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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  Good car, disappointing mileage - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tlh4 - July 18 - 6:56 am

  I have had this car about a month. I have driven on the highway and city. I simply dont believe the two previous posts about mileage. Complete B.S. I am getting in the low 30s in the city, and this is while paying attention to the readout that tells you when you are in EV mode. I have taken a couple short trips at low highway speed, about 60 MPH. I kept the speed down to allow it to run in EV mode. On these trips I got about 38 MPG.

  Bottom line: I really like the car. It is quiet, with great interior and exterior styling, and more features than I have been able to master. However, dont expect to get anywhere near 47 MPG. The EPA needs to their house in order.

• 

  average car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By john_doe - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i like the car for what it is but it has cost me money right from the beginning. brakes were the worst. anti- lock was good but the brakes themselves were always bad. the ride and design of the car is real nice untill you realize the rattle is from plastic front end suspension parts. yes plastic. so over all yea its a nice car but would i buy anouther one? i would have to say no, only because of all the problems with the car.

• 

  pretty good car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By momprice2003 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  over all is a great car and rides great

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  Collectors Vehical - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Cortney L. Ruffner - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehical after retiring. Simular to my Father,Who owns his own Thunderbird (late 70s Model) Still Show room new and a Classic. I dont drive this vehical as my everyday car. mainly weekends.I useally keep the car covered to protect the exterior paint. The vehical has provided me with exciting driving pleasure and people often admire the styling of my Ford thunderbird. I also hope to own my T- bird for years to come. Mr. C. LaMont Ruffner Port Saint Lucie, Fl.

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  What are the magazine testers smoking - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Calvin Oppenheimer - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Every review in the automotive press I read said the Excursion was simply awful. I test drove one and bought it the same day. For the first year I used it in my limousine business to haul folks to and from the airport. A feat the Excursion excells at. Unlike the mag testers I have no problem with manuverability at all. I would not expect this vehicle to handle like a Porsche. I can not honestly think of a single complaint. Possible exception was trouble with the in dash 6CD changer & the monitor in the entertainment package. Both were replaced under warranty.

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  Pleasure - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Tom - July 18 - 12:16 am

  Very satisfactory vehicle. Drove it cross country Baltimore to Steamboat to Park City to Boise and back averaging 70mph and got approximately 27mpg. No problems in the Rockies with always available power to climb and pass going up grades of 7 percent. In the high altitudes with no air resistance I was getting nearly 45mpg with the car fully loaded. Sound system is boomy with the plastic door panel mountings and no input for iPods or XM/Sirius radios. The NAV system is OK but GARMINS are MUCH better and more flexible. I know have 11,000 miles and everything appears to be in good shape.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By FordFan76 - July 17 - 9:20 pm

  My wife has a 2002 Explorer which we love. The newly redesigned Explorer and Sport Trac are even better. My truck is quieter, safer, and slightly better on gas. It is also a great compromise for people who dont want a full size truck but still want the capabilities of one. The only problem I have experienced so far was a jerky transmission, which was fixed under warranty by adjusting the computer settings. Some improvements: needs more cushioning in the steering wheel. I drive two hours to work and I find my hands getting sore frequently. Put the shifter back on the column. It isnt as "cool" but you have a lot more space on the center console.

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  Reliable - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By JK in CA - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my EB Explorer for over 13 years, and it has been extremely reliable. Had some expensive warranty work many years ago. Only problem now is that sometimes the transmission "sticks" when I put it in reverse on cold wet winter mornings in CA. I cope with that by driving forward a foot or so, and then putting it into reverse. Paint is oxidizing on the roof due to hot CA summers.

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  Good so far - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By OxfordDawg - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our 97 EB and drove it from SD to Mississippi. It drove great but got about 14 mpg at 75 mph. Smooth ride with lots of room. Take the 3rd seat out if you dont have a big family. Just too bulky to leave in. Lacks torque of Chevy engines. Opt for the 5.4L.

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  diesel the way to go - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By paf01 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  i own two excursions a gas and a diesel ilove my diesel i get between 16.5 to 22.0 miles per galion my gas truck gets about 10.0 mpg but ive increased that by installing a k&n air filter to about 15.0 mpg the ride is nice handling great if ford made the rest of the body out of recycled bottles like they made the rear doors the truck would be lighter and tow even more and would probably use even less gas or diesel.