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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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By cfduffield - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 2001, same model, 2004, exceeds the older model in every way.

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By yobritt - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I actually upgraded from 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. The ride was rough and bumpy.No get up and go. I actually rented a 2004 Expedition for a weekend and thats when I was hooked! The ride is awesome!

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  Love it!!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By LuvBNAmom - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I went from a conversion van to this and absolutely love it! I used to get stuck in the snow in my driveway and even in 2wd I dont. It handles great and I will never go to another vehicle. Best choice for me and the kids love it too!

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  Like It! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By kw - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I like it and have had no major problems but i always buy the extended warranty so the (just in case) happens i am prepared for it with as little cost as possible.

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  Ford F150 - 1994 Ford F-150
  By STEVENJ - March 18 - 2:00 am

  The engine runs like new - I replaced the air intake manifold gasket at approx. 150K & the crankcase oil pan gasket once at approx. 200K. The front brakes must have been designed for the festiva - I had to purchase rotors way to often! My transmission was rebuilt around 150K. The torque converter sent a hard to find vibration through my truck at around 75K that was a Ford problem - Ford actually issued a service bulletin for this. Overall a great truck! I should have purchased (2) - it was ~$13K new.

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  2002 Windstar Limited - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By dmeadesr - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with the new Windstar It is well equiped and very easy to drive.

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  2000 eb expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By kkl - March 18 - 2:00 am

  overall a great experience, just wish it had a GMC engine

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  Not bad for 175k miles.. - 1997 Ford Escort
  By gLaze - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I picked the car up for 700$ with 175k miles on it. To hold me over till i got a new car. Ive driven it every day for about a year, about 50+ miles a day. And after 175k the only things wrong w/ it were wheel bearings needed replacing, and the rear spring was broken. And the tranny is acting up now.. but not TOO bad. All in all a reliable car.

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  Ford Got This One Right - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Ed - March 17 - 7:26 pm

  I ordered this vehicle back in June and finally received it January 19, seven months later. It was worth the wait. I have bought many of FordÂ’s trucks, thunderbirds and other models in the last 30 plus years, but this is the most fun to drive. I have about 4000 miles on this so far and by learning to hyper-mile, I have been able to get up to 35 mpg per tank, driving in the foothills of SC. The technology in this SUV is great.

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  This car was built for me! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By dumpbuster - March 17 - 6:34 pm

  I spent 40 years in the auto business beginning as a salesman, used car manager, import factory rep to factory exec and then ended up a CPDJ dealer. Ive driven them all and when it was time to retire and buy what I really wanted, I bought the Focus SE with the 203A, sport package and auto/manual. I look for reasons to drive it so what I save in gas (32 around town/38 on the highway) I burn up having fun. Yeah, the MySync or whatever its called is tedious for an old non-geek but Im used to it. The performance is kickin and the handling awesome. You can keep your Japanese cachet cars. Ill drive the wheels off this jewel and love every minute of it!