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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  GREAT CAR - 1998 Ford Escort
  By fromthetown - March 13 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been great with my ZX2. It is fun car to drive and gets great mileage. I have put very little money into the car except for regular oil changes and a K&N Air Filter. My only complaint is the spongy feeling brake pedal. Besides this the car is awesome. I would recomend this car to anyone, but especially to any college student who needs reliable transportation like me.

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  My Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Carrothead - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Never had any mechanical problems, only a few electrical problems which included replacing the rear wiper motor and the signal control unit on the steering column. Do not like lugging the heavy 3rd seat in and out. Wish there was a way to firmly secure the 3rd seatbelts down when 3rd seat not in use - they swing wildly if not secured - I use a mat in the back for cargo so locking them back in place is not an option. Would like the air vents to be a little more variable in their directional control. Otherwise, I love my Expedition and will buy another for sure.

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  First Two Years - 2001 Ford Escape
  By norg759 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Two years are almost up. 24000 miles and just some thoughts. Had to replce the tires at 23000, front end out of alghnmt. Check engine light came on and was fixed by dealer without problems. All in all, a good little truck (wagon?) that my wife loves and I would buy again.

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  It Works for ME!! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SLIM - March 12 - 10:00 am

  First, I agree and disagree with what has been written in the other reviews. Yes, GAS mileage is not great...17.4 for me, mostly highway. BRAKES have not been a problem. Still have original rotors and replaced pads @ 38K. WHO KNEW! Stop tailgating and your brakes might last a little longer!! Functionality has been phenominal. Im in sales and I haul large equipment often. I even mounted an Aluminum toolbox in the bed and still have room to haul. A V8 would be nice and a larger fuel tank would be in order as well. I AM VERY PLEASED.

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  Ford Bullitt - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By BullittOwner - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Quality from ford was missing.5 trips to dealer for repairs in first year of ownership.

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  Problems from the Start - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Burrell - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Taurus we bought a 2000 brand new and after 12000 miles we had to have 8 air bag sensors replaced and the computer as well, that did not even fix the problem so we asked Ford to replace the vehicle, I applaud them because they did replace it. We got a 2002 Taurus right when they were released. We now have 15000 on this one and we are having electrical problems with it, sometimes when you start the car none of the power accessories work (radio, windows, mirrors) nothing and the moon roof will not shut some times. We are going to trade it in for a different car, and not a Ford this time.

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  Reviewing my Conto - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Teri Eklund - March 12 - 2:00 am

  overall I really like my conto.

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  Good to go - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RTC - March 11 - 8:13 pm

  My Trac does everything I need it to. I do a lot of hunting and 4 wheeling and the Trac has enough tow power to tow my boat and atv trailers. The ride is not as smooth as I would like after being spoiled in a 04 F150. The interior is kind of boring compared to the 07 models and the 04 and newer F150s and 05 and newer Explorers.

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  Quality is NOT job one at Ford - 1998 Ford F-150
  By PMed - March 11 - 2:00 am

  I really like my F 150 and have believed that Ford has always produced a superior truck. However, to my surprise, shortly after the warranty expired, I have had to replace the rear axle seals and a tie rod end which happened to shear off and punch through the drive side rim at 5 kilometers per hour (good thing I wasnt travelling any faster. Surprise, FORD has yet to recall this vehicle for this problem. I have been told by numerous TOW TRUCK operators that this SAFETY Concern is a common occurrence.

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  My first American-made car. - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By cg3 - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Owned only sports-imports until being practical arrived in the form of my first and only child. I wanted a car with excellent safety ratings with strong reliability, low incidence of repairs, and affordability. The Ford Taurus seemed to fit the requirements. Overall, very pleased with two exceptions. The console between the bucket seats has always seemed as though it was an add on feature. Rattles, plastic, cheap. The other very disappointing feature is the body molding around the doors and windows are evidently a feature of compromised value, discoloring and spotting. Tried everything to protect it, restore it. Very disappointing.