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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  SE, a great car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By TaurusFan - March 7 - 11:19 pm

  No matter what people say, I love my Ford Taurus. I have owned it for a year now and have never had a problem. It runs/drives great and seems to be one of the best built cars Ive driven.

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  6 years, no problems - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Trog - March 7 - 5:43 pm

  For 2 people, the Bronco is the best hauling/off road/heavy utility truck Ive seen. Now that I have a 6 month old son, the drawback of the two door design is apparent (the high step and limited forward travel of the front seat makes loading him into a rearward facing car seat nearly impossible). Towing horses, however, is a snap.

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  1992 Taurus L - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Jimmy G - March 7 - 2:30 pm

  Average of only 10000Km. Has 103000KM Replaced two back struts, radiator fan, air conditioning compressor & clutch 1200.00), throttle body 1800.00), transmission(2885.00), ignition (240.00), radio (400.00), side molding on driver side seat 180.00), front end work (400.00). Never owned a vehicle that caused so much grief.

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  Overall Value - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Pmac - March 7 - 1:12 pm

  My Contour has treated me well. The heater switch failure was recalled and the cupholder was redesigned (97) to not spill on your passenger when taking left hand turns. After 96, Ford made 15" wheels standard for a smoother ride and eventually the 6 cylinder was standard. Why Ford discontiues a car if all the bugs are worked out, I dont know. Maybe the Engineers are bored have to "Focus" on some other problem. My Contour still handles and runs well at 92000 miles.

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  love it! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Sylvia - March 7 - 10:00 am

  the 4-wheel drive option is excellent, handles like a car. Comfortable, roomy and must have.

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  62,400 miles and not one problem ever - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mcsue - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This was one of the first Escapes on the road. Still looks and runs like a new car. We would buy another one in a heartbeat

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  rough ride - 2003 Ford Escape
  By lucifer - March 7 - 10:00 am

  the ford escape is a good dependable suv.the two down falls that i have are the mileage and rough ride. i drive min. 30k miles a year and it seems im constantly filling the escape up. as far as the ride its a little rough. at times one could get motion sickness on a ride that consists of alot of turns.

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  buyitagain - 2003 Ford Escape
  By edros - March 7 - 10:00 am

  excellent handling and ride. no blind spots. no problems at all no cost to own.

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  escape-great mini SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jeannhany - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my escape-popular XLT 03 for 3 months now. Its handling and ability to maneuver on curvy roads is far better than my previous car...Ford Explorer Sport. Its slightly smaller, though Ive been able to fit my camping and travelling equipment with no noticeable difference. Its more fuel efficent than the mid-size SUVs which is a big plus. My only complaints are the awkward positioning of the gear shift and lack of lumbar support/comfort of the front seats. I love the back seats ability to fold forward for extra space as needed. Need I say that it is one of the more attractive mini SUVs?

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  Jamies Review of Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Brayah - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This small SUV has been perfect for me and my new son. My husband has his man truck and I have my cute little "truck". I would recommend the Ford Escape to any potential vehicle buyer who is looking for a small SUV.