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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  158,000 miles so far - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 158,000miles so far - February 18 - 4:39 pm

  Great car! My wife and I have been driving this one for a few years now. Bought it at 70,000 miles and have driven it nearly trouble free to 158,000 miles presently. I have no complaints about this car. Here are the few small repairs. Water pump replacement, some small A/C module to restore normal ac function, serpentine belt of course, radiator leaked a little when it was real cold outside, I finally replaced it after watching it drip during startup for two winters and a small water leak in the cab and trunk. Lastly, emergency brake cables are sticking some, the rubber is breaking on them and the weather has gotten to them. This is normal STUFF. THIS CAR IS GREAT! I used to be a mechanic.

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  2003 Expedition EB 4x4 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By david00army - February 18 - 12:09 pm

  I love the truck however best gas mileage I can get with cruise control at 70 mph is 16 mpg. But it is very nice for long trips quite and living in the Netherlands I get a lot of looks because it is one of the biggest vehicles on the road in Europe besides the delivery trucks. However for the truck being a 2003 I still get people coming up and saying what a very nice looking vehicle so for my family counting me there are 6 and i still have room for 2 more so this room and comfort is unmatched.

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  The best low-priced Suv on the market - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. P - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I do not own the Explorer I am rating, it is my friends. I have driven it, and am impressed with the 4.6L V8s power. I have also ridden in the third row, and it is rather well designed. At 61", I was suprised at the room I had back there. The seat seemed to be slightly angled, to prevent knees from hitting the back seat, and I rather enjoyed the somewhat reclined position. Overall, I was and still am rather impressed. I will be looking for a new vehicle soon, and the Explorer/Mountaineer tops my list.

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  DEPENDABLE - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Maureen - February 17 - 9:36 am

  This is my fourth Explorer, 2005 Limited - tried and true! Did not look for any other models when replacing my 2002 Ford Explorer Limited. The only improvements that I would recommend would be the gas mileage, a cell phone and possibly navigation system. It does take Ford slightly longer to get with the updated designs and features. With the success of this model they should be the cutting edge of technology in the automobile business. My other car is a 2005 BMW 745IL.

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  Really Neat Time Machine - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Lake Speed - February 16 - 3:03 pm

  This vehicle is a great value and takes me back to when I was a kid. Ive always admired the Mach 1s from my youth and this one delivers on par with the original. Superior car on the road and always gets attention. My wife digs it too!

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  One of the Best! - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Derek in OKC - February 16 - 1:16 pm

  I have owned this truck a little while now and it has been nothing but a blessing! The overall quality vs. the money paid in incomparable. Out does Chevy and Dodge on base model pickups. Highly recommend.

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  Most Fun for the Dollar - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew Rheude - February 16 - 12:00 pm

  Start-up sound makes you swoon. Exterior styling is perfect. Interior comfort (front seats only) is impeccable. Performance is fabulous. As you can tell, this car is all about emotion. I drove it to Florida in late November with plans to stop halfway for the night. But the car was so much fun to drive that I kept going. Twenty hours later I reached my destination and still wanted to keep driving. Of the 51 vehicles that have passed through my hands in the last thirty-five years, this is the most enjoyable. Note: With only 8300 miles, and being stored during the winter, I cannot truthfully report on longer-term reliability.

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  First new truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By FirstTruck - February 15 - 4:01 pm

  First new truck after driving only cars for 30 years. Truck sold itself after renting one from Hertz on a 1 week trip. Personally, I think its the best looking truck in the market. Rugged yet classy. Not in your face like Dodge. Not bland like GM. Not Japanese looking like Nissan or Toyota. After 30 years of cars, I was pleasantly surprised by ride quality, interior design, sound isolation. Great highway cruiser. 4x4 lets me go in deep snow even with regular tires.

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  Fun to drive anytime! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ajbran - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This hybrid of an SUV & pick-up truck is everything I had expected it to be. The V6 engine is quite responsive with plenty of "get-up-and-go" when needed on the road even when you have the air conditioner running. The no-frills interior of the XLS is very comfortable with some easy to reach amenities. There is plenty of leg room in the back for three adult passengers and my two kids really enjoy having the elbow room to spread out and keep their distance from their sibling rival. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an alternative to the standard SUV or those that are sticker-shocked by the large crew cab truck prices.

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  Vanpool - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By alshoe - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a leased 10 passenger van. I vanpool approximately 140 miles round trip per weekday in Los Angeles, CA traffic. Our previous van, a 2000 Ford Club Wagon, was not the stretched version and had a V10 engine. This one, the 2003, is stretched and has a V8. The V10 was much more responsive and powerful. However the V8 provides adequeate power and averages 1.5 to 2.0 MPG better than the V10 on our commute. With fuel prices rising, that is a plus! It would be nice if Ford offered a hybrid version of this van. Bottom line, considering the abuse our van gets, it has been reliable and have not had any major mechanical problems.