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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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By wnfd - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Its a great truck thats meets a variety of peoples needs.

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  Keeps Runnin! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By WillRun4Food - September 23 - 2:00 am

  As I get ready to trade in my Ranger, I have to leave feedback. What a great truck...I drive quite a bit, and have had nothing but good luck with this Ranger...my 2nd. I have needed no repairs, other than oil changes and a tire recall...dealership even told me I had over 50% of my brakes left! Would recommend this truck to anyone!

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  Automatic Transmission Problems - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ootpa - September 23 - 2:00 am

  My family members have bought approximately 10 Ford vehicles since we purchased a 1988 Aerostar. All have been exceptional vehicles except for our recent experience with our 1997 Explorer. The transmission began having shifting problems at 62K. When I returned it to the dealer, I was told we needed a remanufactured transmission which cost $2400. Quite a shock and no explanation from the dealer except "it happens." Appealing to Ford directly.

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  finally! A USA car better than subaru - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By jschreiber - September 22 - 5:56 am

  Outstanding vehicle with tight driving feel despite wagon size, excellent mileage and terrific AWD a la Volvo (same platform and AWD).

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  97 explorer sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By VooDooU7 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the job I had. I traded a jeep wrangler for this explorer. The explorer is not as much fun as the jeep it is a lot more functional. it is more comfortable and reliable as well. the only complaint I have is with the dealership. I no longer live in that area so that is no longer a problem for me.

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  It goes and goes - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Paul Kleemeier - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car from my company where it was used as a fleet car. It has been through two teenage drivers and one front end accident. It had about 65,000 miles on it when I got it and I had no repairs on until the started failed around 95,000 miles. I had it tuned up about that time- first one. I spent around $1100 on transmission repairs at about 120000 miles. Still runs nice.

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  96 Taurus -- Stylish Winner - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Ford Fairlane - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall design and build quality strong. OEM tires lasted 60,000 miles with regular rotation -- replaced with Yokohamas (OEM alloy wheels) -- the Yokohamas improve handling, braking markedly. Very few problems outside of routine maintenance. Fuel pump expired at 58,000 miles. Best car Ive ever owned. May purchase an 04 since (a) the new Five Hundred/Montego may not fit in the garage and (b) the new small, mid-size car (Mazda 6 stretch) may be significantly smaller. Occasionally, must use mid-grade gas during Summer to prevent knocking on ethanol-enhanced gas.

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  dont buy - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Derek11883 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I put a total of 126 miles on the truck before flippig it over and totaling it. I was only going 38 mph around a slight curve in the road with some rain. I was hospitalized for one day. police think there was something wrong with the truck as do I

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  FX4 level II Ranger-Top of its class! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Mike Wright - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my FX4 level II Ranger back in January of 2003. I have 13,000 miles on it so far and it still drives like the day I bought it. I love this truck so much I cant stay out of it. the power is right there with the 5-speed automatic transmission and the 4:10 gears. My truck also has bucket seats and the ride is just right. This one of the best Rangers ford has ever made!

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  Quality Ford SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By brian olney - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My back window blew out, defroster shorted out, but ford was great, gave me a taurus with 38 miles on it and had my car fixed in one day.