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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  Nostalgia plus fun - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By bud - March 29 - 8:45 am

  A lot of people complain about the price being too high and cite the car as costing $50K. I say to those people that Ive got some swamp land for them to buy. I purchased this car for around $20K and the original sticker was $27K. For $25 K the car is an excellent sports car. Its not a Porsche but is quite nimble and has ample power with the small v8 equipped. For the money, its a bargain. The fit and finish are quite excellent for a Ford. The reliability is not bad for a sports car of which cars in that category usually require a bit more than just changing the oil and filling it up.

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  The little car that could - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Bigmann - March 29 - 8:28 am

  Bought last year with only 23,000 miles on it. Since then I put 3,000 miles a month on it. This is a great little car. I get around 34-35 mph on the highway. This car now has 50,000 miles on it and besides normal oil changes i have replaced both tie rod ends, and put a new set of tires on it. Thats it!! My only gripe is that mine has a sunroof that leaks badly. The Ford dealer I took it to wants way too much money to fix so I had to permanently seal it. The sunroof trim also constantly comes unhooked. It never comes off but comes unhooked in the corners leaving a small gap. I am 6 5" tall and the I have enough room in the front seats but barely. Overall a great car to go to work in. This is a great car I would buy this again if Ford still made them

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  Best vehicle I ever owned... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ziegfeld - March 28 - 6:15 pm

  Nearly trouble free Best vehicle I ever owned. 205,000 miles and still going strong.

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  f150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By joe - March 28 - 6:02 pm

  I have had a few problems with the truck. They were resolved by the dealer which is great. At 28000 miles the rear end was chattering, turned out the clutches were bad they fixed it under warranty. Two times now the air bag light was on and the sensor was replaced. The seat sensor for the air bag (passenger side) was bad and repaired. Other than that the truck is good.

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  Powertrain Problems - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By pava - March 28 - 11:51 am

  My second Explorer, first one did not have any issues. Bought it used with 30000 miles on it. Driveshaft was vibrating, dealer replaced, worked OK to 40000 miles when check transmission light came on. Dealer spent two weeks repairing, cost was covered by extended warranty. After the repair rear differential began to make noise. Also shifting was not as smooth as it used to be. Have decided to trade it in.

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  Strange road vibration - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ralph - March 27 - 8:45 pm

  Basically, it is a fine SUV except when the speed reaches 60 MPH. Then an intermittent vibration starts. By 80 MPH it feels like the rear tires are totally out of balance...then it quits...then it starts again. Have been unable to find the reason even after all tires were replaced and rebalanced.

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  pretty happy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ronnieleg - March 27 - 10:00 am

  very trucklike, but if i wanted a wussy car-like truck, id have bought a pathfinder. V8 is great for towing heavy weight buy mileage is abysmal. thats the trade-off. cant have everything in life.

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  Great Mini-SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jaimbe - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my 01 Ford Escape. It is the best vehicle that I have invested in. No problems to report.

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  Bullet Proof - 1997 Ford F-150
  By JF150 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  My brother is a "Chevy" man and he warned me about the Fix Or Repair Daily thing (FORD). Well, I have never owned a more reliable vehicle than this pickup. In 6 yrs & over 120K miles, I have had to change: thermostat gasket ($3), fan belt ($18), Battery ($50), tires ($300), look on my brothers face every time I mention it PRICELESS!!!!

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  Right Choice - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By DRA- 53214 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  After narrowing my choice of new a SUV to the Envoy and Explorer, I finally went with the Explorer based on the numerous (+)reports on the and not so good reports on the Envoy. One last drive of both clinched it for the Explorer even though I wasnt thrilled with the styling and trim. I was suprised when I got my new 2003 limited and saw the many up-grades to trim (the dash now has a "rich" looking wood trim, new gauges, etc). After 2 Jeeps I must say the ride is very nice, handling is good.