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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  Best SUV without the over sized body - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Rosa Yaites - June 13 - 1:46 am

  I wanted an SUV but didnt want an overly large body. It still has plenty of leg room, head room and all the values a larger SUV has but no overkill on the body size. I started out with the base model because I have never driven an SUV, but I can surely say, I love it so much, I will upgrade to the Limited edition ASAP!

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  Just OK - 2005 Ford F-150
  By SWP - June 12 - 11:47 pm

  After almost 3 years of ownership all I can say is that the truck is just OK. Mileage is 13mpg city and hiway. My problems have been: Clunck in transmission when starting from a stop, back sliding rear window rattles like crazy (had repaired once), bracket holding the passenger front window in place broke and the window fell into the door,($425 for that fix) CD player had to be replaced, brakes replaced at 20,000 miles and I do not drive the truck hard, needs a little more power. Good things: Decent ride, nice looking truck inside and out, comfortable seats.

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  Great car, great price. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Patrick - June 12 - 9:55 pm

  Im in the military and drive a lot. It surprisingly has a lot of get up and go for a four cylinder. I barely touch the gas and it some times throws me in my seat. It has great gas mileage. From Michigan to North Carolina I spent 60 dollars on gas and filled the tank 3 times. It is a fun car, boy is it fun.

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  Update after a Year - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Steve - June 12 - 6:16 pm

  I have had my Sport Trac for over a year now, so I thought I would provide an updated review. I am still a big fan of this truck. Handling and comfort are great. It feels stable in all conditions I am 67" 250 lbs and I have plenty of room which is great because I am in the truck most of the day. The fold flat rear seats provide me a "mobile office" platform, yet the open bed allows for the occassional bulkier item. I have 16,000 miles and fuel economy hovers at 20 in mixed driving. I have had no issues, nothing falling off or not working. Everyone I know loves my truck, and 3 friends have actually got one after seeing mine. I did extensive research before buying, and I am very happy.

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  Solid, Reliable truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Az f-150 - June 12 - 5:51 pm

  I dont think ive done 1 non-scheduled maintenance on this vehicle. 102k miles on original tranny, etc. Still looks good for being 10 years old. This truck easily handles everything i throw at it.

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  Great Buy - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Sam Smith - June 12 - 5:16 pm

  Overall I am very satisfied.

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By David Smtih - June 12 - 11:15 am

  Replaced a Pilot thats transmission clunked out on me at 65,000 miles. Thus Im giving the domestics another chance, impressed so far with seven months of ownership and 7,000 miles.

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  My 98 contour is not a quality vehicle - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Aaron - June 12 - 11:14 am

  Transmission went out 11 weeks after purchase. Its broken down on me 3 times and now the torque converter has gone out. Power windows have a mind of their own. They work off and on. Already spent more on repairs than what I paid for it back in 2004. $2999 Not at all reliable and a waste of much needed money for college. I will never purchase another lower end car from ford.

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  Have Loved It - 2004 Ford Escape
  By EMTMIKE - June 12 - 10:22 am

  I bought my escape in 2004 brand new. It has plenty of power and has never let me down. Gas mileage isnt great with my average being 20mpg. Odometer is now at 55,000 miles. At this point these are my only complaints...the center console cover was too weak...I put my arm on it in the winter and it cracked..dash vents produce debris (black crumbs) that are noticeable. Gear shift gets in the way of stereo control. Thats it. Plenty of cargo room and great in the snow.

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  The Cinderella second vehicle - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By John - June 11 - 10:56 pm

  I bought it as the only way to get out of a terrible lease on a Toyota T100 (most awful vehicle, the Toyota, Ive EVER driven) mechanics and people who like Broncos tell me its "excellent, just dying to be driven." I find it noisy to be inside, stick shift can get tiring, and the arms rests designed for someone about 4 feet tall (so I cant use them). Had it repainted last summer and it looks hot -- very tough -- yeah, "Ford tough." Makes me feel like a real outdoorsman when I drive it. I dont know what its worth exactly. I just wish it were more comfortable for me, the driver. Maybe if I "just really drive it a lot" (everyones advice) some day Ill like it better. "