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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  Outstanding - 2003 Ford F-150
  By John Larson - July 27 - 5:56 pm

  The pickup is solid. Every time I hit a chuck hole I wait for a rattle or vibration. There are none. I get precisely 20 mpg on the road. Thats good. The seating positions me on top of the road. Almost like driving a cab-over. It has never been back to the shop in 20,500 miles for even a minor adjustment. It is the best pickup I have ever own. Previously I drove Chevrolet and GMC. They are no comparison. I had too many glitches with them. None with Ford.

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  back to an SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By parker - July 27 - 4:28 pm

  Had an Expedition, sold it and bought a car (mistake), sold that and Im back to Ford. After researching and test driving I bought my Explorer and I love it! Couldnt beat what I got for the money. An import SUV with the options I got would have been thousands more. And I love the look of my truck. Runs great, the higher seating and better visibility, the cool look of chrome! Just plain fun to drive. If youre a mom looking for an SUV to handle your family make sure you check out the Explorer.

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  4WD Towing machine - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Mitch - July 26 - 10:15 pm

  Great vehicle for pulling my 2300 lb. boat and for hauling people around. We have gone all over America on trips in this. Always dependable. Good job on Fords part, an excellent truck.

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  perfect for a college guy - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By DK - July 26 - 3:20 pm

  I recently had the transmission go out in my Chevy. I was looking for something new and I found the Ranger Edge. Its awesome in every aspect. It has great power, and is fun to drive. I have to commute to college so its perfect. Its not a 4 banger car with no power or a gas guzzling V8. Its one of the best cars I have ever owned.

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  This Van is Awesome! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By admaster_99 - July 26 - 12:29 am

  My parents bought this van brand new in 2000, it has performed flawlessly during the past five years (95,000 miles). The van has been in the shop for service maybe 2 times. Once for the ball bearings in the front wheels the second time to replace the tie rods because they were bent from all the torque the engine puts out. It is just starting to show signs of wear like a little squeak here and there, and shocks getting a little worn. Nothing major drivetrain is rock solid, tranny isnt quite as tight as it use to be but is can still easily smoke the tires. If I had to depend on a vehicle, it would for sure be the Windstar.

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  Great mini! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By S.S.E. - July 25 - 6:11 pm

  Went from an Explorer to this. Great change. Great cargo space, 7 seats, DVD, easy to drive, better mileage. Dont feel like Im driving a hulk, but still have the space. Definitely recommend.

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  Grandmas new set of wheels - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Glen Keen - July 25 - 5:27 pm

  The 360 degree view from the drivers seat is excellent. Handling and performance is much better than I thought it would be even when loaded with 7 adults. The DVD/With headsets and dual sound keeps teenage carping to a minimum. My 69 year old wife loves to drive it and feels more safe due to the excellent visibility and the greater frame height. Teenage grandsons rate it as "really cool".

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  I Love My Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Noreen Sutphen - July 25 - 12:37 pm

  We are in our 70s and have never had a van, but we are enjoying the Freestar very much, and find it very comfortable, and easy to handle, with fairly good gas mileage. We have had 2 Explorers, but the Freestar is much more comfortable, and fun to drive, and the roomy interior is a real plus, as I am on oxygen so we can carry all my equipment and still have lots of space. It is also great for traveling with our 4 year old grandson, and our new puppy, a Bichon Frise.

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  Comfort, Power and Style - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By navyman - July 24 - 1:49 am

  This is my 4th Ford. I think Ford has a very good quality product. This is a new milestone for me, my first automatic tranny Ford. I bought this truck used in Jan 04 for my wife to drive and it had only 15K miles on it and it was still under factory warranty. Currently: 43K miles. We have driven it on long trips (12 hours+) about 8 times and it makes the trip go so smoothly. The ride is very comfortable and is a real pleasure to drive. I have never had this vehicle leave my wife or me stranded. I LOVE the power and low end torque. I am very pleased with this vehicle. Maintenance: transmission flush $187 oil $360. Repairs: power mirror switch and bubbling paint on hood (warranty)

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  Old Reliable - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By GoodGame - July 23 - 10:33 pm

  After 8 years and 142,000 miles, this old van is the most reliable and practical vehicle I have ever owned. Its the kind of truck I want to hold on to if I can just find a mechanic I can trust to nurse it along. Fortunately, I havent had to do much to it so far other than normal wear and tear issues. If you can find one with low miles get it. Chances are its got a lot of life in it. My engine still does not burn oil between changes and I get 20+ per gallon on the road.