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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  Not that bad - 1995 Ford Probe
  By importman6 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Probe Gt with an auto trans. I had it for 5 months and went through 7 transmissions other then that it was fun to drive. fast and handling is really good. that car is worth the money.

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  1990 Ford Ranger - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By geckogirl - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck four years ago, and I have been very satisfied with its reliability and performance. In four years, the only major repair was to replace the clutch at 130,000 miles. The transmission is still in good shape, and it gets 21 mpg on the highway. The 2.8L V6 is more than enough for this truck, and makes it easy to take off the pavement, a must in rural Ohio.

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  94 Ford Aerostar - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Peck - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Runs like a clock, no surprises. Very predictable vehicle. You can tell when something is going- a basic van which is very comfortable- especially for taller people. Nothing special but cheap to maintain and operate.

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  huge and safe - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By kenkullmann - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I added the visteon entertainment center with fold down tv from ceiling and video tape player as well as their GPS guidance system. It hauls anything and everything you need on a vacation. I average 13.2 mpg which i think is great considering 66oo pounds. VERY safe

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  Love the room, comfort & power - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Spyres - November 16 - 2:00 am

  We absolutely love this vehicle. With 3 kids in carseats, theres ample room for them, for us and for 3 other passengers. Even the passengers in the 3rd row seat travel in full comfort. The 3rd row seat is the best weve ever sat in with leg room for my father-in- law who is over 6 feet tall. My husband calls it my urban assault vehicle because its indestructible and he knows Im safe on the road. Though it only gets about 12 miles to the gallon, I enjoy every minute driving it.

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  Surprised - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By BigEasy - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my XLT with 89000 miles and it drove like it was right out of the factory. Gas milage is horrific but in a SUV what can you ask for. I love the step up cruise control (dont have to hold the Coast or Accel button)and when I hit the gas I get what I ask for "POWER". Could use a better Stereo System and the tailgate needs a release switch in the cockpit (if its there I have no Idea where it is)

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  owner review - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Marty ODonnell - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The Aerostar was the largest minivan back in 1995. It has terrific interior space. The ride is very smooth. Vehicle is heavy so brakes dont last long. Great for towing camper, boat, etc. Not as safe as its replacement, the Windstar. Much more reliable, though. It has been a good van, even at 100K.

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  My Bird - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By Tyler Bragg - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I like my bird. My friends like driving it too. They also like to break my bird. We go off-roading in my bird. We broke the motor mounts. My other friend spins cookies in the school parking lot. It is a good car.

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  Neat car, but ages poorly - 1995 Ford Probe
  By AdamPSU - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought her used, had her for 2.5 years now. I really love driving her, and up till now, i have had few problems rotors, battery, stuff like that at about $100 a pop, and not too frequent. But last month, I had to replace the whole transmission at 87,000 mi - cost me $2100 to do it! Now, shes giving me trouble starting in the morning, and it could be the Idle Air Control (IAC is $600 to replace), or the Mass Air-flow Sensor (MAF is $800 to replace). I dont know which, and it could be neither, and something less expensive but I am bracing myself for the worst! Im afraid as much as I like her, I could not recommend to others to buy this car.

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  Good Car for the Money - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Spider3455 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This has been a pretty good car. Other than routine work, I have only had to have the Water Pump replaced about about 75000 miles. Starts up every time, runs smooth and gets good gas mileage. I like the value of the car. Power moonroof, quality leather, and premium sound have all been great. If you take care of this car, it will take care of you.