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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  Love This SUV - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Robert P - August 5 - 11:03 am

  I drove the Toyota 4 Runner, Jeep, Hummer H3, Comander and Nissan Pathfinder. All were OK but the Explorer won out. It had more room and the ride was great. I had a 95 and this one stickerd for $5,000 less with similar options etc. I cannot believe how much better it got in 2 years. I got the Iron Man because I do not like to be a little different. Unlike the 05 the back is totally flat. I just love this SUV. I am 62 and drive on the beach so a 4X4 was a must. I had 0 porblems with the 05 with just over 40.000 miles. I leased that one. I bought this one because I plan on keeping it 10 + years and put to many miles on the last one.

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  15 year review 243k miles XL 2.5L 4cyl 5-speed man - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By NV_dave - August 5 - 6:45 am

  Bought new. Very simple vehicle with power steering, 5speed manual, but no A/C. Followed scheduled maintenance closely. Only 3 major repairs - replaced radiator ( cracked plastic connectors ), timing belt at 180k miles, and replaced clutch at 215k miles. 2.5 4cyl engine is still tight - burns no oil. Mileage on truck evenly divided between city, high speed freeway ( over the Sierras and Cascades mountains ) and 2 lane rural highways in the Sierras. Gas mileage ranges from 20 to 22mpg in city and 25 to 29mpg highways, with the best mpg on slower, smoother 2 lane highways. Best features are the mechanical reliability, excellent visibility, 5 speed manual, and ease of entering and exiting the fairly room cab. Worst features are the slow acceleration ( "Cmon truck!! Lets Go! ), lack of proper hand brake ( the all-or-nothing parking brake is worthless for holding the truck in place when starting up steep hills ), and poor traction/control in snow and ice. In winter, I put on studded snow tire on all 4 wheels and load 500 lbs. of sand bags in the bed between the cab and rear axle (never put all the weight behind the rear axle - it will lift the front wheels ). The Ranger does OK on level or slight slopes, if driven with caution, but is "squirrelly" on steeper grades and curves due to its narrow stance, high center of gravity, and light front end. I will note that although the little Ford Ranger was well worth the modest price I paid for it (great reliability, 5speed manual, ease of driving) it is now starting show its age. Specifically, there are minor but annoying electrical problems that are hard to diagnose and repair. The dome light often stays on after closing the doors tightly but when it will do so and how long it will stay lit is unpredictable - possibly a short due to frayed insulation. The same is true for the door ajar buzzer which also comes on at random times. Be aware that on older "modern" vehicles -ie. early 2000, that random electrical problems may be more of a problem than the more obvious problems of bad water pumps or dead alternators. Modern cars are now as much an electrical appliance as a mechanical device.

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  Good Small Car Overall - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joel from IL - August 5 - 2:57 am

  I like the way this car drives. The engine is peppy and it stays glued to the road. So far, after two years this Focus has been mostly reliable. Its been to the dealer for a trunk latch and windshield wiper switch problem. All were fixed. There are just minor issues that bug me though. Compared to the 2003 we had the interior is cheap looking and plasticky. Seats are not very comfortable. The taillight bulbs burned out at exactly 2 years. Just little ways to tell Ford has cut corners. At highway speed there seems to be quite a bit of road noise which may be due to the low profile tires. The fuel economy leaves room for improvement at real world 20-23 city, and 30-32 highway.

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  Great Value - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By FordConvert - August 5 - 1:23 am

  My Fiesta replaces a Civic Si sedan. Before, I had a Passat followed by a GTi. The Fiesta is down on power and size, but it is the equal to those cars in all other respects. I got way more for my money than I expected. It is quiet, comfortable and good looking both inside and out. It handles great and feels substantial on the highway. I chose the Fiesta because I planned to give it to my oldest child eventually, but I really like it for me. It is small and a modest performer, but it does not feel like budget transportation in any way. If you are looking for a small car for your commute (rather than the family), I sincerely recommend the Fiesta. My SE hatch is an outstanding value.

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  I love my Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Miss Mary - August 4 - 9:25 pm

  I love my Expedition. It runs good, could have a little bit more power. Its a beautiful ride that I feel so safe in. It goes in the snow so great! It had high mileage when I bought it and at 148000 miles it is still going strong! I am the 2nd owner and the only thing I have had done to it is put new tires on it and a new alternator. But over all I would buy another Ford Expedition. My husband has been wanting me to trade my expedition in on another expedition or something else, and I say "No Way"! Buy a Ford Expedition you wont regret it, I promise.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By John - August 4 - 8:32 pm

  I bought a 2003 Ford Taurus SES in May 2004. It only had 16,000 miles on it. It has been a great car and very reliable. Never needed anything other then one set of brakes and oil changes and I now have 80,000 miles on it. I never got the great gas mileage a lot of others I know did but still reliable. Its got the v-6.

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  Never Again for Ford - 2015 Ford F-150
  By chillydawg - August 4 - 8:09 pm

  Purchased a 2015 Ford F150 XL Ecoboost 4x4 Sport ten months ago. Within the first two months, on my way to work in the woods, every light on the panel lit up. Truck went into "limp mode". After taking over an hour to get home (I was only about 20 minutes away), I called roadside assistance and set up for a tow to the dealer. Tow truck came within an hour and off to the dealer we went. I was given a loaner and told, "well call you when we know whats wrong". Days pass and after no call from the dealer, I called them to see what was wrong with my new truck. They said, "Nothing, no lights came on". I got real upset because I knew they didnt even drive the truck. I asked how did they come to that conclusion? They said, "the computer shows no codes". Now I went off and told them Ill be right there and your service manager will go for a test drive with me. They said no, theyll take it out. Two hours later they called me to tell me my truck has a serious problem that it did in fact "code up" while being driven. They told me they needed to order a very hard to get part; a Throttle Body". A bit of history with Ford and the bad Throttle Body parts they use. In 2013, after numerous customer complaints, NHTSA went after Ford for their use of bad Throttle Body parts. In short, they did a "Customer Satisfaction Program" and replaced the defective Throttle body parts, and extended the warranty on the part. NHTSA NEVER made FORD do a formal recall even though thousands of cars and different models were affected. The "Customer Satisfaction Program" expired in November 2015, but guess what? Yup, Ford continues to use the defective parts in their new vehicles. My F150, my friends Explorer, my other friends Edge, all had Throttle Body failure soon after purchasing new vehicles. I wish I did this research before I bought the truck, but knew nothing about the Throttle Body issue to look into it. Now, month 10, the transmission is failing and fast. I stop at a light, give it gas to go and BANG followed by a jerk. Took it to the dealer, and since they couldnt get a "code", they said no problem. You are to drive it until its dead and must be towed in. Not very reliable. Last weekend, Columbus Day, I took the loss and got rid of it. Traded it in and went back to my Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4x4 that never gave me a problem. NEVER, ever for Ford again.

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  05 GT Convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By sporto7 - August 4 - 11:23 am

  As a long time Mustang owner and lover, the new GT convertible is a perfect blend of the old and the new. The styling is undeniably Mustang and the modern components make it a safe, fun car to drive. The convertible is built from the ground up as a convertible and the car handles like a coupe. For a potent, fun to drive car with solid performance and build quality - the original pony car rocks!

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  I LOVE YOU MUSTANG! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By its just better - August 4 - 10:00 am

  i have always dreamt about getting a mustang since i was nine, and it has finally happened, a beautiful black mustang gt convertible, all mine, a dream come true. I have loved every minute inside this car, i cannot get enought of it, i will own this car till the day i die, i will never buy another car, and if i do, it would be another ford. There is no car on the road that is like the mustang, it is a car that women and men alike love and respect, and there is so many things you can do to it to make it your own, i love this car!!!! sure the interior isnt upscale, but its not meant to be, and it serves its purpose

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  mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By sk8zero354 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  fast, good looking, comfortable, and the only surviving american muscle car...what else can you say