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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  Watch the trans - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Packers00646 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Very expensive parts when they need to be replaced, A rebuilt Trans is about $2,000.00.

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  Gee, we must be one of the lucky ones! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By liberty1211 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought our windstar with @45k. Less than two years later we have 85k on it. It has traveled very well for us. So far we have only fixed the front brakes and some wiring damaged by a mouse that got in our van! Brakes are sometimes squeaky and engine runs loud - but this appears to be the case with every other Ford I see (or hear) on the road. So far, I like my van!

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  Wouldnt trade it for the world - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Sheli - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Escape in 2001 because I wanted an SUV that wouldnt "break the bank" with gas mileage. I consistently get 20 MPG and have had only one mechanical problem. I have 50000 miles on it with no intentions of trading it in. I love this SUV!!

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  The most reliable car ever made. - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Rob k - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my escort for almost 2 years now and it is the best purchase I ever made. It only cost me $1400 to buy and I have only had to replace 1 tire for $35. So far it has averaged out to less than $70 a month for the time Ive had it. I dont have any doubt it will last me for well over another year. I plan on driving it until it breaks down, I may drive it for another 5 years. If anyone is planning on buying one I strongly recomned it.

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  MY GIRL - 1994 Ford Escort
  By GLORY - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWN THIS CAR FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS. THIS CAR HAVE SERVED ME WELL. OF COURSE I WAS THE ONLY DRIVER OF THIS CAR. THIS CAR WAS JUST THE RIGHT SIZE FOR ME.

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  A Joy to Drive - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Judy Holland - September 18 - 8:10 pm

  I had a Acura and I love it. I did not think I could find anything better but the Freestyle is a joy to drive. I dont have the power that I was used to but in all other ways it is wonderful. I only have 8,000 miles on it but so far no problems. Great on long trips. One small complaint is the way the gas cap fits. Not designed for a womans hand to take off. I always have a problem. But if that is all I can find wrong I will be happy for a long time.

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  Love this SUV - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Dick Wiehe - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Weve driven a Ford Super Duty Crew Cab with a V-10 for 4 years now. Love it and like the EXPEDITION even better. Were retired and are convinced that theres no better platform to travel with and see the sights than these machines. The couple hundred more you pay a year for gas is more than off-set by the great seat you have to the world. Good luck to the folks that are sitting low and hunched down ... well take our viewing platform any day!

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  Run Away - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By schmuck - September 18 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car for our college bound daughter, within a week it stranded her: ablown fuse with no known cause. Finally get it back, stranded her again, blown head gasket, leaking radiator, and now the tranny is acting up too. A knowledgible mechanic told to get rid of these before they hit 120k, ours has 101k. Im looking at a $1000 repair bill on acar that I paid $500 too much for.

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  DONT DO IT - 2002 Ford Escape
  By codilh - September 18 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!! Ive had more problems with the Ford Escape than any other vehicle that Ive ever owned. 550 miles - all new gas lines 15000 miles - new transmission 16000 miles - leaking windows, windows off track 30000 miles - new brakes & rotors new accelorator pedal & throttle new stearing gear

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  Love my Edge - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Joe Johnson - September 18 - 1:30 am

  Ive enjoyed my Edge as much as any vehicle Ive ever owned. Most of my driving is highway so I am getting 20 to 20 MPG highway and around 19 MPG combination. Although I dis not want to, I recently replaced the original equipment Firestones with the replacement Michelins. The ride is as different as black and white. Much improved, but I do not take it off road.