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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  Love my Ex powerstroke - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By rpauley - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Trouble free, replaced shocks with Monroes, fixed ride problems at 4000 km. 7.3 powerstroke. Just back from 1400 mile trip w 7 adults and luggage avg 22 mpg. New Tarus wagon following with 2 on board took same dollars for fuel. Big safe brute that loves to work

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  Ford Kia Festiva - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Cammy - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. A great car Ford never made. But a hellava selection on their part. As much fun as the Mini I had in 68.

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  F150 viewed - 2000 Ford F-150
  By ERi - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I never had any problems with reliability. The only problem I had was the light switch broke off. I feel this is a very miner problem for having owned the vehicle for three years.

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  A lot of fan, I love it. - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Vivi - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my contour for about 2 years, and it has 69k miles, now it have 90K and I never have any problem. It needed + market. The design is from England. That is the reason whay is a "diferent Ford".

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  Good Car for the Money - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Spider3455 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This has been a pretty good car. Other than routine work, I have only had to have the Water Pump replaced about about 75000 miles. Starts up every time, runs smooth and gets good gas mileage. I like the value of the car. Power moonroof, quality leather, and premium sound have all been great. If you take care of this car, it will take care of you.

• 

  Crappy vehicle - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By khuri - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Terrible can. Unreliable, poorly built.

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  Neat car, but ages poorly - 1995 Ford Probe
  By AdamPSU - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought her used, had her for 2.5 years now. I really love driving her, and up till now, i have had few problems rotors, battery, stuff like that at about $100 a pop, and not too frequent. But last month, I had to replace the whole transmission at 87,000 mi - cost me $2100 to do it! Now, shes giving me trouble starting in the morning, and it could be the Idle Air Control (IAC is $600 to replace), or the Mass Air-flow Sensor (MAF is $800 to replace). I dont know which, and it could be neither, and something less expensive but I am bracing myself for the worst! Im afraid as much as I like her, I could not recommend to others to buy this car.

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  Keep making them! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By sailon - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Lots of time on the road traveling with family. You can take whatever you want with you. Visibility and height are a great advantage.

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  escort - 1993 Ford Escort
  By john geuse - November 13 - 2:00 am

  good car, does not have "cheap" ford economic paint, good fuel economy, reliable engine.

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  Awesome car. - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Redman - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome to drive. It looks awesome to.