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 1998 Taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By BGRAY - October 15 - 2:00 am

  The kids and I enjoy long drives on the weekends in the Rocky Mountains. There is plenty of room for all of us and a few friends. The Taurus hugs those mountain curves with no problem and the engine is up to the challenge of the hills.

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  great car - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By tdrummer8 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  this car is fast, fun, and looks great. It has great performance, rides and handles exellent, and gets decent gas mileage.

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  Love to Drive - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Chasjaz - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with the engine/transmission in this car. 2.5L V6 with 5sp is a blast to drive. A real sleeper that surprises a lot of sports cars. Unfortunately it rides worse than most sport cars. It really beats you up. Leather interior looks nice but its cramped inside and not very well laid out. Ive had electrical problems from day one. Emergency break sticks when it freezes and cannot be released.

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  Never Again - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By DJTYTY - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used 29K tranny went at 35K. Had it replaced but the dealer cracked my subframe and power steering case. Said there was nothing wrong went out of bus. Tried anouther said I needed new subframe would not help me with ford. Finally found good service dept and it was not the sub frame but the ty rods. Anyway, the tranny is slipping again the radio does not work. I have a loan so I am stuck since this piece of crap Knock on wood at least it runs. I gave up my toyota for this that car never needed repair other than maint for 100K then I had kids and needed the room.

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2005 Ford Focus
  By dmojdstny - October 14 - 6:20 pm

  Have wanted this car for a few years now and am glad that I waited for the new style. The Focus is roomy, handles wonderfully, and makes me feel safe as a driver, and as a driver of small children. I love all the safety features and find this to be the most family friendly car I have found. The safety seat, and air bag features are all conducive to driving with small children in a safe & legal manner. I love my car and know I made the right choice for my family.

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  very well done - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ed - October 14 - 10:13 am

  The car is a joy to drive. Power is very good for a car this size. The exhaust note from the 4.0 six cylinder gives the impression (from inside) that there could be a v8 under the hood. The styling is unmistakable, it says "MUSTANG". If you do not like to get looks or stares, do not buy one. Overall I would give the MUSTANG a 9.

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  Oddball: Pleased with my Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By redgaucho - October 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought this Windstar with 70K miles in Mid-97. It now has over 170K. We still get 21MPG, which I ck every time I refuel, and use it as a diagnostic alert, if it goes dn. We drive mostly in the hwy, since we live in the country. I do all minor maintenance such as tires/brakes/tuneups/oil chgs, etc. and I have not had any head gasket, transmission or brake problems. Everything still works fine! I am planning on trading it in for ANOTHER WINDSTAR pretty soon, though. I have been very pleased with it.

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  Great Short Term - Careful long term - 1997 Ford Escort
  By MightyMet - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car didt give me one problem at all and I never had one item ever break on it and it was never in the shop for anything other then routine maintenance until just recently and it was a big one. The car has 121,000miles and the #1 Piston is hitting the valve and the only solution is total engine replacement. Car was VERY reliable until it hit the 120,000 mark. If the miles are low and the price is right you should go for it as I really enjoyed owning it but once you hit that 100,000 you should be thinking about selling it or trading it in.

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  Reliable 1999 Lariat - 1999 Ford F-150
  By pbos - October 14 - 2:00 am

  One-owner truck. No problems to date other than a turn signal stalk replaced under warranty during the first month of driving. 5.4l engine pulls boats, etc. very well though, stock rear springs are too weak. Bed sags terribly with load of only one pallet of sod. Consider purchasing helper springs if you haul heavy loads.

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  5000 new miles - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By medic - October 13 - 9:30 pm

  Purchased the car in Florida and drove it back to CT for usage. Average mileage has been about 24 mpg which includes some A/C usage and 70-75 speeds.