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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  50/50 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Twinklesparkle002 - March 1 - 2:57 pm

  Im 50/50 on the good and the bad, but I guess for the price, that it is good. I love how it takes corners, but I hate having to fight the locks while holding a baby. Car seats do not fit in the back seats unless you want your chair kicked or hugging the dash. But I love how it gets up and goes.

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  Crown Victoria LX - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CrownVic420 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car a bit over a year ago and i loved it more and more since i got it. It has a bit of a rattle on the door and the cup holder but its all good. But the tape player automatically seeks if you go 30 seconds without playing a song but it works. The left shocks and struts squeak when i turn left which concerns me a little. But i think their ok. The seats are big and comfortable and it is very roomy which is great because Im pretty tall. The gas mileage is good for what it is i usually get about 20 mpg in a good day and 26-28 on the highway going at 80.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Owner 06 - March 1 - 7:59 am

  Ive had my stang for about a year. Living in the north east, its garaged for the winter, but spring is only a month away! I cant wait to park my Jeep and get back out in my Mustang.

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  02 F150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Ultimatebravo - February 28 - 10:43 pm

  I really loved this truck up until the transmission went out at 38,000 miles. Ford did not cover it and it cost thousands. The truck also has excessive piston slap and it has had its oil changed every 3k or less. Im in the market for a Dodge now, Ford really needs to work on their quality.

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  A tough little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Engineer - February 28 - 8:10 pm

  My Ranger with the 3.0 V6 Auto trans now has 240,000 miles. I follow the 3k oil changes and keep it serviced. It is as tough as nails. It averages 19MPG. It lacks on tow ability but will tow a 4x8 box trailer without any issues. The heater cores are prone to leak, mine has been replaced twice. I have also had to replace the radiator. If youre tall, the cab is a bit cramped. But for the money...you cant go wrong. These are tough trucks. It has never leaked any oil nor has it ever knocked. FYI... these little motors run hot, if you buy one with miles on it, be sure to replace belts and plug wires as they heat crack quickly and this is often overlooked.

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  Not your parents Ford - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Den - February 28 - 7:44 pm

  Loved trying the 2015 Ford Edge but bought a 2016 Ford Edge Sport

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  1999 Mustang GT convertable - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By mac8169 - February 28 - 4:56 pm

  Funest car I have ever driven! Good power while still posessing much comfort and refinement.

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  14 years, going, and going... - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Ivo - February 28 - 4:51 pm

  I got excellent deal on this lease return from Ford dealership, with 45000 miles in 1997. For ten years and 90k I dont think I spent more than $2500 on maintenance and repairs, not more than two of which wouldnt be considered regular wear and tear. Engine still runs smoothly and quietly. I now have to replace the clutch, which I blame mostly on my driving habits (like holding the car still uphill by balancing the clutch, instead of using brakes). I am just reluctant replacing the car, afraid that with a next one, I will pay back for all the good experience I had with this one.

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  I might just have a lemon - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Oldschool1962 - February 28 - 4:13 pm

  Started out very positive about the purchase. Have had Instrument cluster glitches, Sound system issues and several regenerative and hydraulic braking issues. Even after the "customer service enhancement" system reprogram last week. When the car is functiong properly (what I was sold) its great but when the computers have issues everything suffers. Big worry is the current braking issue. They have a mind of their own when it comes to pedal pressure and actual braking of the vehicle. Brakes actually garb without warning. Tech line has shrugged off things as normal adn dealership is doing what they can but their hands are tied at the moment. Service manager is trying to do what he can.

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  eh - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Ed - February 28 - 12:29 pm

  First off, I overpaid for the car by about $2-3k. Which wouldnt be a problem because I love the design of the car, and the constant attention it gets. But the car loses value at an unacceptable rate. Its honestly sickening, its been sitting in my garage for 4 months and its lost over $2k in value!