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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  Teal 5.0 - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By hurst - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is really fun to drive and is a real muscle pony. The last year of the fox chassis and body style, which I think is the best looking mustang body style and espeacially in a convertible. My certified 93 rare teal, 5.0 LX-convertible is my first car I bought and am only the 2nd owner, Im still smiling a year 3months later after buying from ford dealership.

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  Love It!!! - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Amy Kica - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle. I know that I can get in it and have a comfortable ride as well as being guaranteed that I will arrive safely to my destination. I am so glad to own one. Its a must have.

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  Best car I ever owned! - 1990 Ford Probe
  By IrishBobcat - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My 1990 Probe finally died after 221,000 miles plus!!!! She was the best car I ever owned.... I wish Ford would have kept her and junked the Focus

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  1992 FORD RANGER XLT LB EXPERIENCE - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By JAMES BLIZZARD - July 26 - 2:00 am

  1. OIL PAN HAD BEEN DROPPED AND NEW GASKET INSTALLED WITH EXCESS GASKET SEALANT WHICH WAS SUCKED UP INTO THE OIL PUMP WHICH REQUIRED A NEW ENGINE AT APPROX 10000 MILES. 2. REPAIR AND REPAINTING OF ONE SQUARE FOOT AREA WITH PAINT THAT DID NOT MATCH CAUSING EYESORE. 3. INSUFFICIENT POWER OF BIG 4-CYLINDER ENGINE MAKES IT UNSAFE FOR PASSING.

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  I love this car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Cutie red one - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My sister bought this car for 4 years ago and right now she gave to me. I really love this car especially her engine!!! although she is kinda old and her exterior is out of date. The color is peeling. Overall, Im satisfied with this style :)

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  Watch out for the 3.8L ones - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By GotMach - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought one in thinking I was getting a good car with only 60,000 miles on it but had nothing but problems. Less than 500 miles after I bouth it my air conditioner went out. Then under 10,000 the motor blew a Head gasket. I have heard blown head gaskets are common in the 3.8L motors. My mother in law owns a 96 one with a 3.0 and has been having better luck with hers. Also my transmission I think was starting to slip.

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  Pay Now or Pay Later - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Steve - July 25 - 9:06 pm

  Just after 20000 miles, the Rotors and Pads ($325.00) needs to be done. Brake pads are very thin. It is true, you get what you pay for. Focus is lower in cost, but also lower in quality. It is has been told to us that replacing rotors and pads would need to be done yearly on top of the 30000 mile service which tops at 360.00! Give me a brake Ford! Im searching for Foreign made cars -- better quality!

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  Disappointed by Ford - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Disappointed by Ford - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I was previously a happy 1994 Ford Ranger. So I thought that the same good experience was in store when I bought the Windstar. Wrong!!! It left us stranded on 4 occassions. I replaced the transmission for $2K, the A/C system for $1.1K, and the computer and other ignition components for about another $1k. Why did Ford allow this wreck to leave the factory? I will never trust Ford again! Sorry, you only get one chance and you had your one chance twice. The Ranger gave you another "one chance." The Windstar was your last chance. Hello Toyota, so long Ford.

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  Excellent Car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By mike02 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my contour for about 7 years now and have never had a problem.

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  Ford Escape . . . . A-OK - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Buford - July 24 - 8:16 pm

  sports model looks good, accelerates surprisingly well, rides and handles nicely. The interior appointments are adequate, and the sound system is acceptable. Head room is excellent and it is quieter than I expected.