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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  Shell never die!!! - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Beast - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Slow on take off.

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  Aerostar - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By JayCee - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought van with 60,000 miles. Drove it for another 100,000 miles. No major problems. Great vehicle. Last year made 1997. Most for sale have over 100,000 to 200,000 mi, so it shows they last.

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  Great body- crappy engine - 2002 Ford Focus
  By rented a focus - March 21 - 8:13 pm

  On a recent trip to California I was actually kind of excited when the guy at Hertz said I was getting a ford focus. I really like how the focus looks and as shallow as it may sound, they have a great ad campaign. However, my opinion instantly changed when I got the thing on the road. I wasnt expecting sports car performance, but this car is so underpowered I found it dangerous on the California freeway. The engine also whined like an annoying comedian whenever I attempted to accelerate. It was significantly worse than four cylinder fords Ive owned in the past. It might be a little better with a stick shift.

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  Freestyle SEL - A good purchase. - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Phil - March 21 - 8:16 am

  So far, so good. Replaced a van with this vehicle and much more enjoyable to drive. Better fuel economy than the van and CVT trans makes for a smoother ride (no shifting). Very comfortably designed drivers seat with plenty of legroom left over for rear passengers. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who asks.

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  not to bad - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By bills - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 3 yrs ago with 172k on it. Now it has 230k and driven dayly. Does not burn a drop of oil. I did the standard 3.8L head gasket replacement (valve job) 20k ago and has been running great. The engine showed very little wear when opened up. I like the car.

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  My old Stang - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By pike513 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Great car, cheap to repair. I have 120K miles and old problem was my transmission went out at 80K which I hear is common. LOVE MY STANG

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  Should have bought the Oddesy! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Markos - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehicle pre-owned after we found out we were having twins. Did research, safety was great I didnt expect the vehicle to be so awful. Replaced PC Module after 3 months, tranny after 9 months. Have numerous electrical problems, doesnt start on cold days. What a mistake I should have spent the extra money for the Honda. Called Ford Motor Co., and they dont seem to give a hoot. Pretty bad when I work in the car industry myself as a sales consultant. Cant wait for the Saturn Mini-Van in 2005 model year.

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  95 Escort LX - 1995 Ford Escort
  By ssantos - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Good experience. A good car for value- conscious consumers.

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  A 90 Ford Probe was my first car....... - 1990 Ford Probe
  By veronika - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1990 Ford Probe from a family member, but they failed to tell me the car had a few glitches...so as time went on, I had to put in a brand new radiator, I fixed the A/C so now it is working and gives cold air, and heat. I tinted the windows-which gave it a nice look. New tires were also added. And a few other things. But once I had fixed most of the major problems, it was smooth running from then on. Right now I am in the process of selling my Probe. The car has been reliable, I can say it has never left me anywhere, but a car like that needs to be well taken care of.

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  Still a blast to drive! - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Jersey John - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I have now cranked out 107,000 miles on this car and I still love the way it handles. I look for winding roads just to enjoy the way it hugs the road. I finally replaced the brake pads after 85K miles and Im still on the original clutch and exhaust system. The car has been as reliable as any car Ive ever owned - and Im 54 years old.