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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  Better than an SUV - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By LouisF - June 30 - 2:00 am

  As a single 40-year-old male, I resisted the idea of buying a wagon initially. The prospect of almost doubling my fuel mileage, while actually gaining cargo space gave me the push to try it. Having lived with it for more than a year, I wouldnt go back to an SUV ever again. The Taurus wagon handles so much better, gets so much better mileage, holds more stuff and is a much better value than any SUV in its price range. Im a true believer, though I still wouldnt call it a babe magnet.

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  A Lot to Love - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By lewme - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Since this car is used as a sales reps vehicle, its racked up over 40k miles in less than a year. Its all been in comfort and without any problems. The seats are the most comfortable in any car Ive owned--even after 8 hours behind the wheel. The drivers "dead pedal" makes for a very comfortable driving position. The A/C is powerful and the stereo sounds great.

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  My Favorite Truck - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Vanz73 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this truck for six years and plan to keep it for at least four more. Its a lot of fun to drive-- gotta love the 5.0 liter V-8 engine. I think a few folks are surprized when I leave them in the dust. Overall this is an excellent vehicle. It drives exceptionally well for a truck (on Michelin tires). It can carry a heavy load with ease.

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  1997 Ford Explorer XLT AWD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By chad4887 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  The 1997 Ford Explorer XLT AWD is a SUV of its own, and has just a few less miles per gallon, but the power of the AWD makes you feel more in control and makes you feel like your sticking to the road.

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  Last time explorer buyer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By bama - June 30 - 2:00 am

  It has been in for maintenance on the horn 7 times.

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  Nice Looking Car- But Piece Of Crap - 1992 Ford Probe
  By PLAYBOY - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Well, I got my car in good condition, transmission died 5 months later. Parts for these cars are MIA- you cant find them anywhere but junkyards pretty much, so it took 3 months to be fixed. Constant problems.

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  good value, great on gas - 1995 Ford Escort
  By squeebles - June 30 - 2:00 am

  a fine reliable vehicle for transporting kids and/or dogs around. This car has never left me stranded and I would recommend it to anyone at this price range.

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  2005 Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jim - June 29 - 9:26 pm

  I bought a 2005 Mustang GT and it by far is the greatest car I ever owned. I had a 2001 Mustang 5 speed and my new one is an automatic and I thought Id be missing out but the 5-speed transmission makes up for it. It is a very fast and fun car for an affordable price. The interior is nice if you get the upgraded interior package. It has a very comfortable ride for a sports car and unlike some sport cars it doesnt sit so low you think youre driving a go cart. I think Ford gets an A+ for this one.

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  excellent car for a low price - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Mike Webb - June 29 - 7:46 pm

  As far as Im concerned...I think that Ford has a excellent car in the Focus. It has a lot of pep, and gets good gas mileage. Ive done two tests so far and have reached 32 mpg on average. Thats about 70% stop and go 30% highway. You can pay 3-6K more for a Honda or Toyota ... but what you are really paying for is the history that its reliable. Id take the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty then my chances afterwards...and pocket the $6,000.

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  nice truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By jwf - June 29 - 2:53 am

  Purchased used to try for a first SUV. Mainly around town use and weekend mountain biking. Mileage is good 17- 20, ride is truck-like (read rough) but overall a well-built vehicle. Impressed by size and strength of underbody components compared to the new sport-utes. Buying this used blew away any new vehicle when you figure out the overall $/mile it costs to run this truck. Plus it is awesome in the snow here in Michigan.