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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  Nice car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Rick - March 26 - 7:28 am

  Bought the car without doing much research. It is fun to drive, has great acceleration, and is very good in snow. Has lots of storage, and is very comfortable for long drives. The ride is much better than the Explorer I owned prior to buying this car. I have had absolutely zero problems with the car.

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  4th One still love it - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Guy - March 25 - 10:03 pm

  The car is great my 4th one and its still great. The radio is not a big sound system cause in the 3rd row my kids are always saying turn it up. But Ford is still number ONE!

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  love my Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - March 25 - 12:04 pm

  Great truck with room for 8 and plenty of power. Excellent fit and finish. Love the power 3rd seat and dvd entertainment center.

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  American vehicle thats fine by me - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By john/sun - March 23 - 7:27 am

  After having an 84 Ranger and getting over 200,000 miles on it, I went back for more. Mileage could be better getting 18-19 average. Not a SINGLE problem with this truck.

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  Not bad, no complaints - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dn010 - March 22 - 1:35 am

  I purchased a V6 XLT 2X4 in 2010 used from a dealer with 56K, I am now at about 87K. Issues Ive experienced: one rear wheel bearing went bad, replaced for about $75 doing the work myself, also had check engine light for engine under-heating, replaced stuck open thermostat myself and turned off the light with my code reader - good to go. Ive put in new rear brake pads only, spark plugs, I keep the engine happy with full synthetic. I drive to NY from FL yearly, gone up and back twice (over 2400 miles each trip) and have had no problems. I can TOW my 25 cuddy boat @ 4K lbs and my 18 boat @ around 2500 - can pull the 18 out of the water, havent tried with the 25 and I doubt I will.

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  Ford Focus 2005 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By blan49 - March 21 - 7:11 pm

  The ride is sporty and the road handling is very good. The car is practical in layout and function. Ford has been okay about service. The gas mileage is a flat out lie. City driving is about 21.5 mpg, no where near the 26 mpg claims. I believe fuel accuracy is important in selling an auto. They blow it on this point.

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By chris16619 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great truck a pleasure to drive. A down sides to the design is lack of storage space for things guys like to have in a vehicle like jumper cables, tie downs, first aid kit, flash light, etc... Stoping charteristics are solid. The beef up calipers and brakes give a definite feeling of reliability for the unexpected.

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  second time - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Greg in Georgetown - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my second excursion. I owned a 2000 limited and was very happy with it. Since I knew Ford was eliminating the Excursion I wanted a new one. The ride and handling have improved greatly. It is quieter and the additional luxury options make this a dream to drive. I would recommend getting the diesel engine if you drive a lot of miles per year. For me it is not an issue since we only put about 13,000 miles per year on the vehicle. If you have the need, I guarantee you will enjoy driving this on the highway.

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  Average as Usual - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Another Ford Owner - March 20 - 12:50 pm

  Very nice design but I learned never to purchase the first year after a remodel. Have had several things replaced that I would not expect to have replaced on a new vehicle. Dealer is so-so with their support. Would not replace the brake pads, but they replace the rotors once and resurfaced the rotors the second time. The problem was with the pads and after 25,000 miles, I replace the rotors and pads with Brembo rotors and ceramic pads. What a change. The brake dust is gone. Repaired a short in the system, front headlight seal was bad, replaced the steering wheel due to poor leather, the front seat replaced due to the wear of the leather. All in all, will trade in for a new one.

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  Dependable but no MPG champ - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ekamperman - March 19 - 9:46 pm

  I bought the 2010 FFH new and weve had it for 3.5 yrs. and 40,000 miles. We only average 34 mpg, not the 40 mpg we expected. Oh well, at least nothing has failed on it. I should count my blessings, right?