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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  Watch out - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Steve W - May 15 - 6:59 am

  I HAD the 2003 Explorer and from the start I had transmission problems. First went out at 7,000 miles, next one went out at 21,000 and last one went at 36,000. Seems Ford has had problems with these transmissions and refuses to admit it. I learned that the 2006 still have the problems about 2 out of 5 sold come back with transmission problems. If you have nothing to do go sit in the service waiting room and asked the people waiting. You will think twice about buying one. Worst of all is Fords complete failure to help they refuse to admit to the problem and refuse to even consider a swap or favorable trade in. I was finally forced to turn the car back in because you guessed it. THINK TWICE

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  Police Interceptor Tough as Nails - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By fordmustang_27 - May 14 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car from auction in september 2011. Its the 2001 crown vic P71. Had low miles og 86k. It was a take home detective car. I bought it b/c it was in such good shape. Mechanically perfect absolutly no promblems what so ever. I loved the look, power, and comfort of it right away. It looked like a regular street car since it has the street package but i transformed it to a legit cop car. I did tint, center caps and spot light and came out great. Its silver and look very sharp with all the black I incorperated into it. Iv put 5000 miles on and i had no problems with it. Just did two oil changes and brakes thats it. Very reliable and dependable car. I will definitly buy another.

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  WTF wait 1 year - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Stoplightgasser - May 14 - 10:00 am

  In 2004 the ford mustang will be improved and totaly redisigned. I suggest you wait because this very dated generation is, well garbage. First of all, though 260hp is alot of horsepower, its a joke for a v8! I mean, come on the other night I had a nissan altima 3.5 pull on me. This car is 90 percent plastic on the inside. I got into a fender bender as someone rear ended me and I rolled into a sign. I found out the exterior is made of plastic too!! I got a hole in my rear and front bumper which cost a lot of fix, because both the bumpers needed to be replaced. Hopefully the 2004 will be improved.

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  great car for the money - 2002 Ford Focus
  By a1awind - May 14 - 10:00 am

  since i bought it in july i have put 18k miles on it i have driven from miami to pittsburgh and back 2 times and to tallahasse and not a problem yet ( my ac compressor leaked .. but it was fixed under warranty ) it is a great travel car if you cant afford a crown vic and i would recommend this to anyone it feels like a $20k+ car inside

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  Pleased W/ this one ! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Pleased! - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 16 different cars since I turned 16 years old. I am now 35. I can honestly say that I am enjoying this one more than any other! Why? Because it is exactly what it claims to be. A tough 4x4 truck w/ a rear hatch instead of a bed. It has plenty of power, great looks, commanding driver position, solid fit and finish and last but not least the stiff, taught ride a 4x4 should have! You get the feeling you are sacrificing the smooth cushy ride knowing you could go anywhere you want to in this capable Ford. If you want an easy riding sedan then go buy one. This one is for the rest of us! Great value and plenty of performance.

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  "97 XLT Ext Cab 4x4, 4.0V6, 5 Speed Auto - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Bill - May 14 - 8:22 am

  I have had this truck for nearly 9 years and have driven it 78,000 miles. Some drive train problems which can be expensive to repair at a Ford dealership. Not the greatest truck but fairly reliable and functional. Very stiff suspension which was softened in 1998 model year. First year for 5 speed auto which has worked fine. Gas mileage is poor at 15-20 and it only gets 20 out on the road. It has been great for hauling dogs and hunting. Seats are not all that comfortable. Even though it has a 4.0 liter engine it only cranks 160 HP and 225 lb/ft torque. Dismal compared to the newer engines.

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  Hard Seats - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Mark - May 14 - 7:04 am

  Enjoy everything about this truck except those hard unforgiving seats. My Mercury Mountaineer was like sitting on an easy chair but this pickup is like sitting on a board. Everything else great.

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  Taurus or Fusion - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Roger Anderson - May 14 - 6:33 am

  I currently own a 2011 Taurus and I was looking for another one. Then I started seeing these Fusions on the road, I really love the way the front end looks. The rear could use some work though. I only drive about 8 miles per day so it wasnt a huge sacrifice on comfort not getting a Taurus. So I bought a used 2014 w/1.5l eccoboost and its very responsive, that was my main concern. It still is very comfortable for the size and has a nice quiet cabin. Test drive one and see.

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  Border line luxury car that gets MPGS - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Carguy87 - May 14 - 3:30 am

  I can whole heartedly say that IÂ’m proud to own this Ford. It blows the competition away in its driving dynamics, mpg, value and luxury. I tend to pick everything apart and I can say after driving this car for over a month itÂ’s practically flawless. IÂ’m amazed at how well this vehicle is put together. ItÂ’s solid no chatters creaks or rattles anywhere. Its road manners are unbelievable. ItÂ’s incredibly smooth, quiet and remains settled over the north east roads I drive. Around town itÂ’s nimble with precise and tight steering. On the back roads it handles the curves extremely well. On the highway itÂ’s planted smooth and super quiet. The 4cyl lacks nothing mated to the 6spd auto. A+++ Ford!

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  Good van for the money... - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Calc - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Our Windstar LX with 37K miles is comfortable, has a strong engine (but alittle noisy), and has great crash test scores. Some people seem to have reliabilty problems, but so far the only thing to go wrong for us was a tie rod end in the front suspension. I would recommend this van to people on a budget looking for a good safe ride for there family. Also good for towing. If money is no object and you dont mind quirky styling, get the Honda Odyssey.