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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  Dont but anything ford made after 2012 - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Alex - March 29 - 9:30 am

  I drive 2013 focus SE and I had been driving it for a about 40,000 miles on it even though the transmission was making noise crank and shudder I figured I will just keep driving it and disregarding the noise as long as it drives but now it is at 59,xxx miles and when i got underneath to do an oil change i noticed transmission leaking. Called dealer and they cannot cover any repairs since the car has branded title. Now im stuck with this car that needs lot of time and money to get a repair. Worst of all is that this is a common issue for years 2012-2015 and even after repair people been saying they keep failing after short periods of time. Will never buy another ford and would like to warn anyone from buying these mechanically poorly designed vehicles.

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  Nostalgia plus fun - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By bud - March 29 - 8:45 am

  A lot of people complain about the price being too high and cite the car as costing $50K. I say to those people that Ive got some swamp land for them to buy. I purchased this car for around $20K and the original sticker was $27K. For $25 K the car is an excellent sports car. Its not a Porsche but is quite nimble and has ample power with the small v8 equipped. For the money, its a bargain. The fit and finish are quite excellent for a Ford. The reliability is not bad for a sports car of which cars in that category usually require a bit more than just changing the oil and filling it up.

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  The little car that could - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Bigmann - March 29 - 8:28 am

  Bought last year with only 23,000 miles on it. Since then I put 3,000 miles a month on it. This is a great little car. I get around 34-35 mph on the highway. This car now has 50,000 miles on it and besides normal oil changes i have replaced both tie rod ends, and put a new set of tires on it. Thats it!! My only gripe is that mine has a sunroof that leaks badly. The Ford dealer I took it to wants way too much money to fix so I had to permanently seal it. The sunroof trim also constantly comes unhooked. It never comes off but comes unhooked in the corners leaving a small gap. I am 6 5" tall and the I have enough room in the front seats but barely. Overall a great car to go to work in. This is a great car I would buy this again if Ford still made them

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  Class act - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ron Schafer - March 29 - 5:06 am

  This is what Ive beeen looking for, always wating a older Mustang. Now I got it. Im very happy with my selection - V6 premium. was very hard to find the car with the features I wanted , The Mustang has great power and the handling is awesome. Nice looks too, great paint finish.

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  Nothing but problems - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Disgusted - March 29 - 4:40 am

  Bought an 06 GT and it ended up in the shop more than on the road. Auto trans had to be pulled at 1k miles, then the valvetrain started clattering at 2500 miles, check engine light, gas smell in car, no power, Ford dealer could not fix it and Ford corporate would not help me. Ford is not standing behind warranty. Horrible quality, will never buy Ford again.

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  one of the best trucks ever - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By MIGHTY ranger - March 28 - 10:15 pm

  This ranger could be the Johnny Cash of trucks - "its been everywhere". I have my own complaints about it - but given that all its owners have treated it really bad. I have the crazy 4 cylinder (8 plugs), I am on the 3rd transmission, 2nd clutch, second starter. all of which I robbed from $25 parts trucks found locally. I have hit deer, bridges, barns, small brush trees. I have hauled tons of everything - car parts, cars, and wood. And even though the fluid clutch leaks, I can count on it 100% - do not use ATF as suggested by Ford - it rots the seals, causing the input shaft to break at the best possible time (250 miles from home) LOVE THE MIGHT-Y RANGER.

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  2nd only to my 66 Mustang - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Richard Hewitt - March 28 - 9:34 pm

  Our Freestyle is the 19th Ford weve owned. (Started with a 60 Falcon wagon). Still own 7 Fords, including our 66 Mustang convertible. Took the Freestyle on a 4,100 mile road trip five days after purchase! Went through two major snow storms in Colorado. When a F350, 4WD was stuck, we drove around it! Went up on over the Rockies without hesitation. CVT is the best thing ever seen on a mountain pass! The added AWD cant be beat. Interior is comfortable beyond compare. A 7 hour day behind the wheel is hardly noticeable. Everyone who rides in it (including the 3rd row) comments on roominess and visibility being outstanding. Too bad Ford is dropping it.

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  Stinks to be me - 2000 Ford Focus
  By notafocusfan - March 28 - 8:47 pm

  I have driven my car since I bought it because I was a single parent and could get free labor to fix it and could not afford to buy a new car. This car is really bad. It is great because it still runs but it had to have 2 ignition switches, countless brakes, rotors and tires every 20,000 miles. We have lifetime brakes now and it is eating them too. It had to have a new motor at only 90,000 miles in 2005. It dropped a valve seat. New oxygen sensors twice. It now shakes and rattles the dash sounds horrible.

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  Two lemons to make sour lemonade - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Gary - March 28 - 7:15 pm

  The Windstar SEL was well equipped and it offered some means of comfort and style. The exterior looks very appealing, stylish and a real head turn kind of vehicle. Truly an amazing color and great color coordination plum and gray in color. Adequate power for a minivan and very responsive. But the transmission stinks! I went through two Windstars, both gave me transmission problems. The first Windstar was an SE version and it was rather roomy, as a matter of fact the 1995 SE was roomier than the 2000 SEL though it was an army green and gray I got used to it. The 95 SE was a joke as far as handling and power. Since the Windstar had such a great safety rating I bough another big mistake.

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  Best vehicle I ever owned... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ziegfeld - March 28 - 6:15 pm

  Nearly trouble free Best vehicle I ever owned. 205,000 miles and still going strong.