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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  Great Car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By housewife - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Reliable Car, I would buy it again. Never had any problems. Changed the oil on time, and maintained it with the recommended factory checkups. Great Car.

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  LAST CAR WE THOUGHT OF BUYING - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By HAPPY OWNER - November 24 - 2:00 am

  WE ARE VERY HAPPY WE LEFT TOYOTA AND DROVE BY FORD. GREAT SERVICE AND OUTSTANDING DOLLAR VALUE FOR A VERY NICE STATION WAGON (THE ORIGINAL SUV). SAVED ALOT OF MONEY AND RECEIVED ALOT MORE STANDARD FEATURES, INCLUDING REAR DISC BRAKES (SEL WAGON). BEEN DRIVING FORD TRUCKS FOR 20+ YEARS...FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY. WE EXPECT THE SAME FROM OUR TAURUS.

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  hauling sucking gas - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By kgb - November 24 - 2:00 am

  i cant believe 14 mpg.it should get better than that.

• 

  modern muscle car - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By slow&poor - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best example of a modern muscle car of this time period. The parts are very easy to find and farily inexpensive. This is definitely a bang- for-the-buck car.

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  99 stang - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By uafb1 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  this car has not been in the shop since buying except for routine maint. Gas mileage not great but car is fun to drive. I love the body style....

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  Im thinkin it rocks! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By RandallRaines - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Im 17 and for me to be impressed says a lot. The 5-speed V-6 is sweet and I have yet to lose a light-to-light. It handles really well for a sedan and I can fit my guitar stuff and my skis in no problem plus a few friends. If you dont like it, buy a Cadillac, but for the money this is where its at.

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  Rill good with awsome sound systenm and - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By brjdifjgkdjflkgjdflg - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Rill good the best of road vehicle in any of the ford class

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  Stay Away - 1992 Ford Escort
  By metrolover - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Car has left us stranded a few different times in the past five years. Twice with transmission problems and once the timing belt broke. Car has run good most of time but I dont dare drive too far from home anymore. I have heard from others that transmission is problem for this car.

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  Very Practical - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Strets - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ranger with 34,000 miles on it, when I was 17. Almost 3 years later and an extra 60,000 miles, she still runs like a champ. I use it to commute to and from school. It is very fuel efficient, low mantainence vehicle and it is good looking. However the 4Cyl., even though it has 8 spark plugs, is very slow.

• 

  Was an alright car - 1991 Ford Probe
  By Doonze - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Was just ok, at 110000 miles now and am trading it monday before it dies a horrable death. I liked it at first but now its just ho-hum. But all in all its been a good car.