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 that great - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Young Mo - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had several electrical problems with my truck, including the radio display, the rear wiper motor, the side mirror motor, and the rear glass defroster. Also had some mystery rattles and am experiencing some idling problems. Will not buy another Ford! The dealership was not that helpful with repairs either.

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  wow - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By THEMAN - December 7 - 9:15 am

  I bought a 98 explore sport with 98,000 miles so i know it would have some wear and tear but not like this. The jirst month i had it the trans went then the U joiints. I got them fixed then the rear went and to top it off i only was getting 16 miles to the gallon

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  Sad to say I hate it! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Olt07 - December 6 - 11:17 pm

  I purchased my first SUV after having a neon. Others advised me against buying the first year of a model change. I loved having the SUV for 4wd in snow. However, when your control module does not work, I lost the love quickly. I have had it for 24,000 miles after buying at 61,000. Replaced wheel bearing, EGR sensor, 4WD Control Module, Radio, Front Differential Clutch Pack and shortly a $1200 rear end. Now I need to figure out when the best time would be to ditch this hunk of junk! Reliability and Build Quality is absolutely crap. I cannot sacrifice that for any amount of comfort or beauty. Considering all of these problems are "common" Id say-Stay away from the Ford EXPLODERRRR!!

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  Worst transmission Fords ever built - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bottechia - December 6 - 2:33 pm

  My transmission first stated to delay going in reverse, you know the 3-4 second wait before it engages. Then the transmission would not change into second gear so I took it in to Ford. I was told I needed a new transmission at the cost of $3100.00 and I only had 38,000 miles on it. Ford knows with this many transmission problems with 2002 and up Explorer they should recall them to keep customers happy.

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  Good car with lots of miles - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Beth - December 4 - 1:23 pm

  I got my Contour in high school and I have been out of school now for five years and I still have my car. It has a lot of miles on it but my Contour has got me where I needed to go and back. I have always been able to count on it.

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  Bad job, Ford - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Karl - December 2 - 7:41 am

  Ongoing problems with this van, which now has about 70,000 miles. Have owned since new, with about $7,000 in unscheduled maintenance in 8 years. List of problems: driver seat motor, rear window motor, cooling system leak (despite regular maintenance), air conditioning, cruise control (twice), engine pings loudly, electric rear doors unreliable, rear stereo speaker connections bad. Have decided never to buy a Ford vehicle again.

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  One Flaw Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By KD - November 26 - 10:14 am

  I own a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 4cly. with 99,000 miles to this day. Its been very reliable as the engine, trans, and so on. Only had small problem with frnt brake slide pins outside of normal maint. It has one major exterior flaw: rust! I did wash the underbody every spring it still rusts. Id swear Ford designed this trucks frame to rust out. I suppose if I lived in another state besides Maine (and snow & salted roads) this would not be a problem, or would it.

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  Problems and More Problems - 2000 Ford Focus
  By DavidAA - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Continued visits to the service department. This was the first model year for the Focus and it shows with the continued problems at only 30,000 miles.

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  At Ford, Quality is Job None - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Andrew - November 24 - 5:06 am

  Stay away from the 02 Explorer. Its a repair bill waiting to happen. My last two visits were $1100 a pop, and this after having all of the regularly scheduled maintenance done at Ford dealerships. A major bungle by the engineers. From ball bearings to shattering trim, this things a mess. I wonder if Ford built it on the cheap in order to get business for their service depts. Thats where they apparently rake in the dough. Im done with Ford.

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  Familys nightmare minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By soretincho - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  Head gasket blew at 105,000 miles Ford recall covered up to 100.000 mi had to pay 1,200 to fix. Transmission rebuilt twice, minivan very unreliable. Will never buy from Ford again.