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 - 1997 Ford Escort
  By 1997escortlover - September 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned ford escorts for over 20 years 1981-2001 this car was dependable. it was able to take a beating. We will miss it. we traded this one in 2001. We had over 100k miles and the clutch was on the way out,so was the starter,computer,timing belt, and cv joint

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  Fun While It Lasted... - 2000 Ford Escort
  By 2kford - September 4 - 2:00 am

  ZX2 was a new totally base model 5-speed. A great car for the first 10,000 mi. Steering was tight & responsive. I could do things only possible in this car. Drove 20,000 mi/yr. It limits at 105mph. The brakes were just right & the gears shifted smoothy. Great MPG I could drive 25 mi w/fuel light on. As it racked up miles, the thing I noticed to go was the steering sometimes it pulled to the left while accelerating. Funny noises w/the heater. Entire 42,000 mi driven, didnt have to replace brake pads once. Wouldnt buy this car new again, lost nearly half its value after 1st yr. Find a low mile used one with more options!! Gotta get 5-speed o)

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  This is why I dont buy Ford - 1995 Ford Contour
  By fordcritic - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I was critical of Fords before but decided to give one a chance. My contour has 91,700 miles on it and is currently in the shop for the transmission that just went out. What is wrong with Ford and being able to make a decent transmission??? My vents no longer work either and Im sure thats going to cost me a pretty penny to fix too!

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  Great for mixed driving - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Havack - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the Truck. Easy Care. Parts are easy to come by when needed. Turns very sharp(good thing). Ride is not your wifes Lincoln, afterall it is a 4WD truck. Avoid if it was never used in 4WD mode and you expect to. High mileage(+130,000) Auto trans might cost more than it is worth(typical Ford). Expect rust on tailgate if the window seal was not maintained($65 at Ford). Gutter cracks are very common and easy to repair.

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  Even now she still surprises me! - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Voodard - September 4 - 2:00 am

  With over 168,000 miles on the original transmission and engine this truck continues to amaze us. Though 130k miles is freeway commuter trips and the remaining city driving, this truck has yet to give us any major repair bills (knock on wood). The leather was well worn, so I installed beautiful Wet Okole seat covers and she looks new again! Well done Ford! Look at how many of the pre-1995 Explorers are still on the road next tiem youre on the interstate, it will surprise you.

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  Great Package - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Skidder - September 4 - 2:00 am

  We went shopping for a Toyota Sequoia and ended up buying a Ford Expedition. The two primary reasons for NOT buying the Sequoia were its 3rd row seats and NO LUMBAR SUPPORT for either front seat. The Ford excels over the Toyota in these two areas, as well as having a better ride. Having 4 kids, we needed all the neat seat configurations available in the Expy. If you have one in a car seat, Ford made the center seat on the 2nd row just for that. It slides forward 11 inches to bring the little munchkin right up between the drive and passenger. Which reminds me of the ONLY OPTION on ours; captains chairs up front (because we didnt need seating for 9).

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  Fast and Reliable - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By BobH - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Mustang I have owned, the first being an 86 LX 5.0. Both cars are very similar and I have over 180,000 on each. They are rock solid reliable until about 160k mi when the TFI ($45), Heater Core ($40), and Water Pump ($45) should be changed. At 170k, youre looking at a rebuilt trans ($750). The engine and heads should exceed 200k mi. Struts and springs hold up well past 200k mi. The car easily revs past 5500 rpm and while the 220hp is matched by many modern cars, the 215lb/ft of torque at 4000rpm is not matched by many. Since torque is felt and HP seen, the fun is in the gobs of low-end torque.

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  2 Door LX 5.0 Coupe - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By Daniel - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 93. It has excellent performance(as you know), gets great gas mileage for its class, and is very dependable. I have 119000 miles with only normal tune-ups done and it will still run low 12s in the quarter mile. I know people that have over 300,000 miles with no major problems. These cars are great.

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  Last Ford - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Loren - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Failed head gasket not covered by ford (94-95 only recall), AC failed, Susension failed, ride ok, other than driver seat the car is not confortable for others. NO power with 3.8L engine dog!! Many typical electrical conection failure, common with my 87 Taurus 6 years later and still not quaulity :(

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  This is one great automobile! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Wendell Davis - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Taurus since 1997. It had 26000 miles on it whe I purchased it. It has been a wonderful car. To date I have only replaced the battery and the brakes. It still runs and looks great. I just bought my wife a 2000 SE Taurus, and I will be using hers a my daily driver. I hope the 2000 is reliable as the 1996 has been.