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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  A step up from my Ranger - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By AdirondackColor - June 24 - 4:46 am

  I bought a new Ford Ranger in 2003 and loved it. 4.0 auto 4X4 averaging 19 MPG. My daughter had bought a used Sport Trac the year after. I drove it a few times and thought it was a great vehicle. When it came time to replace the Ranger I looked into the new 2007 Sport Trac and was impressed with the improvements. It has all the bells and whistles I wanted and I found I didnt use the full size box on the Ranger very often so the Sport Trac was a better fit for me now. The Sport Trac handles great, its quiet, the V6 gives me all the power I need, a really well balanced vehicle. Very happy with the purchase.

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  Just what I expected - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Texmarc - June 23 - 11:36 pm

  After reading numerous reviews I was sold on this car. I bought a retired company car (they maintained the car very well), a little high on mileage butwith the excellent shape of the car I thought the maintenance records outweighed the mileage (60k). The SEL has great looks; when I park next to other cars it really is a big car; averaging about 25 MPG; quiet, solid and overall very easy to drive. I paid 10,500; not a steal, but a good deal. Minor complaint: why put an sat. ready radio in the car withour the tuner?? Will cost aout $100 to convert to recieve SIRIUS; stereo is the basic CD-AM/FM and has good sound. Black is very classy, hard to keep clean; but with tinted windows looks sharp.

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  explore the possibilities/Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Michael - June 23 - 4:06 pm

  Ease of parking, limited blind spots, comfortable ride, ample leg & head room, A/C. It out performs all expectations. If you like long drives without fumbling with music options get the 6 disc CD option upgrade; this sound system will delight! Plenty of storage space & compartments for knickknacks, fold down 2nd & 3rd row seats equals plenty of storage/hauling space.

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  "Hoppin John" - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Marion - June 23 - 12:23 pm

  From the purchase, have been disappointed with the performance of slow take-offs and rough shift changes. Takes off great if you really step on it, but easing around a parking lot is embarrassing. We have nicknamed the truck, "Hoppin John". Have taken it back to the dealer three times without satisfaction.

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  Riding High - 2005 Ford F-150
  By dave - June 23 - 4:30 am

  Its so smooth I forget Im driving a truck! I live in Maine and drive two lane roads mostly; it feels safe and solid. Roomy interior for 2 people.

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  Not a kids car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By AADCPA - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Dead reliable, fun to drive. Weve got nearly 150k miles on the V6 so far with regular maintenance. Maintenance is expensive on the GT though, so dont saddle your kid with one if you want them to get through college.

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  scared - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By LARS - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I am scared stiff of this van. It smells anti freeze and I have read nothing but bad news on the head gaskets and tranny. ck engine light and brake light s are on constantly. stay away from 95,96,97 w stars

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  Lots of zip too many recalls - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Buckshot - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Contour Sport with 2.5liter, 175 hp is a poor mans sports car. Lots of zip when getting on the freeway. Gets up to 80 mph before you know it. Hey, Ford!!! Whats with all the recalls????? I lost count at 12, and for really stupid stuff. Air conditioner accumulator rusted through at 45,000 and cost me plenty to cold air flowing again. Wifes car. Its getting traded in later this week for a new Jeep Wrangler.

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  SHO Review - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Howdy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding model. I wish they would bring back something similar to the "classic" SHO.

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  A great car to own - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Andrewb77 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I got my ford a a great price from a friend at my church and invested very little money into it. Never had anything major go on it. It handels great. A year later I was in a weather related car accident and the car slid off the road into a Rocky ditch. The Car had only minor damage and saved my life that day. Thank God I was not driving a Neon!!