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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  My SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By soxfan589 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall this vehicle is outstanding! Although compared to the Toyota like vehicles the fuel milage for the Expidition is not near a good. This is being compared to the same size engine and similar weight vehicle.

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  Good looks, but poor quality - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By toysforboys - March 26 - 2:00 am

  No fun to drive, you allways have to correct the steering wheel. Problems: Brake peadal loose, Rear door felt loose, drivers door cannot be opened, Airbag light always on, sometime the tranmission is not shifting, rattles everywhere. Poor safety feature, no side curtain

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  Fun in the sun with my Xlt sport . - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Debby Romero - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Recently I upgraded to a Ford Explorer Xlt Sport from a 2000 Mustang. I have two highschool teens and the Mustang just wasnt big enough for thier busy life style. Just was never enough room for friends. We live in the Bay area and I cant begin to tell you how much fun weve had in the sporty Explorer.Sunsets are fun you can pop the back open & sit & see everything. It,s alot more comfortable with the leather bucket seats with the warmers riding to Reno too. Its definately a great family choice. It costs more in gas but it dosent even bother me because its just such a great fit for the whole family.

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  Best American SUV Ever - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By tonyy - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This Explorer runs circles around the rest out there. Best value for your dollar. Proud to drive this SUV as an American.

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  Love this car - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MaryLou - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Car? Truck? We still dont know what to call it. Fun to drive, good-looking, leather can handle lots of kids in and out with sports stuff, plenty of room for everybody and everything. Excellent handling; I cant believe how well I can maneuver it in small spaces. We cruise along at 60 or 70 and it doesnt feel like youre going fast at all. Gas is about $30 a week.

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  Foreign from now on - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Norskie4 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Have never owned a vehicle that wore down faster. Cheap build quality compared to foreign cars, seats looked worn after 6 mos, sheetmetal is flimsy and dents extremely easily. At 48k, had to replace cracked manifold, paint is peeling just like on the old GM cars, Ford just informs me it is out of warranty, and has no remedy..

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  Ford Windstar In the Shop - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By bjdeliduka - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this Windstar for 105 days. It has spent 26 of those days (24%) in the repair shop with a series of failures. TSBs seem to be announced by Ford 2 or 3 days after my van suffers a failure. Anyone wana buy my van?

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  Fun car as long as its running - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Charles Derdiarian - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for two years now and have thoroughly enjoyed its handling and power. The V6 provides strong accelaration despite its low horsepower rating. The build quality and cars reliability is terrible, though. I have gone through 3 water pumps in the last year ($250-400/pump). My first blown pump almost cost me my engine, as there is no temperature warning light and blown pumps often dont trip the coolant warning light. I have also had frozen valves ($400), gone through 3 catalytic converters (luckily covered by CA emissions), and a busted dimmer switch that shorted out my dash ($150). I will never buy another Ford.

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  Dont Buy a Contour!!! - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Leo888 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2000 ford contour with about 25,000 miles on it. It is in the shop about once a month for a number of problems, things inside the car such as the dashboard and the windows now rattle, and above the speed of 65 I hear an annoying whisteling noise. My brother also owns one and reports the same problem with a little variation in the small annoying things. I am dumping money into this car.

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  FirstANDLast - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By 1FamilyMan - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This was the first Ford product Ive ever purchased. The perverbial crap hit the fan soon after leaving the dealer. I was told and have read how Ford engineers had a winner with the Expedition. Great pachage I admit. But, when your wife and kids are stuck in a broken down vehicle...blood pressure boils! Its the call you didnt expect after buying a "quality" vehicle for the wife and family. Yes, we were warned of the safety trips...the problem was more severe. After 1 week, the damn truck had to be towed!!!! To the dealer it went for a new alternator. Covered by warranty, but not excusable for the money spent. You want to buy a Ford...be warned!