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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  Not Bad For An Older SUV - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Roy C. - March 6 - 2:38 am

  Bought used from caring owners at 72K. Now 108K. No major problems. Average mileage for 90s SUV (12/17, driving it easy). Rough ride on bumps, but has smooth acceleration/power. Repairs - had to replace hood support struts and the AC condenser. Finish has faded on plastic trim all over (front grill and especially on rear pillars on either side of rear glass). The seat incline lever on drivers side is positioned poorly and broke after being bent numerous times during normal entering and exiting. Rear passenger power window quits working occasionally, then begins working again. Good sound system. No water leaks, no wind noise. 4 WD OK, but binds when turning hard.

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  Great job - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By niceandwild - March 5 - 8:59 pm

  I bought my Expedition used with 32k. Just hit 100k. It has never failed me yet and given the fact that I am not the best at maintaining cars I love it. I have gone from Florida to New York several times and its great on long distance trips. Ford tough.

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  Fun Car to drive - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Allen - March 5 - 6:40 pm

  This is a stylish comfortable sport sedan. I started out to buy the 4 cylinder, but after a test drive of the V-6, I was convinced it was for me. I am very well pleased with the overall performance of the SE V-6. It has excellent acceleration. The optional abs braking is wonderful. The ride is extremely smooth adding to the comfort for driver and passengers. It is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven.

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  I have been lucky - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Lucky - March 5 - 3:18 pm

  Bought Windstar new in Nov 07. Initially - few problems. Air idle control valve - replaced, the fuel delivery - remapped, and a loose motor mount - fixed under waranty. I considered gettting rid of it but didnt. Today - 205,792 miles - highest mileage and most reliable vehicle ever owned (25 cars and 20 motorcycles). Have symptoms of head gasket failure (coolant is disappearing) for 50,000 miles. Waiting for head gasket(s) to fail - will consider replacing myself with new gaskets, head bolts, etc. I change the oil every 5K (Pennzoil) and the trans fluid every 25K. Replaced alternator once, power steering pump twice, brakes and battery thrice. Just normal maintenance. We were lucky.

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  Great car but squeaks and groans - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By David - March 5 - 2:47 pm

  For the money this has to be the best performance car available today. This is my second Mustang and when it comes to performance it really screams while delivering great fuel mileage from regular gas. It handles very good and actually is very comfortable on long trips. It does have a fault however. The gearshift lever vibrates and resonates when accelerating which takes away from the otherwise pleasant experience. It also has periodic squeaks and rattles from the front that just can not be found. Drives me crazy and the dealer can not find or even agree that the sounds exist. Ford needs to fix this, my 88 Mustang had none of this noise and it was on a worse platform?

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  Perfect car - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Christopher Cote - March 5 - 1:57 pm

  Do your research, this is a car that dealers like to overprice due to it being eye candy for the dealer lot, a great deal can be had all you need is persistence

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  Love it - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Kat - March 5 - 12:28 pm

  I purchased this car in new in 2003. got a great deal on the leftover!I love this car. Its alot of fun to drive. Ive had a few minor issues. Had to replace the battery 3 times in 5 years and the oxygen sensor once. Overall though I love this car and will definitely buy another.

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  Reliable - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Vic - March 5 - 11:34 am

  I bought my 92 XLT 4X4 about 8 years ago with about 50k miles on it. It has been by far one of the most reliable vehicles Ive ever owned. It has never It has never left me stranded. It is also a very capable off-road vehicle. I have been on countless Arizona back roads through mud, snow and silt. It plows through with no problems.

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  biggest mistake Ive ever made - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Debra Horton - March 5 - 7:16 am

  I would not advise anyone to own one of these unless you have alot of money to spend on repairs!

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  Daddys Toy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mr. Wolf - March 4 - 10:10 pm

  Ive been waiting 20 years to purchase a GT Mustang. Good things come to those who wait. Downside, 4 out of 5 Ford dealers in Las Vegas are adding $3000 to MSRP and wont budge. Dealer 5 didnt play this loser game and I bought it! I drove the GTO 6.0 , but stuck with the GT Mustang, it just felt better and was more just what the doctor ordered. If you dont have one, you owe it to yourself to take a test drive.