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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  great suv - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jade2323 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I just lover my new suv especially after having a isuzu rodeo. There is no comparison. My insurance went down also because of the safety rating!

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  F-150 is a great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FO - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I dont have as much money to spend on vehicles as a lot of the folks I see writing reviews out there. I opted for the XL 4x4 and added towing package and cruise. I dont live in my truck and dont need fancy radios and all the creature comforts. I do need a truck I can drie to work and hunt and fish out of and not need to worry about getting stuck or getting it wet and dirty (vinyl floor is ideal). With that, I got F-150 attitude, quiet ride, easy to engage 4x4, towing capacity. My father owns a loaded 2004 Chevrolet C1500 4x4. I drove it and thought I wanted one. Then, I drove the Ford. Hands down, the tightest ride in the fleet!

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  Absolutely a great truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By TB765 - September 8 - 8:42 pm

  I own a 1995 F-150 XLT 4X4 Flareside Extended Cab with 123,000 miles, and it is a great truck. The 5.0 V8 makes it a blast to drive, the fuel economy isnt really that bad, and 4WD in the winter makes it pretty much unstoppable. Nothing ever goes wrong with it, it never needs repairs. The only parts Ive ever put on it were tires, a ball-joint, oil, and filters. I always get comments and compliments about the way it looks. If u ever need a good truck to haul something, an old F-150 is a great choice.

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  No Complaints! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - September 8 - 12:53 pm

  Aside from the regular oil changes, weve never had anything mechanically wrong with this car. Its a blast to drive on the highway, but have to watch your speed (sometimes 90 can feel like 70). We did have one major repair done, when a chunk of metal fell off a truck and destroyed the transmission. Other than that, 32,000 miles and a real love for this car. When we bought it, the dealer threw in a remote start, which is real handy in the winter cold.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Ant14 - September 8 - 2:43 am

  Its my 3rd Mustang GT. Ive had a 94, 96 and 99 each having over 100K by the time I traded them in.No mechanical failures on any of them, and with minimal maintenence. Because I travel alot for work, Ive opted to buy a car that does great on the highway. Its comfortable in long range trips, as it is in city driving. Its not a bone jarring ride like most other coupes. Quiet ride for the most part, V8 burble only makes itself heard on hard accelrations and wind noise is well controlled.

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  I like it very much - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Travis - September 8 - 12:12 am

  Just bought this truck, Red Supercab automatic 2.3L I4 Engine. Traded a Jeep Wrangler 6 speed manual. Have wanted a Ranger for years, finally decide to get one. Only 200 miles so far but Im pleased with it. Got it for basic commute to work, to get good gas mileage, have more capacity than the jeep to do stuff. Access to supercab area is only gripe I have. Some here critical of ride, this is much better than the Jeep! When I test road I was surprised how smooth it was. For what it is, this is an excellent truck. Ford should keep making it as long as it sells well, it doesnt need "fancy" upgrades when most folks are looking for a good basic truck. I found mine!

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  Better than my new Corolla - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Import Driver - September 7 - 7:39 pm

  Ive always driven Hondas and Toyotas, but my 99 Escort SE Sport married into the family. When we had our first kid, I sold my Honda Del Sol, and bought a new Corolla. My wife got the new car and I got "stuck" with the Escort. Its been a phenominal car. It still drives like new after 100k (I know thats not much compared to other reviews), and Ive never had any mechanical problems. It handles great, has good pick up, and I get pretty good gas mileage. All in all, I really prefer driving it to the new (2006) Corolla.

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  My First Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Dre - September 7 - 5:54 pm

  I just resently got a 98 Ford Escort LX as my first car. When I first saw it I wasnt very happy with it. It just didnt look quite right. Now that I have it I really like it. My Escort only has 74,950 miles on it! Not bad for a 98.

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  Ford Should Have Kept Making Them! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By The Bones - September 7 - 10:10 am

  Last weekend took the family of 5 and the dog on a 1,500 mile trip. Extremely comfortable and got 15.5 mpg from the big V-10. BTW, the 2005 model is superior. Ford finally dialed it in this last yeer (2005). The climate controls, entertainment, ride and dependability have all been excellent. This one is a keeper!

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  Crown Victoria - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By David M. Stock - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Extremely good handling capability and traction. Comfort for long road trips and storage for required items to make the trip. Has the acceleration from a stop to merge in traffic and from the flow of traffic to pass and return to proper lane. Highly recommended for those who desire comfortable ride in fast traffic.