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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  This car is a P.O.S. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By AshleyAsh - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Fuel pump has gone out more times than I can count. Electrical everything goes out more times than Heinz has ketchup...good luck to anyone who buys one of these damn things! Get a good warranty.

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  Not Satisfied - 2004 Ford F-150
  By RalphC - May 14 - 8:16 am

  My overall impression after driving this vehicle for 6 months and 10,000 miles is that it is not all that it is cracked up to be. The steering wheel maintains a slight tilt to the right even when on flat roads (The dealership cant find anything wrong).

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  good - 1994 Ford F-150
  By vanessa - May 14 - 2:00 am

  It is a white Xlt white truck 8 cylinder very reliable. not very high mileage is put on it. Although we just got it it has turned out to be very confortable and we like it very much

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  great reliable car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By mkjdd - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Probe for 6 years and the biggest expensive was new tires. Fun to drive with decent power from the mazda engine.

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  Like brand new - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Redfox - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This van was 1 year old when we got it and all we have done is change oil, tires, brakes and other routine items. There is 1 small rust spot about the size of a quarter under the right door but that is it. I didnt have a lot of hope for this vehicle with a young family but it has held up amazingly well.

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  mm - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By mshay - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Ford and I was please with the purchase. I would recommend Ford Taurus to others.

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  Do Not Buy a Ford - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By KarenT - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Just after warranty expired, transmission went out at 48,000 miles. We live in Germany in support of US military and Ford was of absolutely NO help. These cars are not built with European specs so it took us 6 months and $2500 to get it fixed. Again, no help from Ford! We have had problem after problem with things such as broken seat belt, interior door coming loose, broken CD player, etc...

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  good car? i say no... - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By anti-ford - May 14 - 2:00 am

  this is a terrible used car. these cars no matter what engine you have in them are bound to die on you when its least convenient. ive had to replace the transmission on mine three times and in the end, it caught on fire. i recommend staying away from these cars. the 3.8L engine is built sound, at least for me, but the transmissions arent worth the cheap paint that covers the body.

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  bemouth - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By pmc - May 14 - 2:00 am

  20 mpg on highway was an unexpected bonus (2wd, standard v8). Leather is worth the extra cost.

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  1994 FORD EXPLORER 4DR XLT - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By SINGER - May 14 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A VERY USEFUL, DEPENDABLE AND ENJOYABLE VEHICLE - REQUIRES ONLY STANDARD MAINTENANCE. HAD 30K WHEN PURCHASED 2 YRS AGO NOW @ 82K, BUT DRIVING HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED THE PAST 6 MONTHS DUE TO LOCATION MOVE.