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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  Front Brake Problems - 2005 Ford F-150
  By David Anglin - June 23 - 11:40 pm

  I experienced problems when the dealership rotated my tires. They over torqued my wheels and caused warping in the rotors. From that point forward it has been a nightmare. They even suggested it was my driving! Well now in the 4th return, Ford has come up with an updated rotor. So now the truth comes out. But just before this they were going to make me pay for repairing their mistakes. I just question their honesty and integrity.

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  It is Built Ford Tough - 2004 Ford F-150
  By CGThomas - June 23 - 4:45 pm

  Unbelievable ride and comfort for a truck. The interior noise level is by far the quietest truck I have ever ridden in. Power is very good and the fuel economy is average for a full size truck. Would highly recommend this truck to anyone in the market for a full-size pickup.

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  I love this SUV! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jenn - June 22 - 8:37 pm

  We got this SUV used in January of this year. The size of the truck is perfect for our family of 4. We recently went on a family road trip and had the space we needed for comfort and luggage. I would buy one again!

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  Cheap new car - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Cindy - June 22 - 5:42 pm

  Initially, I really liked my 05 Escape. 20,000 miles later, I cant wait to get rid of it. There are lots of noises a car only a year old shouldnt make. The steering wheel and brake pedal whistle, the windows rattle, gas tank has air in it, making it next to impossible to get a full tank of gas. The drivers side window makes a screeching noise when you roll it down. Gas mileage is terrible! I like the size and style just fine. It is cheaply made. Noisy. I drove a 15 year old Honda that was not as noisy as this new car. I owe more than the car is worth at the moment, so I am stuck with it or face losing thousands. No more Fords for me.

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  Cost Effective from Day One - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Deborah - June 22 - 4:11 pm

  Bought this brand new $8500 + tax / license/0.9% interest. 5 speed manual transmission no bells or whistles. 34 mpg. 6 years old with 130,000 miles. We have replaced the tires twice and the alternator. The interior has withstood our daily use with the exception of the the foam in the left rear bottom of the drivers seat is starting to degrade and crumble out the bottom. I highly recommend this model based on our personal experience. I strongly feel that we will get another 100,000 miles out of this with minimal dollars on maintenance. Our true cost to own so far: $18,862/6 years/$0.1451 per mile including gas, insurance, maintenance, deprecation based on ~$2900 current value (which would be an easy sale @ 34mpg!).

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  money pit - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By fstrfrvo - June 22 - 1:55 am

  Just had to rebuild the tranny at the cost of $1600. OUCH. Heater no longer works, gives me the a/c when you turn the heater on. The electronic climate display is now burned out. Drivers window no longer goes down on its own, have to push it down. Now its throwing a code for the catalytic converter out of range, of course you cant just get a new converter you have to buy a whole y pipe at a cost of $1100. Any of you that have around 130,000 miles get ready for a tranny build, and believe me they are not cheap.

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  Go Fast Cheap - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By FlaPony - June 21 - 10:12 pm

  I drove my LX off the showroom floor 5/20/93 and have loved it from day one. 13 years and 87,000 miles later, still going strong. Ive only had minor mechanical problems (new radiator, clutch, window motor). Acceleration is very good due to a ton of torque. Handling is a little better than average. Interior is good (NO cupholders?). Basically a fun car to drive cheaply. The only modifications Ive done is a Ram-Air Hood and a Ram-Air Kit with a K&N air filter. I got the thumbs up from someone on the street today and people still walk up to me and ask if Id be willing to sell it. NOT ON YOUR LIFE! Ill drive it till the wheels fall off.

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  My First Truck Ever And I Love It - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Ctrimm - June 21 - 9:58 pm

  I have the V6 4.0. It has all the horsepower I need with the good gas mileage that we all need.

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  Love it - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Great ride - June 21 - 2:30 pm

  As soon as I test drove it I decided to buy it. For the price it is one nice ride. And whoever drives it also likes it. The only problem I have with it now is that my wife will not give it up.

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  Sporty Looking & fun to drive - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Barbara Stoner - June 20 - 5:53 pm

  It is an economical, very practical but fun-to-drive vehicle. It is great to drive on curves, really grabs the road and steers easily. It has a lot of trunk space, and it has adequate leg room in the back seat.