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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  Good Car - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By James - March 27 - 8:47 am

  I bought this Mustang in Feb. of 2004 with only 52,000 miles on it. It already had the 60,000 miles work done on it. Since then Ive driven it to about 88,000 miles. It performs great - good acceleration and decent cornering (though I rarely push either). The top very rarely leaks, only when Ive driven in BIG storms. Its only happened twice. This is a big improvement over my last convertible, a 92 Mustang. The only problems Ive had are that the cruise control button fell off one day last year (its still usable) and the front brakes have needed A LOT of work ($1300). They always cover the front rims with brake dust as well. Overall Im very happy with the car.

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  CliFORD, the big red truck. - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By RRB - March 26 - 10:28 pm

  I bought this with 47K and now slightly over 2 years later have 110k on it. I kind of have a love hate relationship with this vehicle but the love always wins. It has the 5.8 V8 & AWD and gets lousy mileage, averaging 12.8 with the best being 17 if you are on the highway all day. It is good looking, comfortable to drive, solid as a rock, will go anywhere and every time I look at it I still like it. The negatives are the goofy computer that runs the personal settings for the mirrors and seats which work one day and not the next. The power windows are noisy and there is wind noise from the moonroof. One set of brakes, one tune up and now on the third set of tires since new.

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  Focus = Meh - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Ford Driver - March 26 - 9:48 pm

  Bought this car because it was inexpensive and came with a body kit. Handles well, good gas mileage, nice looking exterior.

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  The Ups and Downs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Aaron - March 26 - 3:00 pm

  The truck is an eye catcher. All of my friends and family like the looks. The powerful V-6 is fun. The ride is so smooth, friends say "its a long trip vehicle." There are a few downs though. The auto 4x4 is a good feature for people who dont know how to drive when things get messy. But for those of you that drive in the snow like myself, that feature takes away some of the joys of winter driving. Ive noticed it sends you into a broad-slide (all 4 wheels break lose) when sometimes you need the tail to slide and the front to keep traction on the road (a 2wd benefit). Like the new TrailBlazer, they should incorporate a 2wd feature. My rear defrost button activates a door ajar light. Whats that?

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  Somewhat decent - 1997 Ford Probe
  By rockexrolloh - March 26 - 12:05 pm

  This was my first car and weve had quite a few problems with it. Every winter, the car dies. At one point, it wouldnt get any power and kept stalling. Sometimes it just wouldnt start. Mechanics couldnt figure out what the problem was but its doing okay now. Sometimes it still stalls and shakes really bad. The AC just quit working even after being recharged, the lights will not go back down (and one is dimmer than the other. Cant figure out why even after replacing it), cigarette lighter broke, speakers arent that great, whole exhaust system had to be replaced, etc. This car would be perfect if it didnt have so many problems. Its extremely fun to drive and has a lot of power.

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  Probe SE - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Probe se - March 25 - 10:31 pm

  I have put 25,000 miles on this car since buying it and have done nothing but maintenance. It handles great, looks nice and gets good mileage. I dont see many on the road any longer which to me makes it that much more desirable. My 94 has only 78,000 miles on it and I am constantly asked if I would sell it. I have become pretty attached to this sporty little car.

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  Drives - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By whoswho - March 24 - 8:55 pm

  I had this car for a little over a year. I had little to no complaints until recently. This car is great for day to day however it is dangerous in a accident. The narrow wheel base on this year is prone to rollover and leaves you with no options to really avoid an accident.

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  Ranger PU - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Skip - March 24 - 7:53 pm

  Bought 1 yr old with 10K - I think the Ranger feels more solid than Japanese trucks or the Chevys and a bit larger. Still no rattles 8 years later. Paint stayed good as did interior. Only two significant repairs. This was our 2nd Ranger - the other a 94 - the 99 was far better.

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  I fought my husband for this car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Shogrl6 - March 24 - 5:36 pm

  I fought hard for this car - I do enjoy it but after 3 months I had to buy 4 new tires. I am on my third cracked windshield and they are not cheap! My biggest complaint is the interior - I cannot keep it clean. Any moisture stains the cloth! Im going crazy with this.

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  Excellent Value - Great Car! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By davecogs - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Currenty w/ 1500 Miles on the SUV (V8), the truck gets two thumbs up. IT was a great value ($42000 list) that ended up costing $32,000 + Tax. The ride, siz, and power are all great. The only bad thing I have to say about the truck is the Gas Milage is terrible (10 MPG City/13 Highway).