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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  Nice ride - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Heavy one - November 16 - 11:14 am

  I enjoy the car. I have 2 complaints- bad gas mileage and the leather seats are uncomfortable, especially with the cup holder up. I am a large guy and my leg falls off the seat. when the cupholder is put away the car is great.

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  Explorer - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By tbirdman - November 15 - 9:18 pm

  I bought it with 400 000kms in surrey BC, moved to Saskatchewan with it, drive it daily on rough gravel road. Tthe engine runs like new, uses no oil in 2000 miles of driving. Transmission is original and untouched, (fluid changes every 5000 kms help) Motor has never been opened, has K/N air filter,and performance chip. Just put 31" MTs on it (no they dont rub) Will keep driving it until it dies.

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  Four Time Explorer Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MLF - November 14 - 8:56 pm

  I have owned four new Explorers: 94, 96, 98 and this 2002. Always liked the size, perfect for my needs. Never had any serious issues and up until recently, the 2002 was by far my favorite. Much better ride and handling. However, have had emissions problem that dealer & Ford cant seem to resolve. Exhaust has had strong sulfur smell that is intolerable. Dealer claims to have resolved now. Also, just had 4WD control module fail. Warranty repaired. They rented me a 2004 Explorer while mine was in shop; transmission very, very jerky. Always been loyal customer but beginning to lose faith and confidence in Ford Explorer. Since out of warranty, considering trading to different brand.

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  Good vehicle - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By changvictor - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, have never let me down at the most critical moment,is a little slow at steep hills with the 4.6 engine it keeps a good speed at cruising, better mileage in the freeway. have not problems, only a leak AC compresor fixed by manufacturer,good experience, very happy owner.

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  Built for a man, but made for a woman. - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Globlssd - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my second SUV. It drives better than the Infinite, much smoother. I have over 25,000 miles on my 2002. The only problem I experienced was the heating system going out. It was still under warranty, Ford fixed it, but couldnt explain why it happened. I drive 50 miles each day to work. Considered something with better gas mileage but I love my Escape.

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  Best Compact SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Wayne Stewart - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The perfect vehicle for me and my wife. Weve always had one car and one truck in the family. We decided this time to get the best of both worlds. I dont regret my choice and purchase. Absolutely no complaints.

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  Old E150 Chateau convert - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim - November 13 - 4:06 pm

  Looked at alternatives to the trade in on the 2000 Chateau Van. The van had bunches of room, a V8, and in great shape. I needed a van replacement that was better on gas. The Freestyle is much better, and for the kids, we got the DVD and rear console. Family trip was the quietest I ever had ... just keep plugging in the DVDs and the rear console holds all the drinks and snacks. Around town with the CVT, it has some power, but could use more. It is not a Mustang GT, but it is a family wagon ... so why have to go so fast? I got the red with grey accents and it looks great.

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  Great Car! - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By mch218 - November 13 - 11:34 am

  I got this car when I just turned 16. At that time it had never been in the shop. But one month later the transmission went out. Since then, everything has been great. We keep the oil changed every 3000 miles and do regular maintenance. What is so surprising is the gas mileage. Online says I should get 28 MPG new, yet Im getting 30 MPG and this is 13 years old! I recently drove from New Orleans to Starkville, MS on less than 3/4 of a tank. The car had 156,000 miles in 2006, and Im nearing 200,000 right now and she still runs like new.

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  Took the crash well - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tom - November 13 - 6:16 am

  My wife bought this car new. In the time she had it there was very little maintenance done on it. Had to replace a tail light that had melted to the plastic holder. Had to drill the old one out. Car ran smooth. A couple of weeks ago another driver pulled out in front of her and my wife and 9 month baby hit them head on at over 45 MPH. The good news is they both walked away. Minor injuries. Insurance did not give is much money for it but they car crumbled and not my family. Other problems with the car was the radio stopped working but could not be turned off. It just blinked, and the tailgate release button was not working had to use the keypad.

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  After Grand Marquis, Thunderbird, F-250 - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By andy - im only 16 - November 12 - 9:53 pm

  I have the V6 deluxe auto. Its performance does not equal the T-bird but it costs much less. The ride is not as smooth as the Marquis but its not luxury or as expensive. It handles much better than the diesel F-250 but thats expected. Sometimes the manual adjustment for the chairs gets annoying especially while driving but I guess drivers should adjust everything first. Cruise control is very precise and simple and even thought the media controls arent mounted on the wheel, they are still very close. I control radio etc with my wrist resting on the stick. A bit bumpy but great handling