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 Running! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Jabber101 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  My 94 explorer has 104K miles, I think it is finally broken in! After 90K I seemed to get the best fuel milage. Also after changing out the shock to Edelbrook IAS the ride and handing improved 10 fold...

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  a ford yes, but i like it too - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By clutchcar-go - March 29 - 2:00 am

  this is my second wagon(my first was a 93) yeah, the engine had a head gasket problem [covered by warrantee] and the tranny blew at 97 thou. it is always maintained on proper intervals, and after almost 7 years and 104,000 miles, it still looks great dispite being outdoors all these years and not a speck of rust! still runs and drives well on the open highway.

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  Red-Orange Mustang GT - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Tehos - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a magnificent vehicle. Ford has really outdone itself once more with the 94 Mustang GT. I have a coupe version, if it matters. It is fun to drive and great for picking up the ladies.

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  I only rented this car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Jason McGovern - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I rented this car after rolling my 2000 corolla. Not a bad car. I know the specs only show 114 HP, and 120 fp of torque. But thats LOW END TORQUE. This car gets running from the get go (because Ford believes in torque unlike most imports). The ride is fairly alright, interior is very basic. Its a basic car. If you can get a deal on one of these I would most likely recommend it.

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  Good, cheap transportation - 1995 Ford Escort
  By kookymonster - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The only major problem with this vehicle was a cracked head at about 115,000 miles. It cost me, along with some front end repairs, about $2,000.00. My mechanic said cracked heads were common in high-mileage Escorts. Ironically, the car has never used oil and has always started, even in harsh Wisconsin and Minnesota (where my son drives it now) winters.

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  Huge Compact Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By eyeisagem - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to be able to transport me and my bicycles around on for low cost (gas, insurance, etc). This has fit the bill better than any other. I can fit two bikes in the back with the seats down by making a fork mount, which completely suits my life style. No other wagon would have the headroom to allow the seats to clear.

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  Nice car which doesnt come close to mpg which makes it horrible to drive - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By fynack - March 27 - 3:35 am

  Ive had this car for a month now and am averaging in the range of 32-35mpg. Some people say they werent expecting 47 but...i am , ive been driving like a grandma and watching everyone pass me by so i can stay in EV mode and cruise. I accelerate lightly to the "speed limit" then set it in cruise and i still cant for the life of me see even the high 30s in mpg. Driving like this IS NOT and i was willing to do it for the 47mpg. Either something is wrong with this vehicle or Ford just flat out lied. My car does have the 18" wheels with the Goodyear Lr2s which are not LRR tires. Eitherway I like the car and will keep it. But will be badgering Ford and joining the class action lawsuit.

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  Bad paint,transmissiom,brakes - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By papajoe - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I had the car for 4 weeks ,the trans. started acting funny.It cost me 600 dollars to get it fixed.The paint on the hood,top,and trunk is very baddly faided.The car need to be repainted.Small things inside the car breaks.The shifter handle broke.200 dollars to fix.Screws just break of the plactic.The brakes make funny sounds,but stop good.Over all the car so far has been a good car.

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  Still Going - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By uno0thing - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Supprisingly this vehicle is still running great. There have been only a few minor repairs, but all in all this vehicle has served well. Major repairs with a used vehicle: brakes, fuel pump, bushings underneath causing squeaking. I have read and heard a lot about these vehicles having numerous problems, but I am here to say I must be lucky, cause it has been a great vehicle to drive and own with almost no problems. Purchased at 72,000mi, still going at 130,000mi.

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  my tours - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jetmech - March 27 - 2:00 am

  As the owner of two Contours, I can say that they are great cars, which went out of production too soon. My GL and SE are loads of fun, but require you to be patient with their shortcomings. Get the V-6 and a stick, or if you like it a bit firmer, an SVT is the best. Check out Contour.org for more info on this great car!