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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  My Experience as an Explorer Owner - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By keysfish - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had the transmission and the 4WD components changed out by the Dealership twice. Although it is running properly now, I cant trust it anymore.

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  Great little car! - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By chiropracticy - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Aspire used with about 30k miles on it. To this date I have 85k on it and it has never left me stranded. It gets great gas economy (40 mpg) and can park in spaces generally reserved for motorcycles. I wish they were still produced because I would quickly and without hesitation buy another.

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  Loving it - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By GACop - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car becuase I was in need of a car that I could drive across state back and forth for school. I got it used for a steal from a retired couple 3,000. It doesnt drive like a car that has as many miles as it does. I am overall very happy with it and feel that I have gotten my money back out of it. Have had the following problems in the last year: Alterantor went out Rack and Pinion is wearing out NO transmission problems at all.

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  2001 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab -4.0 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Cory - May 25 - 8:30 am

  I am very pleased with my the Ranger. Ford did a great job with the design of the truck in regards to the interior and exterior. I would give the truck a B+ to A- if grades were allowed. If you are looking for a dependable small truck, I would definately recommend the 2001 Ford Ranger.

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  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By CRM74 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my truck new almost 4 years ago, and have had no problems. It handles great in poor weather, its reliable, and the sound system is superb. As for fuel economy, its an SUV, so its not great. Compared to other SUVs though, its not bad.

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  Very Satisfied - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By andrewtx - May 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle new and have been very satisfied. We travel quite a bit (with 2 kids) and it is very comfortable on long trips. Weve used it to tow trailers and several occasions and had no problems. Only complaint is that the power door locks would quit working periodically. After trying to get Ford to fix them several times, I gave up and just started buying boxfuls of fuses and replace the fuse when the locks go out. No big deal. Only work done was brakes, tires and regular maintenace for > 100,000 miles

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  We have 2 - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Smokeman - May 24 - 2:00 am

  The style is great. W/the seats down, you can fit a full size bed in the car. It looks sporty, so you feel proud to drive it. Only problem is the check engine light comes on after 40K miles. After having it checked out and finding nothing is wrong, we have to disconnect the battery to reset the lamp.

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  my t bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By jim franks - May 24 - 2:00 am

  my only real problem with the car is the fact the computer chip has blown out twice. It is becoming a prob that ford better correct.. Or Iam going to use the maryland lemon laws to my advantage..

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  not worth the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dean hinderliter - May 24 - 12:30 am

  Absolutely horrible gas mileage. 16.7 mpg best ever; this was interstate driving. Same trip with my Chevrolet V-8 engine we get over 18. Also Escape has a lot of road noise; its much more pleasant to drive my pickup. No follow up on delivery problems, was delivered with no manuals - this was corrected - no cargo cover in rear - was supposed to get us one in May. We have checked back and still have no cargo cover. I am not happy with the vehicle and would trade it now if I could and it would not be a FORD ESCAPE. To use a strong word I hate the fuel economy of this vehicle and do not drive it any more then I have to because of fuel mileage and the road noise.

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  Pony Car Returns - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Richard Starke - May 22 - 12:03 pm

  My new Mustang GT is a REAL Head Turner! I threw on Basani exhaust, (WOW) and 20 inch Zanetti wheels and tires and this car gets LOTS of compliments. It is a blast to drive, and it is a real head turner. Legend Lime Green Gold is an awesome awesome historical color. Cant buy this one from me...it is not for sale!