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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  V-8 is overkill - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Steve - July 10 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this used 1998 with 100,000 miles on the odometer. At the same time I purchased a 2000 with the SOHC V6. The V8 increases towing capacity by about 500lbs, but the fuel economy is awful (8 city/12 hwy) compared to the V6 (17 city/22 hwy). This vehicle had its fair share of squeaks, rattles, and other unsettling noises, yet had a very compliant ride and willing performance. Im happy to report no troubles at all with this truck (excluding the poor fuel economy).

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  Better with age - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By steve - July 10 - 1:19 pm

  I sold my 1999 Miata (sigh) - needed more room, haul a trailer, etc. I purchased my Limited with 87,000 miles on the clock. After replacing the original shocks and doing a tune-up we loaded it up and headed on a 6,000 mile vacation. Once I got used to the very truckish handling (a shock after the "your thoughts are my command" demeanor of the Miata), I learned to love this vehicle. Now at 108,000 miles, I would rate this as (gasp!) one of the most trouble free and usable vehicles Ive ever owned. It pulls down a very respectable 17 city/22 hwy fuel economy and handles any chore I throw at it. I also bought a 1998 with a V8. The SOHC V6 performed just as well with double the fuel economy.

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  I love it - 2001 Ford Escort
  By spencer - July 10 - 1:05 pm

  Its a pretty sweet ride. Its comfy, but probably not if youre more than about 61. Its pretty quick. Its loud, but one gets used to it. The stereo is nice, installing a hi/low converter for a new amp is a pain though.

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  quite a good car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By asb - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my new Focus. It is a confortable car and I like it. Still not confortable with the gas mileage...could be much better for this size car.

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  Impressed - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By kenlwilkerson - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it. Wondering just what it can do. Scared to open it all the way up...but the day will come!

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  Great for city driving - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By GW Carro - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have ahd my Explorer for almost three years now. I have found it to be a reliable and versatile vehicle. The engine is a little noisey. The front end quality is poor due to plastic parts in the bumper area and headlight area. The Explorer offers plenty of room and easy access to loading and unloading cargo. Gas milage is average, with approx 20 mpg on the road. I have noticed several rattles starting to appear in the front of the vehicle, which is irritating. If I had it to do all over again, I would probably opt to buy the larger Expedition V8 or the Chevy Tahoe.

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  13 yrs and still going... - 1993 Ford Probe
  By valentino - July 9 - 9:31 pm

  ...to be fair it has less than 50K on the odometer because it was garaged for years. So far it has been a mixed bag: capable handling, practical and fun to drive but reliability issues spoil the experience. First the praise: gotta love the silky smooth V6, the precise steering and confident handling - it feels like its on rails. After adding Beck Arnley rotors and pads the brakes feel strong and well modulated. The rear seats are only suited for the kiddies, but when folded down make for a HUGE trunk. Negatives: valve head gasket needs replacement as its starting to smell like burnt oil.

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  been a great truck - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By justin - July 9 - 8:31 pm

  I bought my Ranger with 139,000 miles on it from the original owner. At 170,000 the over drive went out in the transmission had it rebuilt, Ive got about $2000 bucks in the truck and have been driving it for 5 years and put almost 100,000 miles on in and its been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its now got over 230,000 miles on it.

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  a bullitt-proof review - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By matthew - July 7 - 12:16 am

  I bought this vehicle in February 06 and now 5 months went flying by and there isnt a day I dont give thanks for the opportunity of purchasing this great vehicle. All the hype, and history behind it, along with the extra mods, make this GT the best ever built. Accelerates great, looks awesome, and is truly an investment.

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  Best car Ive owned, thats saying a lot - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jtmears - July 6 - 12:00 am

  1.5 years, 26k miles and I LOVE this car! Cruises like a BMW 540i and sounds way more cool! Handling is as good as a solid axle can get. Retro interior is comfortable and looks great. Good quality leather, although the plastics could use improvement. Shaker 1000 kicks butt for a stock system. Build quality is good for the price range and greatly improved over the older Mustangs (this makes #5 for me). Its not quite as fast or torquey as my LS1 Trans-Am, but WAY better quality. Has only been to the shop once for something very minor. Gas mileage leaves a little to be desired, but I would have bought a Honda or something if I cared about that. SWEET CAR!