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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  No Major problems - 1990 Ford Aerostar
  By Coke - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this van used in 1993 with 19,000 km on it. Since then the major repairs have been a starter and an air conditioning compressor, but in the 10 years I have owned it I have spent less than $1000 in repairs. A workmate has a 1998 Chevy Venture and spent $1300 in 1 repair job alone, Ill keep my Ford thankyou.

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  Over 200k miles and still going - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By tauruslover - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car over 8 years ago, and it has always exceeded my expectations (now over 202k miles). Its been a great family wagon, with the 3rd seat, higher than expected mileage (about 27 to 29 mpg, and great value. The repairs have been minimal, so weve saved a lot of money over this long haul!

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  Head Turner - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Marion - February 9 - 2:00 am

  My F150 is a head turner. It is a two- tone maroon and gray XLT. With raised white letter tires and chrome wheels I have received a lot of comments on how good it looks. I am the third owner of this beauty. It is quite obvious that the previous owners babied this truck. It is almost perfect. My truck has a 5.8 L., automatic, 4X4,and of course it is hard on gas. But after reading some of the reviews about those who have 6 cylinders...I am getting about the same mileage...maybe a little less...but I have the pulling power I want.

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  Awesome power, sub-par reliability - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By antistate7 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I agree with all enthusiasm expressed for the SHOs performance. However, watch out. My 95 held up admirably until 2002. Then I got socked with numerous expensive repairs, over $1000 each. The Yamaha engine is bullet- proof, but the Ford parts gave me significant trouble. I broke down twice in two months.

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  Not a bad car to me - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By leepenfield - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for well under what the retail value is..and it was in good shape. Well maintained, it has not shown the slightest sign of unreliability. It is my daily driver and many times is forced to sit and idle for long periods of time.

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  Fun to Drive, Expensive to Repair - 1995 Ford Probe
  By jdhemm13 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 95 Ford Probe GT for about a year and a half and it is a great car to drive. I have had one minor accident which was expensive to repair. Another problem, the power window broke six months after I purchased it. Other issues are the regular car things: new tires, brakes, alignment, etc. The V6 24 valve engine and the 5 speed manual provides a fast and fun car to drive. I get pretty good gas mileage, about 21-25 miles to the gallon, good for a V6. From my experience the car does not handle well in snow, even a few inches. I am about to trade it in for an 4x4 SUV to be able to travel in the snow. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Better idea? - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Daddio - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have primarily riven Ford products for the last 34-plus years (25 total vehicles). I am increasingly disappointed in the crap Ford provides. I rebuilt the ac twice before 40k miles. The 5-speed auto tranny slips in low gear, the intermittent wipers work when they want to and it wont stay in 4 wheel drive mode. This vehicle is 5 years old and has less than 50k miles, has never been abused and I am a self- admitted maintenance nut. On top of all of this, throw in those wonderful self- destructive Firestone Wilderness AT tires (for which I never received the promised reimbursment from Ford) and you know why I currently drive a Nissan!

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  Herby the red festiva - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By Jay Tugz - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my festiva from an old korean lady for 1000 dollors it had everything AC,AM/FM,auto,new paint and low miles about 40K on it now it has 100K and a now sun roof on it. It is the most reliable car we have, only problems were the vacuum modual and the brakes would wear quickly.But very cheap to maintain.

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  I like it a lot - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By sbcloribelle - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I really like this SUV however the gas mileage is the killer. If this car could get at least 18miles to the gallon it would be much easier on my pocket. The rest of the car is great!!!! I love the horsepower.

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  Moved Up - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By bgblue - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 1997 Explorer for the Expedition, it 5.4 liter engine and carrying a bucnh of kids were the big reasons. I have to say the 5.4 is a great choice for towing, but i would have liked a choice of a 3.73 rearend instead of the 3.55 that it came with, but cant always choose when buying used. All in all a great move for me and the fuel milaege hasnt been as bad as one might think, im averaging 16.8 with both in town and highway mixed.