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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  Awesome truck! - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Bronco dude - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Its a wonderful truck great for teenagers like myself

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  Could be so much better - 2016 Ford Escape
  By jw - August 22 - 11:00 pm

  Other than the fact I have now gone through TWO fuel pumps since buying this car, I am just as disappointed in the lack of quality materials used in the simple things like control knobs and seat cushion materials. Lots of road noise on the highway. I wont buy again. Next time Im probably going back to a santa Fe

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  Great Ride - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By WRD - August 22 - 5:33 pm

  I have had mine over a year and traded in a 98 Mercury GM. Will upgrade to a new one soon. I have the Police Package and still get 24-25 MPG.

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  96 PONY DRIVER - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Hoss - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my hard top GT new in 1996. It been a pretty reliable car with a couple of exceptions. My brakes have lasted 60k miles with hard driving. The only negatives I see is the plastic intake which cracked and was replaced at 50k miles and the throw-out bearing on the clutch start making noise around 20k miles. I plan to purchase a new car this year but I will keep the Mustang for a second vehicle.

• 

  Fun to drive - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By fordsncats - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This is our 3rd Bronco. We like having a big SUV with a short wheel base. Its large yet easy to park.

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  Smooth Going - GL Sedan - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Pfossit - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I had over 10 repairs from 1993 to 1996 while the car was under warrenty. Since then the car has run like a charm. The only negatives, the electric window on the back left passenger door stopped working and the air conditioning broke around 70,000 miles. Otherwise, going strong at 104,000 miles.

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  In for the Long Haul - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Dave in Mo - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the truck new and have put 144K on it. Plan to keep until 250K or 300K. Inline 6 300CI engine is Very Tough and reliable. Never been touched. 5 Speed box is very good. Clutch very good. A/C, power steering, power brakes never been touched. Body excellent but doesnt have the fit or finish of a GM truck. Bad Points...Brakes lousy in wet weather since day one. Hydraulic clutch actuator is REALLY bad. Works great but is made out of plastic so has to be replaced periodically.

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  Not a bad truck - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By ironhacker - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 92 4-door XLT 4WD used in 94, and drove the car for 8 years. For the most part, it was reliable and cost-effective. Everything was OK until the 5 speed trasmission developed a slow leak and ran out of fluid, evidently due to a design problem that caused lots of Explorer manual transmissions to fail. There is some kind of issue with the suspension resonating at highway speeds, which was allegedly why Ford recommended the low tire pressures that led to the Firestone fiasco. My Explorer exhibited a little bit of the shaking problem, but it was still acceptable. I got my moneys worth out of the truck.

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  1996 ford 150 sb - 1996 Ford F-150
  By rkw - August 20 - 2:00 am

  truck has been completely reliable, looks good, but lack of control over seat back angle makes it uncomfortable for long drives even though it has an adjustable lumbar support

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  Great truck! - 1996 Ford F-250
  By Tequila - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I needed a truck to pull my horses around New England. This one does the job in style and gets me home! No problems. Every penner I know drives a Fo