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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  This is one tough truck. - 1997 Ford F-250
  By Justin - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a 3/4 ton ford f-250 light duty. It has a peppy engine good its size. This same engine (5.4l) is not any good for the full size f-250. This truck has no prblem doing most any job u dish out.

• 

  good cheap ride - 1992 Ford Festiva
  By navstud02 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  this car is very easy to repair and maintain. The parts are of the highest quaility. many miles now just hit 345,000 original starter altinater.

• 

  Just a great truck. - 1990 Ford F-150
  By justin - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I actualy have reacked this truck and totaled it. A S-10 going 60mph. T-boned me. And a left unharmed. Thank you for producing this truck Ford!

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  Just a great truck. - 1990 Ford F-150
  By Justin - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I actualy have reacked this truck and totaled it. A S-10 going 60mph. T-boned me. And a left unharmed. Thank you for producing this truck Ford!

• 

  Over the fence and outta the park! - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By TravisPettit - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an all around 1st class vehicle. Rugged yet refined exterior, and quite possibly the most perfectly designed interior. The Explorer says to all other SUVs, "Get in line, and FOLLOW THE LEADER." This vehicle has more luxury and convenince features than any other SUV in its class. It also introduces most industry first features. All other SUVs, especially Chevy, flock to Explorer for ideas and features. If you see a new feature on another SUV, its a good bet you will either see it on a previous model Explorer, or on a Ford drawing board.

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  I LOVE MY BIG EXCURSION - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By RICHARD B - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS SUV, WHO CARES ABOUT THE GAS WHEN YOU DONT HAVE TO DRIVE 2 CARS TO CARRY THE ENTIRE FAMILY, EVERYTHING FITS IN THIS BABY

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  Blown head gasket, etc. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Trading it in - October 30 - 2:00 am

  1st year: Dealership ripped me off: water pump, fuel pump, 2 starters (defective parts), keyless entry DOA, various hoses and the coin holder is holding the previous owners pennies hostage. Dealership had it longer than I did the first month. 2nd year: Since then: replaced radiator, 1 starter, replaced 1 brake light, a/c died, radio is losing it too, blown head gasket and 2 other leaks, at least one of us has carbon monoxide poisening, tranny is leaking, 6 mn. old radiator leaking. Dealership has it now and for me to repair it will turn it upside down! Consumer reports did not say anything about a defective head gasket!

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  Second Sport Trac for me - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MarkF - October 30 - 12:36 am

  After putting on 100K on a first year 2001 Sport Trac I just had to buy another one. This time I upgraded to a leather package with the full console and fog lamps and couldnt be happier.

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  Zytec & Automatic - 2003 Ford Focus
  By mj - October 29 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased this car 1 1/2 years ago and I have been very pleased. Ive only gone about 11,000 miles, but have had no problems at all. Very very smooth drive, i.e. good shocks & suspension take the whump out of most smaller bumps. I get between 30-32 mpg on my model with a 50/50 mix of highway and city driving. The passive antitheft is a great feature - without the special radio-enabled key in the ignition, the car wont start. Reduces my worry that the car will be stolen. Very large trunk is nice. Trunk lid does not pop up very high, but a light does appear on the dash so Im ok with that. Also - when trunk closes there are no giant hinges that eat up trunk space. All in all, a great car.

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  Love the truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By brent - October 29 - 8:13 am

  I have only had this truck for three months now, and so far, I can say that I am in love with it. The ride is great and the comfort is top notch. The only quirks I have about it are the noise I hear in the steering wheel (like a clicking noise when going around corners). Other than that, great truck.