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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  love my explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By hunypooh777 - November 7 - 2:00 am

  i got it with 96,000 on it and it looked and drove like new. now has 108,000 have only changed o2 sensor, oil and trans fluid. oh yea the front end squeaked like crazy when i got it and the dealer replaced front shocks and grease fittings. havent had any real problems...has been pretty reliable. was comfy when we went from nj to fl and back.

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  Disgusted - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By stilhunter - November 7 - 2:00 am

  At 50000 miles I spent over $2500 in repairs. I continually have problems with the check engine light particularly in cold weather. In cold weather when the vehicle is first started it is necessary to keep the engine revved or it will die. The radio and clock display failed after I owned the vehicles for two years. Personally I have bought my last Ford vehicle.

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  Economy sports car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Nematode - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Much faster stock than a Civic, and can buy used for cheap. Handles well, easily modified to be very fast. Its a bit heavy, but turning and braking are still good. Cheaper than a Camaro and more easily modified.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By RyanWSM - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Very nice. Can haul 9 people and gear anywhere...mud, snow...no problem. Plenty of HP with the V10. No brainer to pick the Excursion over the suburban.

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  Humble but reliable - 1995 Ford Escort
  By quarthex - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my escort. I bought it used and I have never had any problems with it. Not once have I ever turned the ignition key and had a failure. The looks could use help, but hey, its a cheap car. I hope that whenever I buy a new car, it is as reliable and trouble free as this car.

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  #3 F150 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By david_us2 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd F150. Had an 84 (still running somewhere out there) a 95 and this one. Almost switched to a GM after the 95 but gave Ford another chance. Glad I did. Solid, strong and dependable. Little stuff like rust on the running boards (factory installed) and a minor air leake that comes and goes on a windy day. Aside form that, I tow a boat all summer long, live on a steep gravel hill, take it everywhere and anywhere. Still looks, rides and runs great. (Lariat 4x4 w Triton V8)

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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By dpmeersman - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable ride, good economy, complete with leather, moonroof and all the features I wanted in a new car. I looked at Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas and to get one of these cars equipped as the Taurus is I would have payed $24,000 & up. For $17,900 i got the car I was looking for with much smaller car payments then I would have thought. I can live with the rental car stigma while Im enjoying the savings.

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  A Great Choice! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Holly - November 5 - 6:43 pm

  I got my Focus after deciding to trade in my 2000 Jetta that had its fair share of problems over the years. My family has had several Fords and after checking out the Mazda 3, Civic, and Scion tc, this was the clear choice. It rides well, is fun to drive, and the Sync system is great. Ford was offering such great incentives that it was hard to justify not going with this car. If youre not sure, take one for a drive and youll have a hard time saying no.

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  what a disappointment! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By hadlovedit - November 5 - 2:06 am

  Within the first 600 miles the transmission had to be replaced. In order to fix it they put on an additional 123 miles; said had to road test it ... the cd was replaced 3 times. The seats dont work (still), am driving much too far back. Loud noises in the undercarriage. Oil light keeps going on and Fords people are totally uncooperative. Car been at the dealer 3 weeks in the three months I owned it. As I wait for the parts to come in, I can only wonder what disaster will happen next!

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  One size fits all - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By MustangSally - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Well I got the car for my 16th birthday and it has lasted me through both high school and college and has needed very little maintenance. I think that my car is very dependable and the gas mileage is pretty good!