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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  Happy with my Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tony - August 4 - 9:16 pm

  This has been a great truck. Fits our lifestyle nicely, can still put a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back, seat 5 adults comfortably, tow a utility trailer and still drive the thing around downtown and not have difficulty finding a parking spot. Biggest disappointment is the gas mileage. I cant understand how a 6 cylinder not being driven hard gets such poor mileage. Build quality is great and I havent had a single problem with it.

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  Great value, no frills truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By bRIAN - August 2 - 6:27 pm

  I purchased this truck in 2002 for a short distance commuter vehicle. I was looking for an inexpensive truck and the Ranger Edge fit the bill nicely. The truck has had no problems so far, is comfortable, reasonably powerful, and performs light duty hauling nicely. The interior is functional and makes no attempt toward luxury. Its a truck through and through. The A/C and heater perform very well, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the hydraulic clutch is like butter. The brakes are also very good, never showing signs of fading or warping rotors like many others do. After I replaced the stock tires with Michelins, the ride improved greatly as well. Overall, I am extremely pleased.

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  We like driving it! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By phillman - August 2 - 2:13 pm

  Actually we are 100% happy with the Explorer. The only problem we have had is the pick-up. When going up a hill, the engine seems to be working pretty hard and the pick-up is sluggish. I think if we has the 8 cylinder we would not have the problem. As I said great car! I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Owner of three Expeditions - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Emile - August 2 - 2:00 am

  As owner of three expeditions I can actually say this 2004 is the biggest disappointment of the three. The one thing I do like is the power third row seat. As a woman I hate the storage in the front seats. The storage in the doors is useless. You cant get a map out without opening the door, and whats with the cup holders in the door that you cant see let alone reach. Please give me back my 2002 expedition.I also dont like not having the middle arm rest in the second row seats.

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  REVIEWONE - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DBMARIE - August 2 - 2:00 am

  DRIVES WELL, COMPARED TO OTHER SUVS; SOME ARE "TOP HEAVY", ENABLING GOOD STEERING.

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  baby Stang 92 LX Convertible - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By baby stang - August 2 - 12:52 am

  I purchased my Stang in Sept. 2004 for a weekend driver. I am very pleased with the 2.3l. I have replaced the stock rims with a set of 17 inch Cobra R wheels with 245/45/17 tires on them. Have entered it in a couple car shows so far. I will purchase another Mustang if this one ever wears out. Good driver. Gets lots of looks on the road,

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  New Used Car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Brian - August 1 - 3:58 pm

  Very happy with this car. It was a program car and I got a good deal on it. I am a bit disappointed in the fuel economy. Im getting about 23 MPG at the best on the highway and about 18 in town ... not much better than my truck.

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  Thunderbird ... great concept, but thats it - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By frank in chicago - August 1 - 1:28 am

  The style is flawless, a definite head turner, excellent performance -- but it ends there. Ford stopped there, the inside needs help. Why cheapen an expensive car like this. With all the technology out there, they decided to give it just the basics. And Ford wonders why it cant sell cars.

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  Love my 03 GT, but .... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Nathan - July 31 - 3:04 pm

  I love the Mustang, but they need to build them better. My car looks great, especially with the chrome wheels. Its fast, handles great, but it does eat gas, which I guess is to be expected. And my car has problems starting once in a while when I start and stop it several times. It doesnt have that instant start that it should. Stereo is great and I love the 6 disc CD. The leather could be nicer, and it gets to be a little uncomfortable driving after a while. I think they should offer more options like heated seats or heads up display or something. The seat belts are no fun for the driver and passenger. It never retracts well and its always getting stuck.

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  Nice truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By phil47 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Love the truck, love the power, love the style. Not completely satisfied with the manufacture of the truck...loose parts, missing parts..nothing major,,but could prove important as the truck gets older...Needed front end alignment in the first 5000 miles...found this unusual...