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 - 1999 Ford F-150
  By RYNO369 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My ford F150 was my first vehicle, and I bought it used with 100,000 miles, and it still runs like a new one. I always know it will get me where i want to be and on time. My next truck will be the same, a more expensive model.

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  Eh...Its OK - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Rob - January 31 - 1:10 pm

  I have had this one for just over a year now. It kept stalling at low speeds. The dealer kept saying it was a calibration issue. We took it in 3 times for it to be properly calibrated. The Continental Touring tires that came OEM are bald at 14000 miles. They only come with a 12 month 12000 mile warranty and trust me...they wont last much longer than that. I would think after paying this much for a car that I could get some better OEM tires that I wouldnt have to replace in one year. The transmission is just plain goofy. It jumps all over the place at the wrong times. The front bumper is starting to come off. Dealer doesnt know why, but will try to fix it. Overall, the car is just..OK

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  fun truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By rayaccord - January 31 - 10:00 am

  great sport and fun drve, only complait is that the interior looks the same every year, they need to upgraded to compete with the hondas and the toyotas. The suspension could be little tighter. overall its a good truck

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  Escaped! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Petch - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is great had a problme with the seat and dvd player. Dealer fixed promptly.

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  2000 Lx commute vehicle - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By hank.pedersen - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to commute to work in. Its reliable,very quiet and comfortable to ride in. The only problem is the city gas mileage. The hwy mileage is about 24mpg. Overall a great car.

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  weee - 1998 Ford Escort
  By iced98lx - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The 5spd helps with performance, and it never breaks down, get 38mpg on the road, what more do I need?

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  Worth the Money - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By AllWeather - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased it new in September 1999 after wrecking my beloved Bronco. I threw the third seat away for it is a waste of space and too heavy. I commute in Buffalo, NY to my hospital job in as much as seven feet of snow, ice. I never missed a day of work. It never failed to start even in -17 degree weather, I still have the original battery it came with. I recently relocated to Las Vegas. I averaged 17 mpg with the truck loaded down. I have had only general maintance performed on the vechile. Except for a set of tires everything is original.

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  tempo 92 - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By My tempo - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Decent car for the price. the V6 option is a must and truely brings the car to life. Power everything gives it the luxury. 177K miles and going

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Steve LoGuercio - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Having owned several Thunderbirds previously,Ford really hit the mark this time. Besides being a fun car to drive, the styling is unique combining the old with the new.The ride is better than you would expect. With the hardtop in place the ride is better than average.The handling is excellent,considering this really is a relaxed cruiser. Its also comfortable and fairly quiet. As for the issue of not enough trunk space, you dont buy a car like this if you want a lot of trunk space. All in all this car is certainly a welcome change.This car is not exactly sluggish either. Its got plenty of pep.

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  Solid truck, American Glitches Remain - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Hands - January 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is still new to me, but I have a strong sense of it already. Its solid, comfortable and powerful, but the build quality is American all the way. I have already had it in the shop for a mis-aligned door and a malfunctioning wiper switch. I have owned a number of imports (Japanese and Korean) and have never had to return them to the dealer the first week. It seems I have had to return every american vehicle I have owned for some type of repair/adjustment. Speaks poorly of American workmanship, Im sorry to say.