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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  Good Vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Brice rhodes - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002 Ford Escape XLT 4X4.I am very happy with my Escape.I absolutley love the exterior look and it rides very well.I think the interior could be a little more modern.I am not too happy with the fuel economy.I get about 18-19 mpg most of the time.Overall it is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Taurus 1997 - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By jkplawson - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle used in 2000. Runs great only had in shop one time in 3 years.

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  Solid for the $$$ - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By jam18 - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I loved the comfort of the 90 version, so after driving a Protege around for four years, it was time to go back to comfort. The Taurus is solid for the $$$ you pay for it. I paid $11k for it in 99 (with 30,000 miles), versus an Accord which would have cost me $17k. At 117,000 miles now (Dec. 03), its time to trade-in for another car (unlike our 92 Accord, which is going strong at 150,000 miles). As with my 90 Taurus, I am starting to experience reliability issues after 100,000 miles, and I fear that it will nickel and dime me to death. But, I got what I paid for, and am happy (and more comfortable) for the experience.

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  I like a lot, but - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ScriberDF - December 13 - 1:46 am

  All things equal, I like this truck a lot. It does what I wanted it to do, and 21 mpg on the highway is slightly better than what I thought Id get. Power is good, comfort is good, not great (cloth seats). However, there are a couple things Im a little irritated by: The tailgate has literally come off in my hands four times in the past year, and Im told "thats the way it was designed," to come off easily so it could be replaced with the tailgates that allow air to flow through (dont know the term for them). Thats fine, but this is very, very poorly thought out. The tailgate should not accidentally come off; there should be a latch or other device that needs to be disabled first.

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  Saved my life - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Gabe654 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I was in a bad accident with my 98 explorer last night, I hit a patch of black ice, spun out, and then rolled several times. I climbed out and walked away from the accident with a small bump on my head, and a few bruises were the seatbelt had been. None of the windows broke, and the truck held its shape extremely well. Its a write off by the insurance company, but it still doesnt look that bad, and it kept me safe. Good work explorer!

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  1996 Ford Probe GT - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Bruce Green - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money!

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  Wish I got the V-8 - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By aflkdsjfkl - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Should of got the V-8 still a good car decent quickness

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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Trifecta Show - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I love the explorer. Only bad thing is the terrible as mileage(mine is a 5 liter V8 and I get about 13 miles/gallon on average. Oherwise great car.

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  The good and the bad - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By geomore - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The 200 HP engine has excellent power and gas mileage that is quite good. The transmission down shifts are rough and indecisive. The wagon is a very handy vehicle which Id rather have than an SUV. At 52,000 miles I havent had any problems but I am concerned about the durability of the transmission.

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  Lookin To Improve - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By The car named Ned - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I am a high school student and this car has always worked for me until about 150,000 miles...which is a lot. Now the car seems to have expired or something. One of the front ball joints needs replaced and the rear strut mounts have both broken in half....Hence the loud banging noises. Yet "Ned" still gets me where I am going. Now I am looking for something a bit more reliable as I start to travel more.