By sven7 - January 15 - 6:29 pm

  After a week of mostly 2 lane highway driving, I offer the following observations. The cabin is very quiet and the ride quality in the front seats is excellent. It handles choppy pavement quite well. In my opinion, it continues Fords recent unfortunate trend of being overly "tech-happy" even when the benefits appear slim. I was able to find one without FordTouch. Sync will only partially connect with my older Bluetooth phone, making but not receiving calls, a problem the salesperson says is common. I strongly suspect the buyer demographic for this car will be much older than for the Focus/Fiesta and simpler would be appreciated.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily / Found On Road Dead - 2000 Ford Focus
  By First And Last Ford - January 15 - 5:13 am

  I purchased the 2000 Focus SE Wagon used Jan, 2002 with 4525 miles and had it 2 months. The car was in the shop more than I can enjoy it. Besides the recalls I had the headlamps replaced, Rear license plate bulb and gasket,Fuel gague didnt work: replaced the fuel pump and sending unit to get the gague to work, Power steering pump leaked, serptine belt made noise, transmission leaked, windshield washer fluid leaked out the top when driving around: (check Yours),the dealer replaced the reserviour and the cap. The dealer told me that it was overfilled. DUH! This will be my first and last Ford. Found On Road Dead, Fix Or Repair Daily, Driver Returns On Foot (Ford Reversed)

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  CLASSIC AMERICAN MUSCLE - 2003 Ford F-150
  By urbancowboy - January 15 - 2:00 am

  For a long time now Ive always wanted a performance vehicle with the capabilities of yesterdays muscle cars like the Chevy Chevelle, Pontiac Trans Am, and all of those mean Mopars. Well, the SVT Lightning is it! Its totally freakish when you get on the gas at say 50mph and before you know it youre leaving traffic behind as if they have stopped and started backing up!

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  BIG RED vs BLACKIE - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Eric1812 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Big Red is my 2nd Ford truck. What can I say ? I love this truck! I bought in 2000 with 62k miles on it. Change the oil every 5k miles & filters once a year & you will never have a problem. Blackie was my 85 & a base model. Manual & straight 6. Classic. These 2 years were (imho) the best looking trucks in the last 20 years. Im so glad that the 04 style looks like a truck again. Cant wait to see & get the 2005 !

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  96 XLT - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Renae - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoyed my Explorer. It corners well, is well balanced, therefore travels in snow & on ice REAL WELL. Mine has a tow package and overdrive feature. I have towed 4000# a few times, pulls comfortably on the level, slow on inclines but what else do you expect with a 4.0 litre engine?

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  Good truck for the $$$ - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By cookees - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck new in 2000. Put on an aftermarket cruise control.(works great). Have the 3.0 liter V-6 with automatic transmission. Outfitted with chrome wheels and a tonneau cover, I actually get some very favorable comments on its appearance. I tow a small ski boat and it seems up to the job. All and all Im pleased with this truck.

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  okey dokey...except man. trans, AC - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By boobi - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a economical, low maintence rear wheel drive trk. majot maint at 165K, new frt end, all (radiator ect) new cooling system, 4 ac systems have died(Seems poor desgin, get extd warr for ac)lacks pwr for long hwy drives, mechanic and i did not realize that pulling out the(for clutch replacmnt) stick shift made it seem like transmission was dead, despite putting it back in. We were about to get a new trans before a better mechanic reinserted it the right way. gd brks,gd elect sys,ok paint, fluid leaks are prblm. Spare tire just rots on holder. little noisy,

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  I love my Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By drt1120 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had the best time driving this car and its comfortable to drive. Its easy to handle. Gas mileage is good for an SUV and hwy mileage is really good. Its easy to get in and out of and get my kids in and out of their carseats. I will definitely keep this car a long time.

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  Ugh. - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Elizabeth Z. - January 15 - 2:00 am

  So far Ive had to get the brakes done twice, a new clutch, tie rods, struts, and wheel bearings. And it STILL has front end problems! The engine rattles and the heater is lukewarm. The horn only works if you turn the wheel about 90 degrees to the left. The headlights are dim. Its uncomfortable-very little legroom & no tilt wheel so you have to squeeze yourself into it. And the cupholders under the dash console & behind the gear shift. It handles like a snowplow and is scary to drive in the winter (if it starts). I hate this car.

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  Diggin the Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Musicachic - January 15 - 1:23 am

  Wanted to move into the SUV market from driving a Chevy Malibu. Drove the Mariner, CR-V, RAV 4, & others. The Mariner seemed to cost more just for the Mercury label. The CR-V had a tight suspension and hit every bump hard. The RAV-4 had a cramped ride for everyone. After driving the Escape,I was comparing all the other vehicles to it. So Escape was my choice. 4WD wheel drive was a must for me with MI winters. The combination of that with the stability control, and traction control make me feel safe and more in control of my own destiny. I am paying the same per fill up as I did with the Malibu, but instead of going once every two weeks, I am going once a week. So it doubled.