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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  Very Pleased - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Rookie - March 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought our SES used with 19,000 miles on it for $10,800 (good price). It has a power moonroof, rear spoiler, nice wheels, front bucket seats. We really like the firm seats, leg room, roomy trunk and sporty look. The car drives great and handles well. The V-6 is not as peppy as my Olds, but it does just fine. We are very happy with it so far.

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  Great so far. - 2003 Ford F-150
  By m1tommy - March 12 - 10:00 am

  03 F-150 XL seems to be a great replacement for the tired old 89 Toyota pickp. All(wife, 2 boys and myself) ride in comfort, room to in the back to spare. Trips are nice as the front seats have adjustable lumbar support on both sides. While it "just" has the 4.2 liter ( cipher about 252 cubic inches)and 5-speed manual tranny, theres more than enough power for me. I wont hesitate to pull a day-sailer or folding camping trailier, should one come our way. The Sport package added decent seating, a tachometer, nicer tires and wheels and exterior goodies, seating difference alone is worth the adder. I hope Ford keeps the "truck" in their 2004 designs!

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  Ford Exp - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By TAJ - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Outside mirrors too big. Style too boxy. Overall quality good. Performance sluggish. Overall ride has improved from last year.

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  Very enjoyable for a four door - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Jason W - March 11 - 6:59 pm

  I have a 93GL 3.8L with a police package and am totally thrilled with every aspect of the car. First off its plain and nobody suspects anything special. Second off it seems to be a vey safe and reliable car for my family. And finally it has 5.0L mustang top speed (I personally have had it up to 130mph, very stable). All in all it is a very fun yet respectable car.

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  GREAT SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By KWY - March 11 - 6:05 pm

  Lots of power, very reliable, Nicely designed

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  3.8 L engine - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By hangnloose - March 11 - 3:42 pm

  This engine is the worse vehicle on the road. Right now it is setting in the yard with a blowed head. Or cracked block or both. I do not recommend this for a used vehicle and of course ford did nothing about it. The A/C and brakes are not any good. I replaced brakes every 6 months. And the a/c, once it stopped working never worked correctly again.

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  2012 Focus SEL - 2012 Ford Focus
  By adamb1 - March 11 - 1:44 pm

  I have almost 3,000 miles on my 12 Focus SEL purchased 03/31/12. Two areas that concerned me at time of purchase have been addressed by FoMoCo. I have upgraded MyFordTouch and the system is faster, has not crashed, and integrates well with my IPhone 4s. Ive also had the transmission recalibrated under the recent service program. The drive is now smoother, lugs less at low speeds, does not lurch at low speeds, and downshifts quicker. I have no complaints about the recalibrated transmission only that this is how it should have been from the beginning. I am not getting the advertised MPGs but mileage has been improving with break in. Overall, its a great small car.

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  Escort Wagon Winner - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Mundo330 - March 11 - 1:26 am

  Purchased the vehicle with 30K in Mid 98 and now have 122K. Only tires, brakes (once), oil changes, and tune ups trequired. This vehicle still has the original clutch. I am a Computer tech and can hall 3 17" monitors and CPUs in boxes with room to spare. I average 325 mile on a 9 Gal. fill up. Only have problem with the rear seat folding position. My RC Airplanes will not sit flat. and limited room for the wings.

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  Good experiences - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Tom72 - March 10 - 11:26 pm

  I bought my -98 SE 6 months ago, and I have had no problems with it whatsoever. I have well liked its adequate performance delivered by the 170hp V6 Duratec. I also like its handling, which is more precise than that of an average car. The suspension might at times feel hard but not excessively so. The trunk is roomy so skiing trips for 2-3 are no problem. The traction control proved to be moneys worth on one of these trips too. - T

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  ford tought - 1998 Ford F-150
  By GUNN - March 10 - 7:08 pm

  It has been the most relable vechile I have ever owned.