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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  1999 Explorer XL 4x4 - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By fire2722 - August 15 - 6:26 pm

  Overall not a bad vehicle. Had very minimal problems with it. Poor gas mileage (14-16city), but to be expected with an suv. Under powered, pulling a double jet ski trailer it shifts down several times to keep up with its self. Seats are little uncomfortable. Ride is ok, not bad for size of wheelbase. No major problems mechanically. Rear wiper broke, headlight socket melted, power lock switch, and A/C leaks like most fords. Otherwise nothing broke. 75,000 now and havent replaced ball joints as most have, and havent had any transmission issues as most have. Have owned for little over 2 years and selling in a few days now for better fuel economy and comfort.

• 

  lowered its standards - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By No service - August 11 - 1:07 pm

  Ford has dramatically lowered its standard and decreased its quality! The Expedition will look nice and all, but its mechanical build is just nonsense. Almost 600 miles on it in the shop for 4 day now and waiting to see if they can stop it from vibrating at 70mph. Also cold start very rough, they say I may need to wait until the next computer flash? Three new tires on the first visit back hatch is not alighned. Same as my last Ford, Never again!

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  50000 miles and it stinks already - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By dont_buy_american - August 9 - 9:31 pm

  I bought this truck new, thinking I would get years of trouble-free service from it. I have only put 50K miles in 6 years, kept it garaged, regular oil changes. Yet it has developed annoying rattles. The MAF sensor went out on it last year. It runs mediocre and knocks on hills with regular gas. Currently it has another problem where it stalls on start and runs poorly with rough idle. Who only knows how much this will cost to fix. Save yourself some trouble and buy a Tacoma or Frontier. It will cost less in the long run.

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  Never again - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By rocq - August 9 - 4:32 pm

  Didnt do my homework, Ford would not replace the pawl pin in the transmission because it was a month over even warranty though the car only had 30,000 kms at the time. Rack and pinion faulty, Ford would not fix. Transmission replaced for at 120,000 kms for $2,600, no warranty. Emission pump failed - $800. Have spent over $1,000 on AC repairs and going in again or maybe I will just call a scrap dealer instead.

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  Avoid at all cost - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Angry Qt - August 8 - 1:54 am

  I purchased my Focus in 2001 with 33,000 miles and had no problems for the first 6 months from then on its been down hill. Recall on the rear wheel bearings, recall on the battery cable that also blew my alternator and battery, all 4 power window mechanisms have broken ($500), the brake job cost $500 because you have to get new rotors EVERY TIME -- they cant be machined, the cooling system needed extensive repair ($2000-$3000), the electrical control for the air conditioner broke ($379), the CD player broke, havent gotten that repaired yet, the ignition cylinder locked closed so I couldnt put the key in -- $1000 plus tow, and the trunk lock broke ($700). To make it short, over $7,000 in repairs thus far.

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  Buy a chevy !!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By nick from nj - August 6 - 1:36 pm

  I thought I was the only person with transmission problems. The dealer acts that way !! Has been back 3 times for trans slamming and shuddering, still not fixed !! I am glad I purchased the extended warranty, even with 0 % financing you can not keep up with depreciation so you can trade them in. I will bite the bullet and lose money so I can trade it in before warranty runs out.

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  Worst New car that Ive owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By gmack - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The car has spent almost as much time in the shop as it has spent in my garage I have the 4.6L V8 which in my opinion is a POS. The motor knocks and ticks and Ford is refusing to fix it.

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  My Lemon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Phil Menico - July 31 - 10:43 am

  During February my doors did not latch and I almost fell out (no indication). Then my daughter got out and the door would not close. The next day the same thing. The dealer said "We cant find the issue." Be careful in cold weather. The rear passenger door does not close properly and the dealer said "It is a design feature, all Freestyles are like that." Watch your kids. Try driving this car with any open window at above 35 MPH. You cant because there is a flapping wind noise that gives you a headache and you cannot hear anyone talking to you. The dealer said "It is a design feature." My Explorers V8 got better mileage than this car.

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  Never buy the first model of a car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Brandy - July 28 - 7:10 pm

  I made the mistake of buying an Escape a few months after it came out. I loved it until it stalled on the interstate after only 25,000 miles. Now that it has 115,000 miles, I have replaced 7 sensors, the alternator, the radiator overflow cup, an engine valve, two sets of brakes, and two sets of tires. Not to mention it was recalled three different times as well. I had it tuned up three out of the four years I have had it, but it didnt help. I also hate the gear shifter being in the way of the radio since I have knocked it into neutral on several occassions while trying to change the station. Since this car has been so "reliable", I am switching to a Honda or Toyota soon.

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  Start your Repair Fund Now - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Wulf - July 27 - 6:41 pm

  Weve had nothing but problems with this car. The electrical systems fail constantly. Weve had problems with the lights, the brakes, the turn signals, the power doors, the transmission, and the gauges.