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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  Good, Solid SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Lou - February 16 - 7:23 pm

  This is my second Explorer. Love the extra room they gave it in the 2002 upgrade. Comfortable, serviceable vehicle that I would recommend to anyone looking for an SUV. Nothing fancy in the XLT, but still does the job. Comfortable ride - great for long trips - with plenty of storage.

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  NEEDS A BETTER TRANNY - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By jwwi715 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  My girlfriend and I bought to car with 61,000 miles and the tranny was gone by 64,000 cost $1,100 fix to much for repairs on 98 car with 64,000 miles. I get scared to pass at times because I dont know if its going to shift right. Something you should not half to worry about in a car that has the power of the DURATECH V-6.

• 

  Looked at many Large SUVs - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By pushka21 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2001 XLT used. The ride is fantastic and I got the 9 passenger with the front bench seat.

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  a good all around suv - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By putang - February 16 - 2:00 am

  have had no problems with it so far. the gas is kinda expensive but other than that its a good car and drives like a champ...........I put a K&N intake on it and that made it sound clean and mean.

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  Noise and brakes - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TM - February 15 - 9:36 am

  Wind noise on drivers side is loud and the dealer has "tried" to fix it two times. The front end makes a loud sweaking noise when I turn the wheels hard to make a U turn. If I open the back window I hear a lot a sweaking from the rear bed. at 17,000 the brakes are making a swealing noise and in they need to be changed

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  Requiem for a Great Car - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By renabg - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Just ordered a new Mazda6 to replace my venerable 4.6L V8 T-Bird. Wonderful car for the past 9+ years. Had the torque converter shudder but synthetic fluid plus a cooler fixed that. Fastest electric windows Ive ever seen. Terrific road car. Replace orioginal tires with Michelin x-Ones. Perfect for the car. Car is wiped down and covered after every use. 147k miles on it and it looks like it just rolled off of the assembly line. Will be passing it to one of my sons who will care for it like I did.

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  let down - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By wantsanewjetta - February 14 - 2:00 am

  the headliner falls, too many rattles, the trunk gets too torn up from regular daily use, valve problems, just not very dependable. only 49000k on it and i already feel like i cant trust it. too many small things have added up to me not liking my car very much. decent gas mileage, nice style, acceptable performance, great front seat room

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  Keeps on Runnin - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By Ed F - February 14 - 2:00 am

  185,000 miles and still going. No major repairs...only brakes, tires, muffler, alternator. Wish they still made em.

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  My first SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Georges SUV - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Great for long distance as well as for commuting. Cargo space fits all the camping gear my partner and I need for an entire week of backpacking! Great sound system and a 6 disc in dash changer! A lot of neat options are available.

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  Birds of a feather... - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By jjl - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Definitely a head-turner. Just plain fun to drive. This cars style makes gawkers smile! I didnt expect it to drive like a Jag or an SL, and dont care if its only a Ford product. Im a father of 4 going through a mid-life crisis!! The most impractical car Ive ever bought, but I dont care!