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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  Cheap Thrills - Maintenance Required - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Jack Jones - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Owned one for 9 years. Duractec V6 is responsive and pulls hard all the way to redline (6700rpm). Amazingly good cornering and handling. ABS brakes excellent. Sold after 135K miles. Auto Tranny never an issue - changed fluid every 35K as they suggest.

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  The Limo of SUVs, Big, Bad & Safe - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Troy Kelly - December 23 - 2:00 am

  We bought our fully loaded Expedition in mint condition. We purchased a new car warranty because we were worried about so many options breaking. After 8,000 miles, nothing has broken, and it still drives like new. Feel very safe with our kids in the vehicle. This car is sure to turn head on size alone. Overall these are beautiful SUVs, with all the bells and whistles inside there more like a RV. Room inside is unmatched, and this SUV can pull anything without strain. Perfect traveler vehicle with children or animals! Drives like a compact in parking lots, brakes arent as powerful as we would like on a SUV that size. Overall, plan to keep for many years.

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  2002 Ford Escape Overview - 2002 Ford Escape
  By M.A.F. - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I REALLY AM FOND OF MY ESCAPE, HOWEVER, THE GAS MILAGE HAS BEEN A DISAPOINTMENT.THERE IS NO WAY THAT THE TRUCK IS GETING THE ADVERTISED GAS MILAGE.I AM ALSO SOMEWHAT DISAPOINTED IN THE PAINT FINISH. THE FINISH SEEMS TO SCRATCH QUITE EASILY.

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  2000 Ranger 4x4 Ext Cab - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ABC3RO - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I communte about 25000 miles a year. On weekends this vehicle is used for hunting and towing quads & a popup trailor. As a commuter I get about 17mpg at 70 mph. I was expecting better. I had a 1999 F-150 4.6lt that got the same or better mpg. I have had some problems with the clutch while towing. This passed weekend it slipped on a mild incline with my quads in tow.

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  Great Runner - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By RKSKIB - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car brand new in Jan 1992 and ran it for over 188,000. Just sold it (Dec 2003) to someone at work and car is still in great condition body and mechanically. Has the 3.0 liter v- 6 that is virtually indestructible as long as you maintain it. Original transmission finally went out at 160,000. Only minor rust on bottom of cars tailgate and it was used in the Chicago area the entire time. Only sold it because of great deal on new SUV. I will miss it, but it will give good use to new owners.

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  Great for the money - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By kdbct2003 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This is a decent all around car for the price. The SEL Deluxe package makes this car stand apart from the bread and butter Hertz rental car look. Its classy with wood and chrome accents... a poor mans Lincoln. I sold a 1996 Volvo 850 GLT for this because it was available on a company plan. I have no regrets, the Ford is far more reliable and packs a lot more punch under the hood. Paid $19,500 on X plan with a rebate and think it is worth every penny.

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  Lightning - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Deadeye600 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Poor service with dealers, but a great truck.

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  It Works for Me! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By marj - December 22 - 7:40 pm

  I really love this car - its fun to drive and very reliable. The only weird thing was that I had to have the (automatic) transmission replaced after only 25K (I bought it with 17K). Nobody - dealer or Ford - seems to know why this happened, but its been running fine ever since.

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  As Capable for My Purposes as a Rover - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By pprather - December 22 - 2:00 am

  The Explorer has been an excellent automobile. Gas mileage leaves much to be desired. However, the ride is extremely comfortable. Much more so than my fathers Mercury Mountaineer which is based on the same platform. Mine has the 18 inch wheels and the load levelling which I believe contributes to the much more comfortable ride.

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  ONE OF THE BEST - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By G-MAN - December 22 - 2:00 am

  MY ONLY REGRET IS THAT FORD DOES NOT MAKE A CAR LIKE THIS ONE ANYMORE. MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE BRAKES, ROTORS GO OUT OF ROUND AFTER 15000- 20000.