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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  1996 Ford Windstar GL - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Dale - March 3 - 8:29 pm

  Blew a head gasket at 92500 miles. Rusting out on passenger side rear fender. Air conditioning system needs to be replaced. Check engine light is on most of the time.

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  Just your average commuter car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Voice of Reason - March 3 - 1:50 pm

  My wife purchased a loaded Contour SE (2.5L v6, leather, moonroof, etc) and it has been adequate, but nothing more. For having a v6 it doesnt have very much of a punch from the line at all (I come from a strong v8 background though). The leather is ok, but nothing fancy. For being a front wheel drive car I was very dissapointed in how it handles in the snow. If you think you are interested in a Contour I would strongly suggest taking a look at the SVT version.

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  cheap, reliable little truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By big al - March 3 - 8:37 am

  If your looking for a reliable, easy on fuel (2.3 liter) pick up truck I recommend a ford ranger. I have owned the truck for two years and did not put one cent in repairs.

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  Sad to be selling - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By HeyPez - March 3 - 12:28 am

  Has been fairly reliable for the 9 years we owned it. Heard some "clunking" while breaking at slow speeds occasionally which mechanic and dealer could never isolate. Recently, we had a radiator fluid leak from the manifold intake which a radiator sealant "fixed". Then even more recently, the 4WD hubs in the front started making noise so my mechanic removed them. Body developed very little rust throughout life, just alittle under the doors. Would recommend these cars!

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  My Ford, Still going strong - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By onegoodford - March 2 - 2:10 pm

  I purchase this SUV new in the fall on 1992. The engine & transmission are bullete proof. Over 9 years old and it doesnt leak any fluids. Ive pulled several heavy trailers with no problems. My only regrets are not opting for the sport seats and 4 wheel drive.

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  What A Bargain! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By chas10657 - March 2 - 2:04 pm

  Ive had my ZX2 since April of 1998 and have put 60000 miles on it. What a fun car to drive! I got a 5 speed and it really performs when you keep it over 4000 RPMs. You seem to love the ZX3, but my ZX2 is much more attractive than that ugly Focus and ,from what I hear at the local dealer, much more reliable. Good lookin,great mileage,reliable,inexpensive, and FUN!

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  2005 all wheel drive Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ddj - March 2 - 12:16 pm

  We bought the SUV when it had 15 miles on it. It now has 250 miles and no problems. However it came with Continentall Contac tires which dont have the best reputation. Well see. Havent used service deptartment yet but sales was great.

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  Depreciation vs. Work Horse - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By johndoe - March 2 - 1:53 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned, it now has 129,000+ miles but has had better reliability than any Nissan I have ever owned. The cost becomes enormous if you dont keep them a really long time and I get bored quickly. The resale value goes to the dogs every time I buy a Ford vehicle just because of the name of it.

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  Great car - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By Venom17 - March 1 - 1:42 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. It has alot of power and torque.

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  Old Faithfull - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Tony L - March 1 - 3:08 am

  My "Little Red Wagon" astounds me on how durable and solid it is. I believe that due to this car being "part" Mazda, it performs and lasts much like a Japanese import. The one downfall is its engine (Ford built). It has always had trouble on long trips where it must sustain a consistant high rpm for a long time. I always get the "check engine" light and the engine bogs down. Around town, this car is reliable. Not many small cars, that I have driven, handle as well.