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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  Still driving the Mom Mobile - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Mfranck - August 8 - 6:02 pm

  Until this week, I never had a single problem with my Windstar. I cant wait to get it back from the dealership (lets hope the extended warranty covers the ABS failure). At 74,000 miles this car has held up and drives beautifully. In the snow when the SUVs cant make it up our hill, my Windstar out performs them all. Two kids, five dogs and the interior still looks new. I truly cannot say a bad thing about this car except that since my kids are older it isnt cool to drive.

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  Thunderbird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By SISU Bird - August 8 - 4:16 pm

  I have always loved the looks of the old T-birds and thought that one day Id purchase one. For our 25th anniversary my husband surprised me with the 2004 Pacific Coast Highway edition. Love it just as much as the old birds! I baby this car - I dont take it out of the garage until May when the salt has long washed off the roads. Nor, does it come out if the sky even looks like rain. I have the hard top but the only time it has been on the car is when I picked up the hardtop from the dealers. Ive limited myself to 2,000 miles a year so the car is virtually like new. The only problem Ive had with it is that the alarm system doesnt always activate.

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  A Mean Green Machine - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dan - August 8 - 2:23 pm

  Plenty of power for on and off freeways plus passing at highway speeds. Power management system is seamless and CVT transmission is so smooth. Comfortable ride and satisfactorily quiet. The current $2600 federal tax credit makes this vehicles total cost to own reasonable. Overall this vehicle is fun to drive, and the best hybrid value in the market.

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  Explorer has wheel bearing issues - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Phil Gilbert - August 8 - 11:02 am

  Like the truck except front wheel bearings need replacing after only 52,000 miles at a cost of $1,000. Ford would not assist, not covered by warranty. Dealer says that most issues are rear end failure with low miles. This is clearly a design or parts issue that Ford should assist owner with Will not purchase another one.

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  Sweet Ride - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Indiana Lawman - August 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the F-150 Lariat 4x4 crew cab because of the interior room and the ride. The ride is better than most passenger vehicles and SUVs! Ive received numerous complements about the size, looks, and interior room of this vehicle.

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  focus wagon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By apm - August 8 - 10:00 am

  bought used ford focus wagon this yr. its been a pleasure to drive, fast and enconomical. great stereo, sharp styling and nice layout inside. for their smallest car ford seems to be trying very hard. most of my driving is around town and gas economy is 22 mpg and better. seems solid - so far so good. P.S. UAW decal on back window is nice touch.

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  Pleased with my 2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By kennyp - August 8 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Ford Windstar SEL we purchased was the first new car we ever had. I have been very pleased with the van. The interior is very comfortable and the quad seating helps getting the children in and out quite easily. I especially like the safety record of the van and feel that that alone was worth choosing the Windstar. It would be nice to get better mileage ( average 19 - 20 )and have less engine noise, but those are things I would willingly trade off for the safety.

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  Quick - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By macspec - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Excessive road noise from tires and suspension Something needed to make rear door easier to maneuver.

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  Great car - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Maureen McLean - August 8 - 4:11 am

  It has plenty of cargo room. Back seat has plenty of leg room, my 62" husband has no problem fitting in the backseat comfotabley

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  Versatility is top-notch, as is quality! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JR Comet - August 7 - 7:43 pm

  I purchased my Sport Trac a month ago and Ive been nothing but impressed with the truck. The bed is awesome, I can put groceries in it and use it as a trunk or load items in it like a bed, as I have done both. The ride is very quite and smooth, you have to get the V8, which is powerful and quiet. The gas mileage, so far, is about what I expected and I anticipate about 13- 15 mpg in town and 18-20 on the hwy. These trucks can be a car, truck and SUV, all in one. Best vehicle purchase Ive ever made and Ive had Toyota, Nissan, Ford and others.