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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  Super Coupe - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Albert Schmitz - March 10 - 7:56 pm

  This is the first SC that I have owned. I sell Fords for a living and know of the 3.8 head gasket problem. I have found a few of the problems on the SCs but not as prevalent as the standard 3.8 V6. I have the Mazda 5 speed manual transmission and I think it could have been a better product. It seems that the T5 out of the Mustang GT would have been a better solution.

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  ford tought - 1998 Ford F-150
  By GUNN - March 10 - 7:08 pm

  It has been the most relable vechile I have ever owned.

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  Exploring My Explorer - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Sandy Jackson - March 10 - 4:25 pm

  Overall the 2016 Ford Explorer is a great vehicle. A few changes would make it an outstanding vehicle. The Sync Center boasts about the SD drive and USB. However, the SD drive is unavailable if the navigation system is being used -- a second SD drive would be great. The navigation SD should also have a lock of some sort on it. I was advised to remove it whenever the vehicle is serviced since the drive is a popular item to steal. Also, there is no auxiliary speaker connection for the older model MP3 players and no adapter is being offered. There also needs to be an option to turn off the hands-free lift gate option. This option could pose a problem if you are in a crowd with the keys in your pocket and your vehicle not in your view. There should also be a side step purchase option for the shorter people to aid in entry and exit of the vehicle. I was told if side steps are installed after market it could possibly negate my warranty because of the possibility of nipping hidden wiring. Lastly, the area for resting your non-driving foot is over a hump and not flat for comfort and the seats are a little short - another couple of inches would have been nice. These are just adjustments that would suit my lifestyle. The vehicle is beautiful and a joy to drive. I JUST WANT IT ALL.

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  First time happy with a Ford - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By woman suv driver - March 10 - 4:18 pm

  I have not had one problem with my Expedition. I have had all the recalls done. After changing the tires it feels alot better on the road. I am selling it to a woman today and it is like leaving an old friend. I never thought I would get attached to a vehicle. Never had in the past. Im glad she is going to another woman... Only complaint is they need to consider the size of some women when they design the vehicle like this.

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  The little engine that could !!!! - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Midlifer - March 10 - 4:13 pm

  If you like cheap and reliable, than the 1993 Ford Festiva is the car to get. The last Festiva I had was traded in for another in 1998 for $3200 at 32,000 mile. The trade-in had 198,000 miles on it and I found out that it got up to 240,000. I know someone with one at 400,000. I delivered my washing machine with it and later a Drier. The back seat folds real flat. Ford stopped offering this car in 1993 but the car is still made as the Kia Pride.

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  Contour...Great looks!& cool name! - 2000 Ford Contour
  By kitt - March 10 - 4:12 pm

  My experience with the 2000 Ford Contour was great. I thoght it was the best compact car Ford ever made.Great for short people and even tall. I like the performance & reliabilty of the car. This car is great for around towm and when you are late for work. It could be nice quit and sweet around the city bout when you have to go the contour will kick butt!

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  John - 2005 Ford F-150
  By John - March 10 - 2:33 am

  I bought this 2004 model F-150 as a replacement to my 2001 F-150 and am very pleased with the 04 model year. I really liked my 01 but it got hit in a wreck and had to be replaced. Would I recommend the 2005 models, darn sure would.

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  CAR - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By JOe - March 10 - 1:57 am

  It was great

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  Double Take - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By dafaic - March 10 - 1:46 am

  Man i love this thing. All the looks is uncanny! I had a guy drive into a gas station and say i saw you driving down the road and had to come back just to tell you how badass your car is!!! All I could do was smile and say thanks!

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  92 Ranger XLT, 2wd, 5sp, ext Cab,4 cyl. - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By capecodsalty - March 10 - 1:21 am

  This has been a great truck original Firestone tire lasted 95000 miles at this time I replaced tires wiyh new Firestones, shocks, front brakes. Clutch is original as are the rear brakes.Orinal muffler lasted 85000 mi. I have done nothing to this truck but maintenance, it has never failed me.