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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  I Love this Truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Goodguy - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have evr owned. Buy one, you will love it. I get 18 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. I have the powerstroke so their is huge power on tap. My 8000 lb trailer and 5 adults does not even phase this vehicles power in the Monutains on Colorado. I have 50,000 on my 2002 and everything works the same as the day I bought it. In a family of 10 truck / SUV owners, I was the only vehicle that did not get stuck in our last snow storm in Colorado. We got 3 feet of snow and the Excursion went through it like a hot knife through butter. I drove the whole family around to get what they needed in the storm. I love this thing!

• 

  I Love this Truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By goodguy - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have evr owned. Buy one, you will love it. I get 18 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. I have the powerstroke so their is huge power on tap. My 8000 lb trailer and 5 adults does not even phase this vehicles power in the Monutains on Colorado. I have 50,000 on my 2002 and everything works the same as the day I bought it. In a family of 10 truck / SUV owners, I was the only vehicle that did not get stuck in our last snow storm in Colorado. We got 3 feet of snow and the Excursion went through it like a hot knife through butter. I drove the whole family around to get what they needed in the storm. I love this thing!

• 

  What A Great Car ! - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ron Levine - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I have always wanted a convertible sports car and found my dream when I purchased a 2003 Thunderbird. Before I purchased the Thunderbird, I had owned a 1999 XJ8 Jaguar. The Thunderbird performs on the same level as the XJ8 and its even more fun to drive. No matter where I drive, people are constantly staring or pointing out the car as it passes. If I just take a short drive, at least 3 or 4 folks turn their heads or make a nice comment if Im at a stop sign or red light. I am fully enjoying this car and at age 55 am having the time of my life driving it.

• 

  Awesome Vehicle - We own two! - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By sputnam - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Loved my 95 Explorer so much I bought my wife a 99. Theyre both great, but I particularly love mine with 6 disc CD changer, premium audio, leather, sun roof, all the etras!

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  Reliable and lots of space with 2 door - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By BARCA99 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I own it for more than a year. All I had to do was change the oil. When I bought it had close to 100k miles and I have put another 20k and runs great. In the freeway I get 21 miles per gallon and in the city around 14. I recommended this car to students and professionals who need to carry tools.

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  Powertrain is terrible - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Randy - April 22 - 7:36 pm

  My 02 has had a leak in fuel line, new cat converter, fly wheel in transmission, clutches in differential, blower motor in air conditioner, front power seat motor, had to turn rotors at 20k miles. This thing is a lemon. Stay away. I cant afford to keep it and the TMV is so low now that I cant afford to sell it either.

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  Great little SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Mulan - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought the vehicle from a dealership at the private party value. Im extremely pleased with all aspects of the SUV.

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  :( - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By AmandaGrover - April 22 - 2:00 am

  The rotors on the brakes have had to be replaced already and are in dire need to replacing again. Brake pads have been replaced several times over. The blinkers stopped working and no one can really tell why. The piece that holder the windshield wipers started rusting out. The fuse box is extremely hard to open as is the hood. The acceleration on the freeway is very rough and the gears shift unexpectadly when trying to go from a complete stop.

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  mixed review - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By jericson - April 22 - 2:00 am

  As far as its reliabilty and performance it has much to be desired. While on vacation, about 500 miles from home the ignition module went out and left us stranded. (there were lawsuits with Ford over this problem-some families were killed when this happened to them) Many other times, not far from home, especially on warm days I would get stranded after driving a relatively short distance, turning the car off. When I would try to start the car up again it would not start-but hours later it would start. After Ford put out a bulletin regarding this problem (fuel pump) we had that replaced.

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  2002 T-Bird - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By BLUBRD - April 22 - 2:00 am

  After almost a year and a half, I still feel the rush when I drive it. It only comes out of the garage on sunny days and it is still in perfect condition. I intend to keep it that way for many years to come.