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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  Its a runner - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By epp - April 10 - 2:00 am

  To tackle the city streets or the mountain tops this is the vehicle to drive. I just traded my 97 expo xlt for a 2002 eb, and went from good to better. I cant wait to sit in traffic.

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  best bargain car ever - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By eddiamond - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased car with 35k miles, now have 85k.A/c switch and 1 battery in 3+ years Rear whl drive, v-8 power,good balanced handling.Super comfort interior.Good mpg Had a 80 and 85 bird prior and this is by far the best of the three. Its no surprise that ford is having trouble now,the should never have stopped making this version.

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  My F-150 - 1995 Ford F-150
  By mmsteve - April 9 - 2:00 am

  The only complaint I have is that the oil pan rusted out and I had to replace it. Other than that, the truck is great!

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Sandra - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I had great luck with all my previous Ford vehicles so I bought another. It has 50,000 miles and has never been in for anything but maintenance. Still no interior rattles despite the rough roads I drive. Of course, it uses a lot of gas, but I guess it is not too bad for the size of the engine. My only complaint is that it is not ergonomically designed for a woman. I can not get the seat comfortable for my arm length.

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  A very good car for 2 people &children - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Marco - April 9 - 2:00 am

  A very good car for 2 people &children

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  Love my Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By dcoach - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Great performance for the price.

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  the sleeper - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By mack - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my SHO used in 97. It had less than 70,000 miles. I still have it today it has over 100,000 miles and it still runs like a champ.The 5 speed is great and is the only taurus to hang with the mustangs. Ive had no major problems with it.Im thinking of hanging on to it maybe it will be a collectors item someday.

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  good while it lasted - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By doug - April 9 - 2:00 am

  i got this car in august 98. it had a rough time switching from first to second gear, (REALLY bad kicking) the headlights went out from time to time, and i had to get the radiator replaced once. but other than that it drove well. it was comfortable, relatively quick, and got good mileage. recently, the transmission went. in the end, i got 3.5 years out of it- so considering what i paid id consider that a bargain. the only downside is it only lasted 90000 miles... my advice: if you were looking for a short term fix a few years ago, the 93 taurus may have been a good choice. but now, their age and shoddy build probably make them too much of a maintenance liability to be worth the trouble.

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  99 2DR Standard Mustang - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Cyndi Kreiner - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had an excellent experience with my Mustang. Its been exceedingly reliable and has required very little maintenance. In 49,000 miles and "check-ups" every 3 months, Ive only needed oil changes, tire rotations and air filters. On the down-side, its obviously terrible in snow and ice. However, the traction control makes a huge difference. Ive never been stuck and Ive driven in a lot of snow living in Northern Ohio and Michigan.

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  Great Car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Tatsuo - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutly wonderful! it is fun to drive and handles like nothing else for the price!