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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  Very practical car for cost - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Chris Hadley - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car over 2 years ago now. The only problem is the engine developed a shimmy around the 45,000 mile mark. I took it to the dealership and they gave me some crap about tubing or something. It cost me $95 but it fixed the only problem. I got into an accident where I was struck sideways in the back and I walked away and the car was able to be fixed. I was hit by a VERY large truck so I was impressed by the build quality. The car is a smooth ride and peppy for a 4 cyl. engine. I have put well over 7,500 interstate miles on this car in the last year. GREAT CAR!

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  FRONT SEAT PROBLEMS - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By REDBIRD - May 7 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR EXCEPT FOR FRONT SEAT. I AM A MALE WHO WHEIGHS 260LBS AND FIND THAT ON LONG DRIVES THE FRONT SEAT BECOMES VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. DID A RECENT SURVEY WALKING ACROSS PARKING LOTS AND NOTICED THAT 95% OF THESE CARS HAVE PILLOWS OR SOME TYPE OF CUSHONING ON THE SEAT. WHAT A SHAME FORD. BAD ENOUGH FOR ME TO WANT TO SELL CAR. HAVE 2 OTHER CARS THAT HAVE NO PROBLEM AT ALL IN THIS AREA.

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  One of the best values available - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By lovinit - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The 4.0 liter, V-6 is smooth and makes for a fun, quick truck with good hauling ability. Engine runs like a dream if you treat it right. Transmission isnt the smoothest, but it is holding up well. Body doesnt rust easily. Brakes are good, not great. It handles like a truck. Interior is well designed and slick. If you want a reliable used truck, I dont think you could get a better one than this for the price.

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  One of the best values available - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Lovinit - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The 4.0 liter, V-6 is smooth and makes for a fun, quick truck with good hauling ability. Engine runs like a dream if you treat it right. Transmission isnt the smoothest, but it is holding up well. Body doesnt rust easily. Brakes are good, not great. It handles like a truck. Interior is well designed and slick. If you want a reliable used truck, I dont think you could get a better one than this for the price.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By prpapi81 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Good Power, Always turns heads, Crisp loud stereo, seating position kinda awkward, suspension shows it age, great visiablity. Solid Vehicle, you can nit pick, but it shines where others fail, and vice versa.

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  2005 Mustang Coupe - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By M.T.C. - May 6 - 5:40 pm

  Lots of get up and go. Excellent handling with a smooth ride. Fairly quiet, but with just enough rumble to remind you its a Mustang.

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  More fun to drive than my Prius! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By JuggerBot - May 6 - 4:30 am

  We have a 2004 Prius and now a 2006 Hybrid Escape. Our daily mileage is low 30s, but I can easily nurse that up to mid 30s and above with Prius-style tactics. The Escape is more fun to drive and does a better job of moving two adults, a dog, and a baby with equipment than the Prius could. The Prius is still king for mileage, but its now a commuter only.

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  Great car - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By Bradandmia - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a few 5.0s and even some 4 bangers. All a great cars - each in their own way. The 5.0s look fantastic and have a great torque curve - breaking the tires loose is too easy. The 4 bangers are tough and reliable and go forever. No major breakage, but even when something goes, I can almost always do it myself. Great cars. Love them!

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  Probe running strong - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Lanae - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my base probe since 6/29/99 (maroon w/black interior)and purchased it with a 3,000 mile warranty. I have done regular maintence to it and the 2 cv boots that needed replaced were covered by the warranty i bought. It has had some idling problems although, at the moment it vibrates so much that i have to put it in neutral at the stop light because it needs motor mounts. I am shocked that a domestic car could make it this far. I am thinking about getting another probe 95-97 but, i have heard that the GT parts are expensive so a SE will suit me just fine.

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  Fantastic family truck!!!! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By pej7445 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent family truck. the 4.6 doesnt hog too much gas either.