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 Truck if it doesnt vibrate - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Rob - July 9 - 9:40 am

  I have had a vibration that seven trips to two different dealers cant fix that is coming from the rear end. None of the common F150 vibration problems are evident according to the dealers. One service manager acknowledged that a truck that vibrates when it performs its intended function is indeed fundamentally flawed. It gets worse with my boat on the back. Beware of this vehicle if you are evenly remotely mechanically inclined as the bouncing exhaust, violently shaking bed, rattles, and random vibrations of many sorts will drive you insane. I intend to drop mine off at the dealer and refuse to pick it up and take the credit hit from Ford instead of dragging things out in court.

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  Tranny Troubles - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By dej - July 9 - 2:00 am

  At 77k I have replaced the trans twice as well as the brakes twice. Great looking truck and the few times I have taken it off raod it has performed great. I cant see myself buying another one.

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  just another ford - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By stonecold - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with 40300 miles on it,thinking i was getting a deal,but i was wrong,It now has 47785 miles on it and I had this car at the dealer about 5 times.The first were just small things but they cost enough to fix,but this last time took the cake,the front coil spring broke on the driver side,had i been going on the highway at 70mph i might not be here to tell about it,and the bad thing about it all is it was just inspected. I also have the sweek in the engine,dealer says its the rocker arms,and the brakes and rotors problem as well.Like i said, just another ford. Im not buying another ford again

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  Great first car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By drewdog - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought one privately for my last year of college (w/ 68k mi). Previous owner left some mods on it that probably helped out performance. Only had to replace fan belt during the 2 semesters, then had to replace break pads a year later. Other than that, no major problems. Handles great, excellent mileage (used to get like 30 mpg on long trips), lots of space (passenger and trunk), lots of power for only 145 ponies. bottom line: Excellent first car, but look elsewhere if youre settled and can afford it....

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  Ranger Splash - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By mintsplash - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Mine is a 93 Ranger Splash. I bought it in 97 with 900 miles on it. It has ran and performed great!

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  I Used To Love Her - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By alice12345 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Explorer for almost 3 and a half years now and I have put more than 65000 miles on it. Favorite vehicle I ever owned. But when she turned over 100,000 miles all kinds of sensors started going bad and all had to be replaced. The camshaft positioning sensor alone cost over $600 including the labor. Not to mention, I am constantly having to have the steering gear adjusted. I love my car, and only wished it would last longer! The repairs have gotten to be too much, but I will be purchasing another explorer.

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  Get it before they go... - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Colorado Dude - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. I compared for some time now with Chevy, KIA, Jeep etc...and simply state this vehicle has power, quality, looks, and especially FUN!!!!!

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  Impressed so far. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By AirForce1 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the 5.4 liter truck three weeks now. Impressed with overall truck, both quality and ride. Its BIG! Would recommend, however, the 3.73 rear gear ratio (I have 3.55) as you are trying to accelerate over 5,000 lbs. Lots of room inside. Overhead rail storage is cool.

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  2002 Sport Trac 4x4 - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By GAG - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my Sport Trac 4x4 with 24,000 miles. Overall, I liked everything about the vehicle. However, I felt I should let others know that it can become very unstable at highway speeds. I nearly lost control of the truck traveling on a curve at 70 MPH on an urban freeway after hitting an uneven expansion joint. The truck ended up skipping halfway into the adjacent lane before I could regain control. Driving at highway speeds on patched pavement with potholes and during windy conditions requires two hands on the wheel to stabilize the vehicle. Driving below 60 MPH, the Sprot Trac handled fine but truck-like.

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  Glad I bought this one - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ENP - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Owned a Chevy truck, owned a Dodge 1500, Now trying a Ford. Loven it. Handles great, easy to park, warm seat to relax the tird muscles of an ER nurse. Down side: Mirrors, lots of blind spots. I am short and have to reach for the radio, would like a lock on the storage comaprtment.