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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  FORD - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Drivesem Fast! - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car back in august for 1200. This was my first car, and i didnt expect much from a ford. All the car needed was new brakes, sounded like a school bus coming down the street. After that, it runs great. 5 Speed manual trans. gives good acceration, especially for a 4 banger, execpt with ac on!

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  build to last - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Yvonne - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this van for 6 years and with 2 small kids it has been to the beach and elsewhere several times a year with no trouble. The only problem we have had is the side door not closing well after 5 yrs. of hard slamming otherwise I have 127K miles on it and hope to get another 70K before I trade it in for another ford hopefully.

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  Great Little Car - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By MomBought - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my daughter to take out-of-state to college and was very glad I did! It has proven to be unusually reliable (for a Ford). She loves the pep it has, the 5 speed transmission, and the GREAT gas mileage (50 MPG). The only problem we had was the muffler and resinator ($300). I also had installed a nicer stereo/cassette for her. The car now has over $80,000 miles on it and is still going strong. Amazing for a tiny little car in a teenagers hands!

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  Happy owner - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Mike Buck - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This van has always been dependable.Even though I dont put alot of miles on it there are many short trips a day for all nine years. Ive never had any failures. It has the trailer package and the 4.0 engine and with a heavy load handles and has good performance. Only parts thus far are shocks, brakes, and a exhaust flex pipe. I now 54000 miles.

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  Excellent Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By One4UF - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. Very capable off- road in mud & trails. Truck is also a lifesaver, I fell asleep and rolled my Ranger end over end & sideways 5 or 6 times. There is no practical reason that I shouldnt have been hurt. The truck withstood damage very well. Although it was obviously totaled, I walked away unharmed other than some cuts. Roof didnt cave far & airbags/seatbelt combined with highback seats saved my life. Truck was very rigid & although I now have an Explorer, Ford has earned my loyalty for life. I had little problems with my Ranger, but nothing warranty didnt cover. I feel these trucks will last many years.

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  1993 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Stephen Barnes - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great little truck. Ive never had any trouble whatsoever with it. Currently its at 65,000 miles and running great. The mileage averages around 25 mpg which may not be too suprising since it only has the 2.3L engine, but Im happy with it. The transmission is great, very comfortable cloth bucket seats, smooth ride, quiet engine.

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  1994 Ranger still going strong - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By mamacita99 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck new and have hauled a full load on average once each week. After 180,000 miles the only repair involved replacing the clutch after 100,000 miles. This has been one of the most economical trucks I could have purchased. It still runs great and who knows how long that engine is going to last.

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  Mustang vs Z28 - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By tgwiz - November 6 - 2:00 am

  A 97 Z28 and I had to painstakingly part. A few years later I ran into this used Mustang for a good price and bought it since I was dying to get back into a sports car. The Z had a little more power and cornered a little tighter, but rode a LOT rougher and was a LOT noisier. The Mustang is fun to drive, I prefer it over the Z. It even has true dual exhausts! (The Z has duals coming out of the muffler).

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  its ok - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Prosperousblkman2006 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  well its ok except for my 94 had a bad transmission so im really not to sure about this 1 well its a pretty good damn ride

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  Expensive to own - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By TJ1000 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my mustang but am virtually forced to sell because I cant afford the monthly repairs this car requires. The car is high maintenance and it would be one thing to repair it, but it means you have to go to a ford dealer and sit there in wait hours with other ford owners. Trust me, its not fun. $300+ monthly maintenance bills. Mine has sit in my driveway for 4 months without moving, because I couldnt afford to fix it for a while.