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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  I do 1000+ miles a week 2yrs Its great! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Striz - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the escape in 2001 when they first came out and I have about 120,000 miles 0n it and, I do about 1000 miles per week and it still runs like new. This is one of the best cars I have ever had. i really havent had any trouble with it only minor things. I would recommend this small SUV to anybody who wants a reliable car.

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  Fun Ride - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By DesertDogs - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive - the engine sounds loud. The styling is excellent. Many heads turn when driving with the top down.

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  great compact truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By isitever - April 11 - 10:00 am

  this is a great compact truck for the money......just bought a week ago...it had 3000 cash back...how could you go wrong for a 4x4...so far so good.....lots of power with the 4.0 and 5spd auto.it also has lots of options...if your looking for a compact truck then test drive one .....

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  good small truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By vminghelli - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I spend a lot of time off road this truck does very well .

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  i love this truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By imcbeddings - April 11 - 10:00 am

  this truck has great gas mileage and the comfort of a couch in ur house lots of room in the cab a spacious bed soo if u like medium but not small and not huge trucks then this iz the truck 4 u

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  I like it - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JD11 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  The car has been great for the first 700 miles and I only had the car a week. It seems like Im always at the gas station. I havent figured out the gas milage yet so I dont know if its because Im getting bad gas milage or because its the small gas tank. The car handles really well. With all of the incentives I got it dropped the price considerably. I have also enjoyed the 6-disc changer even though I really didnt think I needed it.

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  Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By BigBadLou - April 11 - 10:00 am

  i love the way this truck drives. a/c is super cold. runs smooth. i would love to buy another explorer

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  So far so good! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By SportDriver - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Havent finished going through the "break-in" period with the truck yet, so my rating may be a little premature, but I digress... From past experience driving Expos with the SOHC V6, I know power delivery is and will be outstanding! Seats feel good, though the headrests are waaay too low. Lotsa storage space, and the truck feels generally well screwed together, though the long-term quality outlook still has me sweating... Overall, if this type of rugged truck- based vehicle appeals to you, and you find the right price, than I heartily reccomend the Explorer Sport (at least till years end when Im told theyre being canceled...)

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  F150 7700 package - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Bacchas - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the first new vehicle I have ever purchased. After selecting a white,F150XL 2dr LB model, I added on the 7700 payload package which increased my towing GVW to over 10000lbs. It included a 3.73 gear diff. I tow 2 horses regularly with no problems. Ive even towed a 15,000lb Skid Loader (Although that was a workout). Ive never had a single problem with this truck. The truck is plain durable. I figure about 12-15 MPG when towing a 5000lb horse trailer. Id still purchase this truck all over again unless I could afford to go diesel.

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  Great SUV, Horrible MPG - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ptspitz - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Explorer because my wife didnt like the F150 Supercrew I had. We traded the F150. I love the Explorer. With the V8, it roars down the road and responds immediately to any request for power. Sadly, it also sucks down gasoline like a thirsty horse in the desert. Our average MPG is about 12. Even my wife cant get over 15 with her delicate driving. If you dont pull a trailer and dont have the need to embarass 4 cylinder "sport" coupes at stoplights, opt for the 6 cylinder version.