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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  better than expected - 1999 Ford F-150
  By frankone1 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  although I have owned two chevrolets and one nissan p/u, I have always preferred driving cars,especially sport sedans. The F-150 has changed my view on trucks.

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  Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By mos - October 11 - 2:00 am

  1996-2002 Rebuilt Transmission Repaired Air Conditioning New Tires (Recalled) New Shocks Liftgate Recalled

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  keeps on going - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Phil Ford - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I drive 100 miles a day round\trip to work. Ive changed the oil every 3,000 miles, bought two sets of tires, changed all the belts and hoses at 100,000 miles, and replaced the brakes at the same time. The car has never laid down on me. I have not had to replace so much as a burned out bulb. Its not the hottest car, but it sure has gotten me back and forth quite well for the past four years.

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  GREAT BUT... - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By RickeyBee - October 10 - 10:13 pm

  I love the way the Hybrid drives; the 2 wheel drive gets super mileage (30+ city and highway). The visibility, acceleration, and handling are good. The quality of materials, particularly in the interior, is not. The rear storage area carpet is constantly coming loose. It covers the batteries and must be moved for maintenance. Unfortunately, it is not attached down by anything...not even Velcro. So whenever I slide a box into the back the carpet pulls up. The quality of the carpet is also not good; it is already looking shabby after only 9 months. I wore a hole in the floor mat within 30 days (not covered by warranty). The speedometer has very poor lighting and is hard to read at night.

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  Love my "Cloud 9" Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By CB - October 10 - 10:46 am

  Im a former Ford Owner (94 Escort). At first I was anxious to try a sedan again after driving a pickup for 5 years. From the first test drive of my Focus I fell in love with this roomier than expected interior. Being that I am in a warmer southern climate and running the air often, there still is good fuel economy which greatly surpassed my 2000 Mazda truck. Though the sound system is not Bose quality, it gives ample range with the CD that are comfortable for driving. Also like the hood placement giving a virtually total windshield view without obstruction.

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  Strong as a billy goat - 1992 Ford Escort
  By jim7heaven7 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I recently got rid of my 1992 Ford Escort LX with Auto trans. My wife burned out the tranny, it had 118,000 miles on it and running strong. I had purchased it for college commutes and it worked great and I love hatchs. This car took me through cold winters and blistering hot summers. I decided to let it go because they were wanting to put a re-built tranny on her and it would cost more than the car was worth, so I gave it to my father in-law and he fixed the tranny and is now driveing again.

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  good car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By probe user - October 10 - 2:00 am

  this was my first car, it was a good car until i totaled it. oops. Never gave me any problems the 3 years i had it. good car

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  bad paint - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By rodimorr - October 10 - 2:00 am

  4th tbird but not the best. paint is lousy looks terrible.

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  My 1996 Bolic Green t-bird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gregory - October 10 - 2:00 am

  The car needed more power, i had the 3.8 v-6 that was one thing,Then when somthing went wrong w/ the eigine it was major, the front and rear main seals went bad (oil every where) it had 3 trans replaced the problem w/ the trany was when i would be going along at at crusing speed and floored it it would rev to 5 to 6 grand and then catch a gear and go. Thats my thunderbird i plan to buy anothor one in the next 2 yrs

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  Road Warrior - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By mikerep - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good value for the $$$ spent. Had been reliable, inexpensive to own. However, after 90,000 miles service needs have accelerated rapidly. Drivers seat foam insides have compressed so not comfortable even with lumbar support. Car has become noisey, leather is wearing on steering wheel and drivers seat, steering system has needed work. Still has good power, handles well for a family car.