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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  Built Texas Tough - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Lorenceh - December 3 - 8:12 am

  Awesome truck. Ive taken it all over Texas and Mexico, bought it new and now has about 100,000 miles. its been chewed up and abused by South Texas terrain but still stays faithful. seals still good after years off 105 degree weather. handles great in sticky situations (evacuating in high flood waters, hurricane winds, ect.) I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking in to it.

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  Great small suv - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Stan - December 3 - 7:03 am

  I have had this 2006 Escape for about a month. I am 6 275 lbs and I fit just right in it. The new Duratec engine will get into traffic with no problem. So far I like it a lot and I like the gas mileage too.

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  Euro Van for the 2010s - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By BW - December 3 - 6:13 am

  I was wanting a Transit Connect since Debut. Ford does plenty of commercial business with these and as of now the dealer discounts to consumers are not huge. The different Window configurations intrigued me, but I chose windows and Silver Metallic, because I think upwards of 75 percent of the cargo vans are white. Windows are a good thing in todays busy driving world but for those who opt windowless the customizing options inside are even more endless. The extras in the XLT do not grab me and the CD radio is still half garbage, so I went with an XL and up fitting the van to taste. A Better aftermarket Stereo is mandatory. Alloy wheels merit consideration; basic steel wheels come on all.

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  its growing on me - 2007 Ford Focus
  By jarrod - December 3 - 12:40 am

  As far as driving goes, its kinda "spunky". Im getting over my loss on a nice 95 Mustang GT. But, this little car has surprised me. Its a base model 5-speed. So far the only thing Im complaining about is a slight engine tapping/knocking. Which Im still yet to get checked out. But overall, she looks very promising for future modifications.

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  Love It - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Rick - December 2 - 4:05 pm

  I have owned the Escape Limited 2010 for about a month, traded in a 2004 Explorer. I prefer the ride of the Escape. The full set of options are great and with the Sun and SYNC package traveling is a joy. Storage is less than the Explorer, but the gas mileage is way better. I am glad I made this purchase

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  Its been surprisising_totally - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - December 2 - 3:11 pm

  I bought my EXP XLT new in 01. I have 181,000 and repairs have been minimal. Chnge the oil on time. FORD should have a loyalty program to get me into another FORD. With the economy buying a new car is difficult.

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  1999 Ford Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By nazechad_3050 - December 2 - 12:22 pm

  Bought it in May with 120,000 miles on it. Drives great. Love the truck. Had three small problems with it and one huge one. The rear wiper has stopped working, the drivers door handle broke off, and the drivers lock keeps getting stuck. The huge problem was at 130,000 miles the transmission started to go. Wouldnt shift into 3rd gear smoothly anymore. Currently replacing the Transmission as I type this. Even with these problems i love the truck. does everything i ask it to do.

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  Many problems - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By fordprobs - December 2 - 11:51 am

  Numerous problems with heating/coolant system. Additional problems with transmission-needed a new one with under 100k miles. Overall, a horrible purchase

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  Proving me wrong.. - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By CJ - December 2 - 4:51 am

  I bought my expedition a little over a year ago. It had 48k miles on it and was three years old. I had never owned a ford before and was unsure as to how it would last i had always heard unsettling things about fords. A little over a year and close to 28k miles that ive put on the odo, i can say happily that i love my SUV. Im not easy on vehicles, i love to offroad even if the vehicle isnt desinged for it. My expedition has taken all my beatings and adventures with my family with pride and is running strong. so far the only problem is the rear HVAC system that has begun to knock and not work as intended but i still have a warranty on it.

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  Great gas mileage - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Mark Berkowitz - December 2 - 3:40 am

  I needed an affordable car and the Focus met that requirement. Im disappointed that the model that I bought does not have electric windows, cruise control, or electric side view mirror controls but thats my fault for not checking it out thoroughly. Im also confused about the lack of an ash tray and lack of a lighter--Im not advocating smoking but it would be nice to have an ashtray and lighter when I am driving alone.