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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  Not as Good as People Think - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By classicfindz - November 5 - 3:05 pm

  Everyone gets excited when they see the new Ford Mustang. It has a gorgeous body style, but to me, that is it. It gets poor gas mileage. Diagnostic says 21 mpg, I only get 12-15. A number of problems which Ford keeps saying "normal characteristics", which another dealer will say differently. The gas tank has been replaced twice and I still have problems filling it up and they refuse to put in a third tank, but technically, I have had three different gas tanks in the car.

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  Hard to Be Beaten - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Fordy - November 4 - 3:56 pm

  Our Expedition has been nothing but a dream to own. We bought it in March of 2004 and are looking forward to returning it for the new 2007 Expedition. This has been a great suv, has plenty of power under the hood, is incredibly comfy, has sleek and sporty styling ... stands out! (not like the Chevy Tahoes or burbans that are all like a carbon copy of each other). Is very roomy, heater/AC is very strong powerful, Transmission is responsive, braking is impeccable, large rear-view mirrors make it easy for a lane change, fold flat seats allow for lots of cargo room, 3rd rear seat is just as comfy as the rest of the seats. The Expedition is rated very high for safety, and reliability/dependability.

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  My Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jennifer - November 4 - 3:36 pm

  I was driving a minivan, but since I am a younger mom, I wanted something more "my age". I finally talked my husband into an Explorer. I love it. I have a mineral gray one and got the DVD system installed. My kids LOVE it. They call it Dora the Explorer. I love how it handles and the view from the drivers seat.

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  Very Good Experience - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By John_Denver - November 2 - 2:23 am

  I bought this van with 32k on it and its been very reliable. I change the fluids regularly. We live in Denver and love skiing so we take it up in the mountains 20-30x a year. No transmission or engine problems ever. It has good power with the 3.8l. I think were only replaced the water pump and brakes a couple times.

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  Ford Windstar 1999 - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By L. F. Swails - November 2 - 12:49 am

  Following are problems experienced beginning with vehicle at 2 or 3 years old: Yellow engine light -- no problem shows on computer check. Mechanic turns off, 1 to 6 months later same thing. At 97,000 miles air intake valve replaced, starter synchronizer replaced, passenger window motor repaired 70,000 miles + or - replace transmission (stranded 4 days 500+ miles from home). In Ford shop two times under warranty for front end problem 3rd time same symptom, just out of warranty. Ford shop said not same symptom so took van to private shop for repair.

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  1992 Bronco Eddie Bauer - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By James P. - November 1 - 2:12 am

  This is a good vehicle with minor details marring the picture. Styling to me is the best of any modern truck. Well-designed interior very attractive to me, but cheap plastic materials put a damper on things. Has many rattles. Seats are VERY comfortable. Removable roof is cool but awkward. 302 V8 (185hp@3800, 270 lb-ft@2400) is refined and torquey pulls like a freight train and lives under 2000 rpm best feature of the truck. Good auto transmission. Handling and ride pretty good for a 4x4. Gas mileage in town is 14mpg, 19mpg highway both with a light foot. Strong underpinnings and good engineering mean this 4x4 can tackle most off roading stock. Dont like that gas fill is on driver side.

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  Nice, but Really Dirty Wheels - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dave2004 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Geez what is up with the brake dust on the front wheels??? Every one I see on the road is the same way. I hope the pads last. Only takes a hundred miles to look like that. Doesnt seem to be like that on other large suvs.

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  ford - 2005 Ford Escape
  By spieth - November 1 - 2:00 am

  It is a good car and does well in the sand and in the dirt

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  First New Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Brent Haertlein - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Basically this is the first new car Ive had. Im 17 and have been driving a 1992 Lexus ES300 for over two years. Anyway, I was lucky enough to get this car due to some amazing deals being offered by Ford. Since money was tight, we decided to opt for the standard transmission. Lucky me. The tight gearbox was a little odd at first, but it is actually easier to shift then on standard gearboxes. While it doesnt have the full power of my old car (stupid governer chip!) I love the acceleration, and it goes smoothly to 115 (top speed) all the way in fourth. Fifth just makes things smoother.

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  Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Eddie - October 31 - 8:21 pm

  Enjoy this truck a lot. Plenty of space and power for towing and love the big tank!