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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  great car-major enine problem - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By forddoc - October 10 - 2:00 am

  though this is a great looking car with power, there was a major design flaw in the engine coolant system which eventually caused a blown motor.Ford should have come out with a recall on this model. The first time I had any indication this could be a problem it was too late, the engine had already been destroyed. Apparently there is only 1 small gasket that seperates the coolant from the oil pan. This seal broke, the coolant poured into the oil pan, the car overheated and the head cracked all in the matter of 3 minutes of highway driving.

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  Ford Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By storks2 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This car gets a bum rap. It handles better than the Toyota Camry, which was a contender for me as well. It came down to the simple fact that the Taurus is better accustomed to American-sized people.

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  Handles nices - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Steven Pepper - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Runs Great And its Fun.

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  THE BIG KAHUNA - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By RICK CASTRO - October 9 - 2:00 am

  We purhcased a 2002 Excursion, and sold it a year later for the smaller Expedition. BIG MISTAKE. In 2004, we traded in the Expedition for another Excursion, this time with 6.0 litre diesel. Mileage is no longer an issue, as we get about 17-19 miles to the gallon on the highway, and about 13-15 in the city. We can tow anything and go anywhere with it The 4-wheel on the fly system is great, and we now have plenty of room for our 3 kids, their friends, and of course our dog Savannah. THANKS FORD!!!!!!

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  Finally Good - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Liking it Now - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased it new in Dec. of 2002. I had lot of problems. By 5,K miles I was on my thrid set of tires. The tires were cupping, aka "road force". Basically the tires are cheap Continental tires, and they cant hold the weight of the Expedition. So you get vibration. Ford paid for the replacement tires. When I had to take it in for a thrid time I refused to take it back unless they put on a different brand. I got Michelin tires. Good to go..I had troubles with brake dust & squeeking. At 20K miles Ford paid for all new rotors, calipers, and pads. WAHOO. The dust is GONE. I had to get the rear axle replaced as well. I think it is good to go now with 34K on it no problems. Knock on wood.

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  Loved my Escape, but my Expedition...Wow - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Beth Baker - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive always enjoyed driving an SUV. So when I traded in my Jeep Cherokee for a Ford Escape, it was a definite upgrade. Three years later, I traded IT for my Ford Expedition. Needed the space with three Labrador Retrievers and Two Businesses.....The truck pulls our boat and you dont even know the boat is back there. The power fold- down 3rd row is sooooo convenient....and the space is more than ample. Comfort and ride are complimented regularly by family and friends......You cant go wrong! Ford creates a WONDERFUL SUV!

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  I love it! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mcmy - October 9 - 2:00 am

  At 52" I didnt think I could handle driving a vehicle this large. I was wrong. The running boards along with the adj. pedals were a must for me and have been great, as have the back sensors. The turn radius is that of an Explorer (at least the 2002 Explorer that I prev. owned) and is very manageable. The interior has lots of room for lots of kids and lots of stuff. The third row is wonderful as is the ability to fold down one of the seats. The large compartment next to the drivers seat is extremely useful. Two nagative aspects of the interior are: no storage pockets behind the front seats and no alt. compartment for sunglasses if you have a sunroof.

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  F-150 -- Good Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By TCU Guy - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been a great one to own, but I am ready for something that gets a little better gas mileage. The only problem I have had with the truck is Ford brakes. This is the second Ford I have owned and had the same issues with both vehicles.

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  Bang for the buck - 2001 Ford Focus
  By ARLOBIGWATER - October 7 - 2:00 am

  When I bought it, this wagon was the last one in its size and price range available in the in the US.Drove similar rental in European traffic - was sold. Handles better than Civic previously owned. Driving car every day in DC traffic w/5spd and keeping up w/the flow easily. W/5spd manual and ZETEC it is an interesting and fun vehicle. Interior holding up to 2 kids and big dog. Mileage worse than expected, but in traffic, I should not be surprised. Avoid Sheehy Ford in Springfield.

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  my focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jose nieves - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My brakes worned out quickly and I dont think for a new car brakes going out so quickly is safe for anyone. Also its a slow car at first but then it picks up.