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 Big Black X - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Chip - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle does it ALL. I sold my RAM2500 4wd V10 and got this. The ram was good, THIS THING IS GREAT. Towing, fuel economy, power...AWESOME!! My wife was terrified to drive it at first (used to her 5 series BMW) but now I have to fight with her to drive it. She loves it. The only problem is I cant fit it in the garage. Oh well. After I lift it, it wouldnt fit in there anyway. Buy one if youre in the market.

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  1999 EB Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By kpmallory - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After 3.5 years it is frustration. Stuff just breaks on it! We have replaced: door locks, fuel pump, gear shift column cable, the entire electronic panel and cruise control and other things I cant remember. It all started with a squeak about a week after we bought it. . I took out for the first time ever, an extended warranty, it has paid for itself. As much as I love my truck, it is frustrating to pay all that money for a product that has failed to live up to expectations. I cant really recommend it to anyone. Maybe I got that 1 in a 1000 that just has issues but from what I read, I dont think I am that unlucky.

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  whats not to like? - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mpc - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes around-town car, but we also use it for travelling. In both areas it has proved its worth. She finds it comfortable and easy to drive, practical at hauling around family, friends and shopping, and it can always be trusted to provide towing for my own less reliable motor. But it really shines at vacation time. We drive long distances and the kids just dont complain - theres enough room for one of them to be asleep flat while the others play around. And it handles the off-road portions admirably (even with only 2WD). To sum it up: comfortable, practical, versatile. (There is that fuel economy thing, though!)

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  Best Mustang Ever - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By rocketman - February 11 - 6:30 pm

  Very fast for a V6, feels very safe to drive. I was skeptical about purchasing a Ford but this car is a definite exception.

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  Comfort and ergonomics - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bob Brownby - February 11 - 11:56 am

  I drive five hundred miles per week and have averaged over twenty nine miles per gallon. Ill take the gas mileage over the so called lack of power any day, especially considering the rising price of gas.The Five Hundred has great ergonomics and is the most comfortable cars Ive ever owned. Great value for the price.

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  Got a lemon - 2008 Ford Escape
  By john - February 11 - 2:33 am

  I got a lemon. My Escape was great for the first 6 months and now it seems to be in the shop every week. Back hatch mechanism failed twice, had to replace condenser motor because of a transmission leak. My temperature and door lock options on the convience package change on there own and ford has no fix yet. Fog lights are filling up with water and shorting out.

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  quality - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By ander - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Based on thr F-150 this is a solid reliable truck with a solid engine and a nice body.

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  ZX2 Automatic - 2003 Ford Escort
  By ronalt - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has lots of engine noise. Seating is very comfortable up front, but back seat is small. Car has plenty of power, and it will scat.

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  Taurus brakes! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By ludishirley - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Seems to be a good car with plenty of power and features including good safety features. However, Ill have to say had I known the Taurus sedan did not have rear disc brakes I would not have bought it. Its my fault for not being smart enough to know this, however, the salesman should have been up front with me on this matter as he was with every other feature of the car. My last five cars including my current second car have four wheel disc brakes Ill never buy another car without them. There isnt a car in the Taurus competition that doesnt have or offer four wheel disc brakes (Camry, Accord, Altima, Maxima).

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  Good car! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By BobbinLane - February 11 - 2:00 am

  With 130000 miles on it, it is still solid. It has been reliable. And its peppy!