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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  escort - 1992 Ford Escort
  By taisha stevens - June 30 - 2:00 am

  the car was excellent

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  99 Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Kristopher - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought used, previously registered as a diplomatic vehicle for the United Nations in NYC (per Carfax). Now has 97000 miles on it. Lousy gas mileage, but comfy enough for a 64" driver. Clutch convertor problems on 99 models, as attested by another 99 owner. AC & heat strong, especially with rear HVAC controls. Leather holds up well, and 4wd works exceptional.

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  Red Eddie Bauer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By longbj - June 30 - 2:00 am

  It has been a great vehicle until the rear differential started making noise. It needed rebuilt, a total overhaul. I was told Ford was having trouble with this on the Explorers. Ford made the repairs, did an excellent job, and it is back to being as good as new. (However good that might be) I do expect another failure, but was promised it would be covered under warranty inspite of milage. That is the only problem I have had.

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  Improve Quality - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Man - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Too many ominous problems. The transmission has never shifted very smoothly. The interior pieces are flimsy and some have been replaced. The rear mid-gate just cracked. The radio overheats and the paint is lousy. On average I am the lone occupant and driver and have always been careful to take care of my cars. Im glad the family car is a 2002 Expedition. Its quality is much better and holds up to kids.

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  Waste - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Frank M - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Comfort is ok but the handling is like a truck. The sway when cornering is untolerable and is annoying and dangerous.

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  this car makes me look good - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By whispers - June 30 - 2:00 am

  i have leased 3 explorers since 1989. and i think they are the besy vehicle on or off the roads. i have driven cross country twice. traveled from canada to mexico on terrain that scares me to think about now that im older and dont drive as much. but my explorer, i named her (Big Red) never let me down.

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  great car - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By jiiay - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 93 mustang in 99 with 29,000 miles on it.It has been a great car since day one, no major problems to date.I replaced the stock clutch last summer with a performance one, worn because of my hard driving.compared to my last car, a 91 iroc camaro.The mustang has the edge in acceleration and quality. top speed is about equal 148-150 mph.Also replaced rear main crank seal last summer, a common .

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By cberggren - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Rear end failed at 20K (20,000 miles) odometer/speedometer failed by 35K both tie rod ends failed by 55K intake manifold (recall item) blew at 60K passenger seat broke and seatbelts stopped automatically retracting about 65K all the "plastics" squeaked a lot trunk often times wouldnt latch etc..

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  Mustangs are the Best car out there - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Shaun Callahan - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a smoothe ride, if you want to drive hard pick this thing up if you want to drive easy this is still the best ride

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  Great Expectations - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By robmort - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Great muscle car, with a few basic modifications obtaining greater performance, excellent driving fun, very reliable, would never part with it!