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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  I Love my Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Ford Escape - January 2 - 3:41 pm

  I have had my Escape XLT 4WD since January 2004. I have not had any problems what so ever. It snowed 4" the week I brought my Escape I work 35 miles from my residence I had no problem getting to and from work. I drove my Escape from Temple Hills, MD to Ft. Lauderdale, FL over 1400 milles one-way no problem, I love the the take- off speed of my Escape even though its an SUV its very light so the take-off is excellent. My Escape is roomy and the gas mileage is excellent I work 35 miles from my home I fill up once on Sunday and once on Thursday I get great gas mileage. My husband owns the Ford Explorer XLS 1999 its burns more gas so we usually drive the Escape since the gas prices are high.

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  My Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Vinnie Saigh - January 2 - 1:53 pm

  When I purchased this car a year ago, it looked to be in good shape, and it was. I took it home, had the front bumper and fenders repainted because of multiple highway chips in the paint. Then Iwashed and waxed it, making it shine like new, and it really does look great. I replaced the starter and a fuel solenoid, and now my Contour runs excellent. The gas mileage is outstanding, which is perfect for a low-income high school student, like myself. Its very reliable, but being a 6 year old car, youre bound to have a few things to fix. Ive put about a total of $300 in replacement parts into this car, most parts being quite expensive. This car has done nothing but good for me this past year.

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  Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By curt - January 2 - 1:20 am

  Only vehicle that can carry a large payload and people as well. Handles very well, good interior features, does not drive like a truck - much more smoother. Has plenty of power unlike what many have said cruises up a grade no problem fully loaded, Escalade is too small and gimmicky in comparison enormous Cadillac emblem on back door goofy unusable gadgets etc.

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  How is this outdated?? - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By tim E. - January 2 - 12:13 am

  I dont understand the words outdated. It is a great truck with all the power and style a truck should have. It rides like a truck. I didnt buy it so that it with expectations of riding like a car. The dashboard is great for reaching all controls and everything is simple and clearly understandable. One of the first vehicles I have had in a while where I didnt need the operators manual to set the clock. The turning radius is also very good. I do have some issues with the GVW and do wish it would hold a heavier weight load. But for the most part it is a great running truck

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By silverstreak - January 1 - 5:08 pm

  Always wanted a mustang finally bought one, and love this car. Fun to drive and handles well. Paint job is beautiful and and the extras are great.

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  my review - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By kim - January 1 - 4:38 pm

  Great little truck, never had any major problems with it, good gas mileage.

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  The Truck to have. - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By gary mccarthy - January 1 - 1:11 pm

  This truck is very reliable and fun to drive, very spacious for the whole family .

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  MY FIRST THUNDERBIRD - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By DAN FISCHER - January 1 - 1:10 pm

  AS STATED, IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND BE SEEN IN. ALTHOUGH TRUNK SPACE IS LIMITED, CAREFUL PACKING OF CLOTHES FOR TRIPS CAN EASILY BE ACCOMODATED. BECAUSE MY WIFE AND I ARE SENIOR CITIZENS, THE RETRO INTERIOR STYLING BRINGS BACK MEMORIES OF MORE GRACIOUS LIVING. WE THINK THE TURQOISE INSTRUMENT NEEDLES ETC. ARE WONDERFUL. SO FAR WE NOT ONLY LOVE THIS CAR BUT THOSE WHO SEE IT ARE VERY VERY COMPLIMENTARY ABOUT THE COLOR (MERLOT W/TAN SOFT TOP)AND THE STYLING.,

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By John - January 1 - 1:01 pm

  This taurus is the best car I ever owned. Rides very smooth. Very roomy. Im 375 pounds and it has plenty of room for me. Trunk is big.

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  New owner and loving it - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By SEi45M in Canada - January 1 - 11:16 am

  Just bought my Fusion SEI45M - picked this over a Focus, Mazda3 and Civic DX-G. No comparison. Much more room, better ride, quieter, more comfortable and just as fun or more fun to drive as either. Gas mileage is unbelievable - first trip saw 41 mpg imperial gallons!