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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  Hard to Part w/ A Wonderful Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By StanFurlow - August 16 - 2:00 am

  One ownerGood Ride (use 70lb sand bag in bed/3 for snow=4WD)Once you find a good seat position its OK (heated/vibrating seat cushion-long rides)70,000K milesGreat paint-willow green (has purple metallic in it)front of stepside catches rocks/sandUse rubber bedliner and leave long on all sides + tailgate rubberHave removable kayak/lumber carrier on bed sides- doesnt allow cap/locking topBit notchey in shiftVery, very few minor probsDome light fixed w/switchRegular oil changes4cyl but wish for V6 at timesOnly on 2nd set of tiresA/C bogs down engine however w/o A/C is worse

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  Turbo Ford yes!! - 1994 Ford F-350
  By owllover - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been every thing I was looking for when I bought it . We pull our 5th wheel camper or our tractor loader. both put us in to the 19,000 lb area . Our 94 turbo diesel does the job and than some. I plan on keeping it till its ten and than Ill look at what is on the market than .

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  My little pony - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By johnmickens - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used 3 years ago.I have had no problems with it so far, except the alternator which went out at 63000 miles, not a major problem, Ive replaced it, now everything is fine.

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!!! :) - 1995 Ford Escort
  By chikinblack - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car. Hands down. I was fairly worried when I first bought her, I love to travel and she was already at 54,000 miles, which gave me doubts to how long shed last. Im now at 88,000 miles and the only thing Ive done to her is change the timing belt. The engine is great, you hit the pedal and youre gone. And 340 miles later you have to fill the tank. What more could you want? Ive had no exterior/interior problems other than the belt, and I would recommend this car to anyone who wants something peppy, reliable, gas efficient, and a LOT of fun :) Two thumbs WAY up. Why did Ford have to take them away? :(

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  Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By yodabos - August 15 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Expedition, bought new in 1997, has been an overall excellent car. The only negative is the somewhat squirrely steering and the fact that it once scared me silly when I thought it was going to roll over when I had to make a sudden sideways move at night on the highway.

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  Excellent Small P/U - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Jordan Murphy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent small Pickup. No problems in 1.5 years--bought used. Poor fuel economy w/4.0L V6 (14/15 MPG). However, great in snow, and sporty.

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  Excellent value for a small SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Hybrid Tom - August 14 - 8:00 pm

  The Escape Hybrid looks much smaller than it is. Interior space is much more than it appears. With tax credits, the cost equaled a V-6 with 4 cylinder MPG. Overall, no problems, and lots of approval from the tree huggers.

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  SuperCab SuperQuiet SuperRoomy SuperTuff - 2005 Ford F-150
  By brokeanddumb - August 14 - 3:56 pm

  Its the quietest truck on the market. The bulkhead between you and the engine is "quiet steel". It really works. The engine is a masterpiece. 300hp and 365 lbs ft of torque. More important, 80% of that torque is available at 1000 rpm. Extended cab rear seating has always been a compromise, but I can sit quite comfortably if someone my size is driving. The frame is the strongest in the business. Its the only truck to receive dual 5 star safety ratings. Also the only truck to pass the offset crash test. Ive put on as much as 600 miles in a day. Comfy! Steering is tight. I like that. Same goes for handling. I had an 03 and loved it, but this new truck raises the bar.

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  big car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By don - August 14 - 11:36 am

  This is a really nice car. It has a smooth ride, is quiet inside, comfortable and gets good gas mileage.

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  Real Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By cajun duck hunter - August 14 - 2:00 am

  It is big and roomy. The 6 speed transmission shifts through the gears imperceptibly. Low revs at highway speed. Ive driven through rain, sleet and snow and mud with a trailer. This truck didnt rev any higher with the trailer than without. It is very sure footed and handles very well, every thing I would expect from an F150. The sync system is quite impressive. This vehicle is very quiet. Great fit and finish inside and out. Ive test driven the Tundra and found it to dance on rough roads. the Chevy has drum brakes in the rear. Who still uses that ancient technology?