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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  Almost exactly what I wanted - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By the ba - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my 2001 Ranger, but heres what Im getting in 2004: limited slip (very hard to make a quick turn into traffic in the rain without it), 4-doors (maybe Im too old to be squeezing between the seat and body to get to stuff in the back), 4.0 liter (I want to go faster than 85 mph), bucket seats (the bench doesnt have enough support at the knee, but the buckets are adjustable), and aftermarket hard tonneau (helps fuel mileage/aerodynamics). Only warranty problem was transmission modulator - replaced and doing fine so far.

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  Dont buy it - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By sprig10 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  All good until about 80K miles lots of problems: heating system, starting problems with electronics biggest yet is poor to non-existent acceleration when pushing excelerator pedal down! Bogs down, much resistence - like trying to pull a train car. This happens at all speeds, especially noticed when moving from stopped position. RPMs wind up to near 6K with pedal to the floor before tranny shifts. Sluggish accelration occurs only when the car is warmed up/hot - runs great in morning for about 3 minutes, then the problem starts. Cats replaced to no effect. O2 sensor replaced to no effect. Dealership mechanics cannot figure out what is wrong.

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  so far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By stumagoo - August 27 - 2:33 pm

  Not that much of a downgrade (roomwise) from my Explorer Sport. Handles good, blast package worth the money for the sound system. Not tons of power but knew that was an issue before buying (better on gas). Average 20-21 mpg with 24 being the best with just over 3000 miles on vehicle.

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By NET - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, smooth.... Love it. Take a test drive if you want a small SUV.

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  Good buy! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By bev - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling, and design of my truck..the gas miles isnt very good..but the truch is fun and comfortable to ride.

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  Wish I owned stock in ford parts dept. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By pritchett642 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Before 53,000 I had front axle seals,brakes and rotors,iap sensor,oxygen sensor,intake manifold gaskets,transfer case,power steering pump,and lower balljoints replaced. All of which the dealership said was normal. Granted this is the same dealership who recommended this vehicle for ease of maintenance.I am currently getting ready to trade it off as the dealership has offered to give an exceptional deal after showing them my full maintenance list.

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  Best Mustang in Years - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Michelle260 - August 27 - 2:20 am

  This is one great car. I love the way it drives and sounds. Sixty-eight fastback was always my dream car, so when the new body style came out is was a have to have for me! Love it!

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  1996 Probe SE - 1996 Ford Probe
  By ENPeterson - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned My Probe SE for two years now. I have yet to need anything except two new front tires and regular routine maitainence. There is not a whole lot to complain about with this car, coming from the Mazda base, how could there be.

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  92 Ranger - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By DAO - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought it at 92000 miles, have driven it to 130300 miles and only had to fix a small problem with the fan, an exhaust leak at the muffler, and at 129000 miles the manual shifter is getting stiff. I hope the newer models are as good since I am sure to buy my 4th Ranger.

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  Like a single Mom - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Highpockets - August 27 - 2:00 am

  It gets up and goes when its sick, when its hurt, when it just doesnt feel like it. Dont have the extra funds to put into a vehicle just to keep it in pristine, like-new running shape. A WORK HORSE! Program car with 32k when I bought it. Roomy, comfy, a huge trunk. It just keeps going and going until I have the funds to do routine maintenance for a machine: brakes, motor mounts, tie rods, sensors, etc. Ford Dealerships suggest thousands in repairs. I choose per my budget. Energetically runs on for years before I get to the other items on the Dealers list. Was disappointed when I looked around and learned that I couldnt plan on buying a new one.