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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  Ford tough - 2002 Ford F-150
  By jmdouglas - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Traded up 36 years, from a 1966 Chevy pickup to the 2002 Ford F150. Loved the old Chevy but wouldnt have traded for one a year newer. Ford has surpased GM many times over since the 60s as far as Im concerned. Very pleased overall with the F150, style, performance and the feel of a very solid vehicle.

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  Good SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Thomas69696969 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first car, and i only got my licence 3 months ago. I love the cars exterior design(its a lot better than the new ones), and it is the best small SUV on the market. The interior is good. The towing package is great as well. The only problems I have had is the transmission is flaky.

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  review of my 91 excort - 1991 Ford Escort
  By FoXyGrL969 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I am the second owner of this car, my aunt bought it brand new and took excellent care of it, and when i turned 16 the car became mine. I had no problems at first but since ive gotten it weve had to replace the alternator 3 times...going on 4 soon. the battery has been replaced many times due to the alternator draining it. Other than the alternator ive had no big problems with it.

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  Do Not Buy a First Generation Vehicle - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Joe Blow - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I dont care if its Yugo or Lexus, NEVER buy a first generation vehicle (like I did). The engineers need time to improve the thing with a few design mods. I have had my car for 9 years and put 135,000 miles on it. Fun as hell to drive, but frequent warranty failures put me on first name basis with service department. Out of Warranty repairs minor, but agree the powertrain is a total pain to work on - even a simple thing takes patience due to extremely dense fit of motor in engine compartment!

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  holla at the zx3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By alex chaos - December 2 - 10:00 am

  over all i like the car

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  ford focus what a surprise - 2004 Ford Focus
  By scutterbutt\ - December 2 - 10:00 am

  the overall performance of my ford focus has been good,. the interior design is adjustable to my needs. Able to fit two adults and two kids in the vehicle comfortably. Had a few minor problems however was able to take vehicle to the dealership and taken care of. All in all very happy with the ford focus

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  True Blue Red Van - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By GGARR - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The Aerostar van has been extremly reliable. Other than oil changes and tires I did nothing to it for the first 100k miles. It has never left me stranded. Normal wear of brakes, and wipers, and a battery after 100k.

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  Owner x 6 yrs - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By gertrude fillmore - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought @ 16000 and drove it the next wk. to Alaska and back. Not one problem. Poor gas mileage? Yea but i did not get it for MPG. I bought for safety, dogs, camping and general usefullness and I think its just cool. Only problems have been with the quality/craftsmanship of interior. Hell, a grab handle would have been nice. Once every few months, must retighten all interior screws. Changed oil regulary, have had no problems w/engine...yet. Changed to manual locking hubs, much better. Back window scratches because you must roll into tailgate to open back.

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  Unless you like to throw money away... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Mouferdog - December 2 - 2:00 am

  First, the speedometer needle flys all over the place, then the water pump needed to be replaced (this is the 2nd time). The electrical system is severly flawed (admitted by a Ford technician at the dealership) There is nothing quite like the sight and smell of your steering column smoking while all the dash lights dance on and off. Now the transmission needs to be replaced. I just want to thank Ford for knowing that this van is one big piece of junk and instead of proving their integrity by offering to fix problems that they have had a multitude of complaints about, they instead offer an open palm to accept our money to fix their junk!

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  for your info..94 probe GT - 1994 Ford Probe
  By bobbyb - December 2 - 2:00 am

  overall this car is a blast to drive.. the sleek,sporty style of this car is hard to beat for the price[ i repeatedly get poeple asking me if i got a brand- new car]] shortly after buying this vehicle i had a "shut-off" problem.needed a new distributor ..would recommend this vehicle as a fun to drive,inexpensive sports car...just get it checked out first if its got higher mileage.