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 Car!!! - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By LoveMustang - July 28 - 2:00 am

  i have owner for 4 monthes. Nothing need to be fixed. Great car! fast, power, relaible...

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  Babe the Blue Ox - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Rugby4NeilMat - July 28 - 2:00 am

  We love our 97 F-150! We nicknamed her Babe the Blue Ox because of her strength and alluring factory color. With slight engine mods, aftermarket wheel/tire combo and careful attention to maintenace schedules- this pickup has been a joy to own after our quirky 1988 Ford Bronco XLT.

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  Its a 4x4, not an suv - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Seacow - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Bronco just a few months ago, and so far have been very pleased. My previous Bronc was a 81, no power but also bullet proof. The 94 I now own had 63000 miles on it when I bought it. The power of the 351 is insane. There is always more power when you need it. Steering is typical Ford TTB, but a Rancho steering stabilizer helps. Dual Rancho RS 5000 up front and RS 9000 5 way adjust in the rear is great. The only problem is that the speed control suddenly stopped working. Fit and finish is good, with a little squeek and rattle here and there. None the less, the Bronco is very stable and built to last.

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  Ford Explorer, the rough and tough one - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By fordexstar - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car (and first ever SUV) and it has been fantastic. I put 40,000 miles in 2 years. The reason I got the SUV is that I wanted a big car that I can have fun driving. My overal experience has been very positive. In the beginning I had some trouble with the spark plugs dying one after the other. Then came the firestone fiasco. But other than that the car has been very reliable. It is close to 100,000 miles now and touch wood it has not started showing any signs of age.

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  FORD, Fix Or Repair Daily - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By theaxeman - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Nothing special,not worth the high price.the drivers window was repaired and now works. but the mirror hasnt worked properly since day 1. The cd player quit about a month ago. brakes "grabby" when it rains. the rear sliding window has been leaking since the first time it was opened. Its a lease and Im really glad to be giving it back. Ill even (reluctantly) pay the 400.00 for the 1/4" dent on the bumper. this was my 3rd new ford but each one was a little worse than the one before. The dealer service is NOT terrible its just not really great.Although Im not wealthy I CAN afford to NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD.

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  I love it! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By stolenhalo777 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I went from a junker to this. I love this car. Great pickup, faster than alot of my friends cars. Nice and resectful looking. I love my new car and it runs great and its one of fords best cars. ford makes crappy explorers and other cars but this one is a awesome improvement.

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  Never Again! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Denney - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought our van with 40000 miles on it. At 50000 miles the tranny went out and then again at 100000 miles. I cant tell you how many times I have replaced the brakes. I will never buy another late model Ford in my life. We are going to trade it in on a Honda Pilot Next month.

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  Smooth sailing - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By asimovian - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for three and a half years, and it has earned its place in my heart. This is the essence of big and powerful for an affordable price. It took me two years to figure out a weird transmission slip-like condition, but I havent had any major repair issues to deal with at all. Four times a year, we take a road trip to Vegas, and I cant imagine being more comfortable. A true winner with plenty of get-up-and-go.

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  This is a great car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By bob - July 28 - 1:53 am

  Ive had this car for almost three months and so far, so good. It is the smoothest running car Ive ever had and I have had no problems to date. Mileage has been good (around 20 with mostly city/suburban and with a/c) and I expect the mileage to increase with more miles. It has room to spare and the seats (leather) are quite comfortable. It is very solid -- probably due to its Volvo base.

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  awsome so far - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Jeremy - July 27 - 1:14 pm

  I just bought my wife a 2005 with the 5.4 3v dont knox much about them other than the plug issue but the champions 7989 fixed that it has 130,556 and runs great so fair