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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  Still Going Strong - 1995 Ford Escort
  By catskill - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 2nd Escort with 26,000 miles in Oct. 2000. Now has 73,000 miles - mostly highway. In that time, I have not had a single problem with the car. Gas mileage is terrific, averaging about 33 with automatic trans. Front seat gets uncomfortable for me on long trips (2+ hours), but its a terrific car all around. Im now selling it to buy a newer Escort wagon...but what a great car!

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  So far so good - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By xero2099 - May 22 - 4:56 am

  Have had my Trac since August, have loved it so far. Had a Focus before this so there was a little bit of an adjustment period but its all been good. Love the rubberized floor. Its a breeze to clean. Could have done a lot better with the MPG though

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  Not Many Compaints - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By RedRanger - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall it has been a good truck. It has taken a royal beating and keeps on going. Only problems have been that I lost the cruise control at about 85,000 miles and have to replace the brakeswitch about every six months. The transmission is about shot, but that is to be expected after 125,000. Oh-ya and the AC died last year. It has served its perpose and I will miss it as soon as I can get rid of it.

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  Not Many Compaints - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By redranger - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall it has been a good truck. It has taken a royal beating and keeps on going. Only problems have been that I lost the cruise control at about 85,000 miles and have to replace the brakeswitch about every six months. The transmission is about shot, but that is to be expected after 125,000. Oh-ya and the AC died last year. It has served its perpose and I will miss it as soon as I can get rid of it.

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  Trans & Brake Problems - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Speedy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Windstar is a nicely designed vehicle and should be a pleasure to drive, but the vehicle has serious problems with brakes, transmission and head gaskets. I get so tired of replacing brakes and components. Transmission shifts awkwardly and causes Check Engine light to come on, on long trips. Have had the head gasket replaced. I am not happy with the car mechanically and will be careful before buying another Ford. Consumers demand dependability and a vehicle that doesnt plague you with problems at 100K miles.

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  Good minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By hate cavalier - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall had a pleasant experience with this van.

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  Great American Car - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Eurodance - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car. I loved it. I had the LX style. It had leather, anti lock breaks, etc. It was a very safe car. Last week it was hit severly and the car was totalled but I was not hurt. This car is safe!!

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  NOT ALL ITS CRACKED UP TO BE - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By LISA - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 96 mustang because it was a chance to have that pretty sporty car before i got a "family" car. Unfortunately it has had so many problems since then that I would have probably been better off with a toyota or honda. Now I know and am trying to sell it before it costs me even more!!!

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  My GT - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Joe Zitelli - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car. Great Acceleration, Very good handling, Very Good Brakes. Interior could use some leather on the door trim and better padding on arm rest. Other than that, very solid car. Seats are somewhat uncomfortable on long drives

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  93 Taurus LX - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By LineNoise - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Although the 93 is a alot nicer and has alot more power I have already paid more to repair it then I did to purchase it. The 87 I have had a lot roomier interior and its more comfortable. I do enjoy the 93s, but the 87 has a more comfortable interior. I like everything else about the 93 better than the 87, other then the seats.