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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  Reliable - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Vic - March 5 - 11:34 am

  I bought my 92 XLT 4X4 about 8 years ago with about 50k miles on it. It has been by far one of the most reliable vehicles Ive ever owned. It has never It has never left me stranded. It is also a very capable off-road vehicle. I have been on countless Arizona back roads through mud, snow and silt. It plows through with no problems.

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  The Beast - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Dawn Nance. - March 4 - 1:13 pm

  Owned the 96 XLT AWD EXT for over 5 yrs, miles 136,000. Kids call it the beast in the snow. Seats pop in and out with ease for hauling and sleeping. Great for camping and traveling. 26 mpg on hwy., 21-23 loaded to the MAX, never sags.One major problem with a head replacement at 90,000. Side door does not work properly anymore, had to remove panel for usage. Hauls more firewood, even with the seats in than two loads in a Chevy S-10. Guess who had the last laugh that day. I need a new one now!

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  Just Another Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dennis - March 4 - 7:13 am

  This is my fourth F-150. Compared to my others, this vehicle has light doors, tailgate, and hood. The ride is rough with the 20" tires.

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  Fun car but expensive car - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By patova5500 - March 2 - 10:55 am

  Ive had my Thunderbird for four years now. I think I spent $1400 for it. In these four short years, I have put almost $4000 dollars into it. Ill done had problems from torch converter cracking to the doors to heavy for the hinges, making the doors start to fall down to all kind of other problems and trying to firgure whats making my knock when I do regular service on my car (thinking pushrods or valves). I mean, dont get me wrong, T-birds are good, fun cars. If it wasnt, I woundnt put so much into it. On the bright side, theyre very good on gas. They have alot of power, very fast. They handle curves good amongst other things. Overall I love the 95t-bird, it just cost alot to keep up.

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  I Love My Ford - 2003 Ford F-150
  By CALINATIVE - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my third F-150, and I wouldnt have it any other way. Im completly satisfied with the quality of Fords product and services and wouldnt even consider anything else. Wonderful to drive and a pleasure to own!

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  Very dissapointed - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Going back to Chevy - March 1 - 11:58 pm

  We bought our Explorer less than a year ago and its at the Ford dealership again to have the transmission overhauled. Fortunately the first time the dealership paid for the cost of the repairs since it occured within the first 30 days of ownership. This time some of the cost will be picked by the extended warranty company. What happens next year when something else goes wrong with the transmission? I wish I had read the reviews on the 2002 Explorer before I purchased it. I would have thought twice about buying it. Normally I would not have bought a car that was five years old, but it looked so good and drove great. Appearances certainly can be deceiving. Im afraid to see whats next.

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  Good until too many miles - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Finally gone - March 1 - 3:50 pm

  We bought the car used with 26K on it ans will give to charity with 180K. Overall we were pleased to have it for 11 years but wish we could have had a couple more years. Had to replace the head gasket, electrical system poor at the end causing battery to go down. Overall gone on many vacations etc with good room for 7 people. Not sure about transmission at this point, will be good for parts for someone. We fared better than others, and did not pay top dollar after first year from a dealer when it was a "program car" the first year.

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  A very very comfortable car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By John - March 1 - 1:56 pm

  All in all, very little to complain about after 5000 miles. Factory CD failed on first use, but replaced. Very comfortable to be in, although larger drivers may find their right leg too close to the center console. Complaints by critics about styling/power have proven unwarranted. People like the look of the car and havent found acceleration lacking with CVT/engine pairing. Handling is OK, not great, but ride is better than that. It is not silent at highway speeds, but not really a problem. Plenty of interior storage, huge trunk, elevated seating position; its (mostly) all good.

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  Dodge man gone Ford - 1996 Ford F-150
  By patrick - March 1 - 8:38 am

  I got my truck for $2000 two years ago. Tows my 32ft travel trailer like a dream. Rides nice. Strong, fast & comfy. Couldnt be happier

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  Where is the MPG - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Ted Davis - February 29 - 12:46 am

  I drive highway to and from work every day about 80 miles round trip. I used to have a Cavalier that got 32 mpg and the Focus is only getting 29. I wish I had my Cavalier with 100,000 miles back.