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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  Ford Wont Fix My Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Another Lemon Driver - March 26 - 12:18 pm

  I believe it is NOT normal.There is a surge in the RPMs in neutralÂ…up to 2500 at times. This problem is intermittent. According to the engineer, this is the way the car is supposed to drive if the car is not downshifted, and also that it could be that I am not pushing the clutch in all the way. I have had this problem occur even in the absence of these supposed precipitating factors. I have had my Mustang in for service numerous times over the past year. The problem started a month after I bought the car. If it is normal, why didnt it do it when I first bought the car?

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  Somewhat decent - 1997 Ford Probe
  By rockexrolloh - March 26 - 12:05 pm

  This was my first car and weve had quite a few problems with it. Every winter, the car dies. At one point, it wouldnt get any power and kept stalling. Sometimes it just wouldnt start. Mechanics couldnt figure out what the problem was but its doing okay now. Sometimes it still stalls and shakes really bad. The AC just quit working even after being recharged, the lights will not go back down (and one is dimmer than the other. Cant figure out why even after replacing it), cigarette lighter broke, speakers arent that great, whole exhaust system had to be replaced, etc. This car would be perfect if it didnt have so many problems. Its extremely fun to drive and has a lot of power.

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  A revision to my review - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rick - March 25 - 11:19 pm

  Im now a year and a 1/2 into driving this truck, 25K miles, and most of my original review still stands. Its been an incredible truck. However, I had to share that I recently returned on my first two road trips with the family (1K and 1.2K) in distance and was amazed that after simply changing the air filter before I left on the first trip that I got 18.5 mph on the first trip and 19.5 mph on the second. Its paid off that I opted for the 3.55 factory gears and installed a low profile, glass bed cover. Smooth sailing!

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  Probe SE - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Probe se - March 25 - 10:31 pm

  I have put 25,000 miles on this car since buying it and have done nothing but maintenance. It handles great, looks nice and gets good mileage. I dont see many on the road any longer which to me makes it that much more desirable. My 94 has only 78,000 miles on it and I am constantly asked if I would sell it. I have become pretty attached to this sporty little car.

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  Lousy brakes - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Capt. Bill - March 25 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned a series of Tauruses and decided to go with the 500 since they were phasing out the Taurus. This car is very comfortable and reliable. It is actually quite luxurious and is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned in 40 years. It gets up to 27.5 mpg on a trip and 23-24 around town. I wish it had more power and a stiffer suspension. The brakes work fine but have been noisy and and vibrate ever since I owned the car. Stereo is great. Need a better trunk light and there is no light in the glove box. It will haul a mountain of luggage or put the seat down and haul other oddball items.

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  Im trading it in for a Honda/Acura - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By nothappy - March 25 - 12:58 pm

  Ive owned this for less than two years and Im negotiating a trade-in for an Acura MDX. This car is a great idea, but poorly designed/engineered. Some of my issues include: Seatbelts that constantly tangle (Ive had it into the dealer numerous times), rear brakes that were worn out at 20k miles (dealers were notified about issues, but NOT consumers!), various electrical issues, and a dealer/manufacturer that doesnt stand behind their products. Im tired of the dealers telling me that "its a design issue that were aware of, but Ford is not doing anything about it." Rather than fix the problem, they charge me to repair it!

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  Nice car - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By jaguar8 - March 25 - 11:12 am

  Just bought mine this month and its a nice car, but there could be some improvement. Like the floor mounted shifter gets in the way when Im driving and trying to change the A/C setting or when Im trying to look for on coming traffic and the oversized rear headrest get in the way both 2nd and 3rd row. And there seem to be a little bit of lag in the 6 cylinder engine in range acceleration. Other than that everything else is good and since I keep the 3rd seat folded down I can at least see out of the rear window. Rear quarter windows are a different story.

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  Drives - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By whoswho - March 24 - 8:55 pm

  I had this car for a little over a year. I had little to no complaints until recently. This car is great for day to day however it is dangerous in a accident. The narrow wheel base on this year is prone to rollover and leaves you with no options to really avoid an accident.

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  Ranger PU - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Skip - March 24 - 7:53 pm

  Bought 1 yr old with 10K - I think the Ranger feels more solid than Japanese trucks or the Chevys and a bit larger. Still no rattles 8 years later. Paint stayed good as did interior. Only two significant repairs. This was our 2nd Ranger - the other a 94 - the 99 was far better.

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  I fought my husband for this car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Shogrl6 - March 24 - 5:36 pm

  I fought hard for this car - I do enjoy it but after 3 months I had to buy 4 new tires. I am on my third cracked windshield and they are not cheap! My biggest complaint is the interior - I cannot keep it clean. Any moisture stains the cloth! Im going crazy with this.