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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  SHO Review - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Howdy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding model. I wish they would bring back something similar to the "classic" SHO.

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  Not a kids car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By AADCPA - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Dead reliable, fun to drive. Weve got nearly 150k miles on the V6 so far with regular maintenance. Maintenance is expensive on the GT though, so dont saddle your kid with one if you want them to get through college.

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  gutless wonder - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By steve sawyer - June 22 - 9:29 pm

  The motor I have (3.0) is way underpowered, when any load is present. Also the fuel milage when going up any hills or with any weight is terrible. I should have bought a full size pickup. The one thing that is great is the reliability is great. The truck is bullet proof. The air blows ice cold and Ive never had an overheating problem, and I live in No. Arizona and spend a lot of time in 110-117 degree. this truck is a great little truck for running to the hardware store and doing arrens

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  Everlasting - 1993 Ford Escort
  By JRam - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this peach in 99 from my brother. He took good care of this car. Driving the car, you would not believe it has 248,000 miles. my wife drives the car, mainly to the store and back. We love it!

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  My 4th Ford - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Built Texas Tough - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a very functional SUV, with lots of creature comforts. Built sturdy, handles well on the open road, and lots of neat and innovative features. Only gripe is (WAS) the garbage General tires they put on as standard equipement lasted 10K miles before first blowout. Do yourself a favor and put Michelins on and it drives like a dream.

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  VROOOM!!!!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By pmach1 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  this car MOVES, corners well and is most seriously great to drive!!! get the manual trans------ i bought a 2003 but this wound up in the 2004 slot.

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  Fords "other" sports car... - 1996 Ford Probe
  By 96ProbeGT - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my 96 Probe GT. It has been very reliable. It is quick, looks great, handles like it is on rails, and is really fun to drive. I also owned a 93 PGT, but I prefer the looks, reliability, and build quality of the 96.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By evill - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This has been an outstanding vehicle. We have put over 80,000 miles on it with absolutely no problems. The V6 engine is quite adequate for fast acceleration and for hauling large loads/trailers. The best selling small pick-up for a good reason.

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  Built Ford Tough! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By gdub - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Overall Ford has come out with a great SUV. Make sure you opt on the 5.4 liter as the 4.6 is underpowered.

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  Workhorse - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By JackEg - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I owned three Caravans before giving Fords ugly duckling a try. May be the best overall vehicle I have ever owned. Practical. Comfortable. Problem free. A great value. Onof of those cars that comes along every now and then (Like the VW Bug) thats not flashy or fast, but you just get hooked on. I too would be first in line to buy another one if Ford were still makeing them. As such, Ill hold on to the one Ive got as long as I can.