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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  My Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By GrmaSugr - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my Ford Freestar, so far. Have only had it for about 2 months..so far, it is great...

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  great overall - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By andyland - December 1 - 2:00 am

  great overall

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  Good Start for Model Run - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By John Kalinoski - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Maintenence is best left to those that deal with big diesels as there is more oil in there than any of the weekend warrior types can change easily.

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  Good Vehicle - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mvree - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall good experince with XLT Sport 4WD with 5.4L engine. Bought new in Dec 99. Very comfortable cloth seats held up well over 4 years, great in snow and over long distances. Biggest problem is with rear wiper (replaced twice - once under warranty, recently out of warranty). Also had problem starting/idling after large change in barometric pressure (i.e. after major storms) - replaced idle valve sensor seemed to fix. Average 16 MPG - its a full size SUV, so what do you expect? High residual lease value means I turn in back to dealer way over actual value. Seemed to depreciate fast.

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  96 Escort is a great car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By d357r0y3r - December 1 - 2:00 am

  ive got a escort, and have had it for a while, and it is a great car. sure, its not exactly a speed demon and it doesnt look that cool, but for someone that wants a practical, economical, and overall good car, this is a good choice. in all the time ive had it its been very reliable, and other than routine tune-ups and some minor timing belt issues, it hasnt caused any problems. if youre looking for sheer power or speed, then the escort isnt for you, but if youre just looking for a good car thats good on milage and is reliable, this is a great option.

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  My 150 Heritage - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By flyguy - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Just got this truck it now has 300 miles on it. its a 4x4 6 cyl.and surprising power.It rides very good.It has some drive train noise at low speeds.it feels very solid and drives great.

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  Love the thing - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Captain Frog - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle that continues to amaze me. I own two sailboats and the short bed is just what I need without having to give up a roomy interior.

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  nice - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By slime - December 1 - 2:00 am

  only had the truck for a month but love the ride and drive

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  Great truck all-around - 2001 Ford F-150
  By dhoude - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Our truck has been great to this point. Looks great, runs fine. Very comfortable to drive for me at 6 feet and for my wife at 5 feet because of the adj pedals.

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  SVT F-150 Lightning - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Lightning Larry - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun to drive truck in a true SVT spirit. Gets a lot of looks and compliments. A pretty rare site on the road. Performs like an SVT should.