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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  Blast to drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By continuity - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car since it was about 15k miles old. Beautiful, no problems that couldnt be fixed under warranty. Dont bother with the automatic... why bother handicapping such a wonderful machine that deserves the 5 speed?

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  It goes the distance - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Ford is Awesome - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This explorer has 192,000 miles and hasnt skipped a beat yet. I can tell that the transmission is slowly going, but I cant complain. When washed and waxed, its a great looking ride. The ONLY thing that has broken is the driver side power lock.

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  a highly UNDERATED hatchback - 1995 Ford Escort
  By chavez82 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  What more can i say other than WOW!!! ford did a really good job with this one.....hats off!!!! i bought my car as a senior in hs back in 99 and love it. it started with 65000 and now has 120000 and the only major repair i had was the tranny.....but that was because this summer i went back and forth to cali from ND 4 times(that is 2000 one way to LB from Jmst). other than that no problems even with a 2000watt system tapped into the electrical system. also the hatchback design works perfectly with a system. sounds great!!!!!!

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  a real surprise - 1996 Ford Escort
  By mbern51 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This car was picked up for town use but has quickly become our everyday ride. The Escort performs far better than expected in every way and is very reliable. We have recorded up to 50 miles per gallon across Nevada(5 speed) with more than 150,000 miles on the odometer. A/C is ice cold and the heater is a furnace. One of my better auto purchases and there have been many.

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  My garage is the mechanic shop - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Pearl - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The first night I bought this car it started giving me trouble. It stoped, had to be pushed home by my husbands van. Bought a motor, and a radiator.Locks on driver side stopped working the next week, next week brakes and pads, oil change and tune-up. Yesterday was told I need another motor in least than two months. Plus rods and somethings else in the tire area. beautiful car drive good when it wants too. Has plenty of room for my familey we have long legs.Ive had the car only two months to the day have paid over the cost of the car already. GARAGED AT THE MECHANIC SHOP.

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  My garage is the mechanic shop - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By PEARL - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The first night I bought this car it started giving me trouble. It stoped, had to be pushed home by my husbands van. Bought a motor, and a radiator.Locks on driver side stopped working the next week, next week brakes and pads, oil change and tune-up. Yesterday was told I need another motor in least than two months. Plus rods and somethings else in the tire area. beautiful car drive good when it wants too. Has plenty of room for my familey we have long legs.Ive had the car only two months to the day have paid over the cost of the car already. GARAGED AT THE MECHANIC SHOP.

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  Ford F150 4wd 5.4 litre - 1999 Ford F-150
  By DavetheWave - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck used with 42000 miles on it and now I have 54000 miles with very little problems. I have had to replace one coil on plug and sometimes have an injector that gets plugged but a little injector cleaner and she runs great! I love the torque of the 5.4 and the trucks rides nd tracks wel on the road. I would buy another and recommend to anyone.

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  I was surprised! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By pDub - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive. Doesnt feel like youre driving a SUV other than towering over people.

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  $160 for a new KEY - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Qix - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car in 9/2003 as a lease return. Its been a good car thus far, save the flat tire, or the bad seat belts, the arm rest coming apart, and last but not least the $160 new key.

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  Finally , Quality Job #1 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By U00GXG1 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Ford has finally built a quality vehicle. I have been a G.M. buyer until this one come out. NO comparison of the quality of Bravada , GMC , or others. The Limited wins hands down ! I am in the process of trading it in on a new 2004 Limited.