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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  Fun in the Sun! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By ConvertibleConvert - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used in 2003 from a private owner who stored it in the wintertime as I am now doing. Its a blast to drive especially with the top down. Im definitely going to consider a future Mustang convertible possibly a GT for some more power.

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  Good Solid Reliable Truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By DenisM - February 20 - 2:00 am

  My Expedition is easy to drive, comfy, roomy, smooth and reliable. The car has had no repairs except scheduled service. I tow, drag stumps, do mild off road, gobble up snow at least 26" deep with minimal resistance and it rides nice too.

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  Wish I had a DIESEL - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Wish I had a DIESEL - February 19 - 3:26 am

  Overall the truck isnt too bad. Its got decent power and good exterior looks. The interior feels somewhat cheap and excessively plastic. The carbon fiber, aluminum look does little for its styling. The seats leave a lot to be desired for comforts sake. Its got plenty of interior room though. Better than the Ram (for baby seats). The bed is way too small. Would have got an F-250 Powerstroke but got bullied into this by my wife (primary driver while Im away).

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  2000 Ford F-150 XLT Ext. Cab - 2WD - 2000 Ford F-150
  By bobj824 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Power door locks failed at 37,000 miles, dealer would not do anything about this (I have since discovered that this is a very common problem). Seat belts are uncomfortable and difficult to use! Seats provide good support, but fabric is uncomfortable. Center armrest is very uncomfortable. Ride and noise is not nearly as good as my sons 2000 Dodge Ram!

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  first truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Randy Hummel - February 19 - 2:00 am

  First truck Ive owned, so far, so goos. It is the work truck package.

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  Good truck for the money - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By kimco - February 19 - 2:00 am

  When our lease for our Tahoe was up we wanted to buy our next SUV. For the money the Exp was the best bet. Compaired to the Tahoe it didnt match up. But for the money we cant beat it. I wish it got better gas mileage. I only get 13 city/hwy. If money was not a option I would have another Tahoe.

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  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By JBL4 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Explorer new. I have been extremely impressed. The 5.0L V8 puts out a good amount of power, although it get terrible gas mileage (11mpg/16mpg). Perfect size and very manuverable. Comfortable on the highway, but feels every bump in the city. Very reliable except for on very cold days- Fords dont like the cold. No problems until about 60K miles. We had to replace the sparkplugs- $200. Overall, great car for the price.

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  Great Small Car! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Kaye - February 18 - 7:00 pm

  I was very pleased with how well the car handles. I live in a high traffic city and do a lot of stop and go. I have had no problems, just regular maintenance. I am very happy with the gas mileage of 26 to 28 mpg. I would certainly recommend this vehicle for anyone who likes a smaller car that handles well in traffic and is easily parked.

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  The Camry-killer! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By misterzero - February 18 - 6:43 am

  I have owned two Fords in the past and two Camrys (00, 03), all of which have essentially been completely trouble-free. The Camrys have had excellent rides, but the thigh support and awkward steering wheel placement always left me very uncomfortable, especially on long drives. I test drove a number of cars on the market, including the Accord and Altima, and came back to the Fusion, as it has a ride very comparable to the Camry, and the interior is much better than the Camrys....much more comfortable. I bought an SEL V6 with Moon & Tunes and leather interior. I now have 1,200 miles on it, and the car has not developed any rattles or squeaks.

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  Good/Bad - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Silat - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought used w/33000 miles. Replaced engine at 107000. All kinds of minor electrical problems. Replaced heater core. Runs/rides great on highway. Snow no problem. Great visibility 360 degrees. Wife loves it.