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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  Average, simple truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jeremy m - June 12 - 11:13 am

  I got his truck from my dad back in 05 when it already had about 50k miles. He used it to tow his boat out to the docks and he works at a paper mill, so he got a Ford Ranger. Rugged, tough- a get-the-job-done kinda truck. Well I own a Dodge Stratus now, so this truck wasnt the best for me. The "check engine" light came on around 60k (apparently the EGR valve wasnt doing its job- a minor malfunction and it lights up the "check engine" light?) and there was a national recall on the cruise control. Brakes were numb, engine sluggish, suspension was rough. Not really what I was looking for. Got me from point A to point B though. Good for people who like simple.

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  Average - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Carol - June 11 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my Escape new. Ive had it 7 1/2 years & 75,000 miles+. The acceleration isnt too great. Handles well in snow and bad conditions. The last year or so, its needed a lot of repairs. The struts have been changed and it still has suspension issues (rattles). Recently both the clutch and the clutch master cylinder went out at the same time. A very costly repair (At 72, 000 miles). Two teenagers did learn to drive on it. But I expected it to go longer before needing costly repairs. It has been reliable getting me where I need to go. Doesnt like steep hills too much. And CIncinnati has those. I dont think Id buy another one though. Too many repairs needed too soon.

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  2004 Expedition Eddie Baurer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Macnotere - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Auto reverse sensing mirrors are irritating as is easy exit seating. Transmission has made some loud bangs shifting into 4wd. Auto locks have pinched arms for both driver and passenger. Fuel mileage has finally reached 14 hwy in 2wd. Brake dust leaves front wheels black.

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  Gone downhill - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Craig Zeigler - June 9 - 10:56 am

  I bought this truck to replace my 2004 4.6L with the hoped of getting better fuel economy while towing. I have a 22 travel trailer that weighs about 6000 pounds when Im traveling. On a trip from Sarasota Fla, to Disney in Orlando, I managed 8.5MPG at 65MPH. The truck is really straining to go any faster than that. When I arrived, I had a pungent oder of overheated transmission. On the return trip, I slowed down to 60MPH and managed to get to 9.1MPG. On the way back the cruise control keeps disengaging itself after about a hundred miles. When I arrived, I checked the transmission fluid, and it smells burned. My dealer says there is nothing wrong.

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  Loyal to Ford but Crossed Over - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Dennis Orzo - June 8 - 9:25 am

  Im sorry I crossed over from a Mountaineer. The Edge cant compare and suffers from numerous areas of poor engineering. Fuel injectors and exhaust make great deal of noise. Cant drive with windows open above 30 MPH. Extreme wind noise from vista roof diffuser. Constantly hunting for lower gears at highway speed an hangs on upshift. Breaking and gas mileage are both poor. Water builds up under tail light lenses and fills the area behind the high break light. Could also benefit by having some tie downs in cargo area. AC vents dont direct air high enough to clear heat from the ceiling. Suggest you test drive at highway speeds before purchase.

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  Pain in the rear - 2001 Ford Focus
  By nicole - June 7 - 3:21 pm

  I have had my car now for 4 years and the first year I loved my car. Now, I am deathly affraid to drive it. It makes so much noise I think that the tires are going to fall off. It is leaking oil and coolant. Had many problems with the windows not working, and the doors not wanting to open from the outside. The inside latch to release the trunk doesnt work ( I cant remember when it did). But I am so upside down in this car it is hard to find a non-Ford car to buy.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Jewbacca - June 7 - 2:58 am

  The steering wheel is horrible. Hard to hold on to. I recomend getting an after-market steering wheel. The interior is built of cheap plastic with large gaps at the joints. The seats seem to have been built for dwarfs. Their is no head rests. This results in an uncomfortable ride, especially for your rear passengers who have nothing to rest their backs on. This makes for a potentially deadly outcome in any violent collision. I get an average of 14 mpg making this an expensive car to drive. The 94 Explorer has a surprisingly well ability to corner in the twisties and can be fun to drive in these situations. The acceleration isnt that bad either achieving a 0-62 rate of 12 seconds.

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  Ok drive, but not reliable - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mattathayde - June 4 - 8:54 pm

  Got this car from my sister in 05 for free, just paid to ship, ok not bad at all 900 bucks. Had to put 4- 500 bucks into it for repairs. A/C, alignment, brakes. Nothing huge. Now the Explorer has a little bump and dip if you turn it hard right because inside the front wheel well the cloth material that blocks a lot of dirt from getting up into the engine well is ripped and catches the wheel a little. Drive it for about a year, the coolant system started to leak, had to get that fixed, had to get an O2 sensor replaced. Some other repairs. Now we have about 3-5000 worth of repairs needed on it- electrical issues, ac is broken, driving lights go out some times. I didnt abuse it.

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  Could have bought better - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Kim - June 4 - 4:29 pm

  Overall I guess its an OK van. Have had to do a lot of repairs the first year I had it, thank god for warranties. Mine has 133,000 miles on it now and its still going. But in the last year, Ive replaced: the abs sensor, 2 windshields, 2 sets of brakes, shocks and struts, spark plugs twice in 6 months time, t-clamp, camshaft sensor, belt, 2 water pumps, alternator, intake manifold, timing cover gasket, all the needed oil changes, and a transmission flush and fill. And it still had the vibrating start it has had since I bought it with no answer as to whats causing it. The passenger doors auto locks work when they want to. And the door ajar light is on more than its off. Stinks to tow a pop-up with!.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By teddy - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the ST for 6 months. In that time Ive had three CD Players, a 4x4 switch and moon roof fail. Ford needs to improve the quality of this truck.