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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  SUV that rides like a truck - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Rnak - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been the most problematic from the start. The dealer was horrible at purchase and the service was deceptive and expensive. Buy the extended warranty it will help you out. Things that occurred three recalls, failed radiator resulted the failed electronic plugs, failed ABS sensor that resulted in the brakes prematurely wearing out thus had to buy new brakes for $650 for all new brakes not covered on warranty it is an maintenance item, and new brakes are nearly worn again dealer installed soft brake shoes. SUV bounces like a truck does not have a smooth ride. Gear shift rattles while driving.

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  My 6th Taurus is the best yet - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By L/Bourgeois - October 4 - 2:00 am

  After my first five taurus I expected to do another transmissionb job and brakes on a regular basis, BUT this car has been great. Transmision shifts smothly and the brakes seem to not wear out so quickly. Fuel economy is better but the back seat entry puts your head at risk of hitting the rounded corners.

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  Loved th 2000, Love the 2003 - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Ceejayp - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Taurus. This time I went for some luxury.Leather seating, floor shift, spoiler and sunroof.I purchased the spruce green color.All in all I am thrilled with my car.My husband is an auto mechanic, the only imput he had was with the engine.He did not want me to get the Duratec engine.The 3.0 has plenty of get up and go.So if you want a good dependable and pretty car, this is the car for you.

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  Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By askj - October 4 - 2:00 am

  It has been a reliable vehicle. It had a head gasket problem but Ford fixed that. Brakes every 40 - 50,000 miles. Nothing out of the ordinary. (except odd electrical problem, Ford wiring always seems to be an issue)

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  I love my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By SusieQsSUV - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving the Explorer. Its comfortable, dependable and great on gas mileage. Its stylish.

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  Love my Hybrid Escape! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By LGIII - October 3 - 10:50 pm

  Love the mileage, 33 mpg average, and the 10,000 oil change intervals. Would certainly buy another in the future. Ford quality has improved a lot since my first Ford in 1972. My last Ford was a 1994 Explorer I bought new and had 189,000 miles on it when I sold it.

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  I love my 2nd gen escape - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Brian - October 3 - 12:18 pm

  Its my favorite car Ive ever owned. 7 years and 150000 miles in it still looks and runs great. (Shame on Ford for making the 3rd Gen a bloated teeny bopper hatch back instead of a proper suv like this one.)

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Wayne - October 3 - 7:58 am

  Great SUV handles well works great in snow and plenty of power with good mpg 260k on same engine and trans, shocks and struts. Rear brakes are original!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Wayne - October 3 - 7:58 am

  Great SUV handles well works great in snow and plenty of power with good mpg 260k on same engine and trans, shocks and struts. Rear brakes are original!

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  additional option needed - 2003 Ford Escape
  By nodak - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I do with the Escape would come with an option of weather temp and driving direction gauge on the rear view mirror.