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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  Happy owner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By hbjb13 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  My wife had a stroke in April 2003. Her right arm is paralyzed and she has only limited use of her right leg. It is much easier to get her in and out of the Explorer than a car. It is also easier to get the wheel chair in an out of the back. We had to find a vehicle she was comfortable riding in and this was her first choice. We have been completely satisfied with the ride, performance and over all appearance.

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  my ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By alec4455 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  it is a fun car to dive around town and take kids to places

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  my explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By jayse1973 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  weve had our explorer for almost three months and we love the roominess of it. We have a 2 year old and a 1 month old. Both seats fit really well in the middle seats. The v-6 is really powerful and have no problems pulling hills. The fuel mileage is about 300-325 miles to a tank. Overall we are really loving having this vehicle, and cant wait to take more trips in it.

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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By bluebaby - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I own this vehicle and I love it! Traded in a Checy Blaxer for the Explorer. Best move I could have made. Smooth ride. Great vehicle.

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  Good Things - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By coolj - November 21 - 10:00 am

  GOOD

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  2005 Limited Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dustinwj - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for a month now, and only find myself getting more and more pleased with my purchase. The size is perfect, like driving a car but higher up, with much better visibility and much more cargo room. I find them to be the best looking compact SUV on the road, especially the Limited with body-colored bumper.

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  great value and utility - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jeramy doer - November 21 - 10:00 am

  a 200 hp v6 makes this little suv quick and fuel efficient. spacey interior and plenty of off road capability made me choose this over the nissan xterra.

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  what a car! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By mortis08 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  after six years with this car i am still amazed at how fun it is to drive.it has power to spare and my average mpg is around 20 or so.i would not hesitate to recommend this car to anyone, especially people who like to drive. i bought a new suv, and was going to use my bird as a trade in but neither my wife or i could stand to part with it. yes, the thunderbird is that good of an automobile.with its combination of power, reliability, standard ammenities, and classy looks, i dont think ill ever get rid of it!

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  Too Many Repairs! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Matt Nelson - November 21 - 2:00 am

  With small children we bought this car in part because it does well in the crash tests. It rides well but has had too many problems! The front end has been replaced, the transmission overhauled, gaskets blown, etc. It now has 80,000 miles on it and has cost several thousand more in repairs than my camry (which I sold at 230,000 miles) ever did.

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  Worst Car I EVER OWNED!!! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Better Not Buy - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Only 67,000 miles and know a broken head gasket, freze plug corroded, broken hood release, squeeking steering column (sounds like a bulldozer) If you see a FORD-RUN. FOUND ON ROAD DEAD!!!