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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  Ford Explorer V8 - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Grover - December 14 - 8:23 am

  Just bought the XLT with the V8 fairly loaded. Traded up from a 2002 XLT. Very happy so far. Had to hunt around NJ to find a XLT with a V8 and the 2007 appearance package, which makes it look a lot cleaner. The new V8 is awesome, quiet with a little growl when stepped on. Very smooth acceleration. Would not buy the V6, just too slow. Extremely quiet and confident ride. Also, the best thing about any Explorer that nobody talks about is that the seats are very comfortable. Perfect seating for cruising around with your arm hanging out the window on a nice day. Like a real truck.

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  Great Value - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By pete - December 13 - 11:40 pm

  Ok, so this isnt the most exciting vehicle in the world. Still, it does just about everything well. Enough power, Comfy seats, decent handling, good controls. Who would have thought you could get a car with 16,000 miles on it with leather for 12 grand? Ford - Im very impressed with how well this car does most things. 2 beefs - the stereo blows (bass anyone?) and how about ABS brakes?

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  A sporty truck... - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By mike surf - December 13 - 3:22 am

  Wonderfully comfortable seats, good handling, and I like the "trucky" styling. My 3rd Ranger.

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  2003 Taurus Wagon SE - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By ken - December 12 - 10:06 pm

  Bought my 2003 Taurus wagon SE used from a dealer in NC. It was originally a rental with 6000 miles on the OD. It has performed very well and has required no more maintenance than that required at regular service intervals. It handles well, and has good acceleration. Plenty of room in the cargo area. The only two bad things to say is, 1) the panel material above the rear door arm rests has come loose and required repair, and 2) the luggage rack bumpers on the roof all have a small separation crack of approximately 1/8 inch, about mid-length on each one. It gets good gas mileage and is fairly comfortable on long trips. It is a very reliable vehicle and great for a family of four.

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  Good MPG and Luxury - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Marc - December 12 - 5:49 pm

  Originally I was going to wait for the new engine and 6 speed automatic, but I needed a vehicle and Ford was giving them away with 0% financing. Not disappointed, the MPG is at least as good as the Escape we have and if you do a lot of driving on relatively flat roads while using the cruise, the engine computer seems to fine tune the rpm to the engine load and the MPG is great. The rest of the vehicle is very good, although we are still getting used to the front and rear automatic climate control. Havent read the manual yet to fully understand it.

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  Great SUV love it! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By 3kiddad - December 12 - 11:38 am

  Great truck. I love the 3/4 ton durability with all the passenger and cargo capacity. Rides like truck not a car but I like it.

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  94 - year of the BEAST - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Hartman - December 12 - 9:31 am

  I have heard negative things about Explorers but in five years have not experienced them. I get 23 mpg hwy, which makes it the perfect travel car on my Ohio-Tenn trips for school. It conquered everything I threw at it as an immature 1st time 4wd owner (seriously Im surprised this car is not stranded in a certain mudpit in Middle Tennessee). The most comfortable car, will haul it all, routine work - brakes,belts,etc. is dirt cheap (and I am a poor college student!). I have 155,000 on it now, a third of which is my doing, without a headache. As expected, transmission wear was easily solved with Lucas trans-fix additive. An $8 bottle has worked miracles for 17k miles.

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  BEST I EVER HAD! - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By lynne - December 11 - 6:18 pm

  I was on a disability supplement when i got this used, with 135K and now with a 145K. I love it, will not let it go EVER! Comfortable! Gas miles are not that great on mine. But in snow it is a winner. Too bad not making anymore. They should, I would buy another in a heart beat. The only costly expense so far is the boots and CV joints recently went out, other than this, a marvelous vehicle. Worth all of the $3500.00 I paid for mine.

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  Robs Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Robert Hurley - December 11 - 12:40 pm

  This car is a dream to drive, Im almost tempted to compare it with a used Beamer I test drove, its that smooth. Ford has done a great job with this car I was all set to buy the Toyota Camry until i tested the Fusion.

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  Perfect Match - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By AP - December 11 - 5:16 am

  As a previous 1997 Ranger owner, 2002 & 2003 Explorer owner and a 2004 F150 owner, I have to say the new SporTrac is the best of both worlds. If you are looking for the best combination of passenger room and a bed, the SportTrac is your best choice. Excellent handling, extremely comfortable and superb features make this my favorite Ford truck so far.