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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  Wish I Could Have Kept - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By staygold678 - February 28 - 10:34 am

  Great truck, but the gas around the city is crazy. I was spending 80 bucks a week just for daily commute. Bought the truck with a brand new transmission, and everything worked great. Hated to sell the thing but I cant live with paying that much..

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  This car is solid - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Heathro21 - February 26 - 2:29 pm

  She is at 109,000 kms - just change the oil every 3K kms - only have had to change out the tie rods - that is it. I was going to buy a new car, but I dont have any need to. Great little car.

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  Great looking car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Ted - February 24 - 10:54 pm

  I purchased the Mustang new with every option you could get on the V6 Premium Cpe including "Pony Package". Its the first American car Ive bought in 20 years. Great looking car with a very stiff ride and lots of rattles. At 30k service, it needed an Alternator and a battery. All things considered, I like the car sans the rattles which the dealer has been unable to fix. I have a 20 year old toyota with out any rattles!

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  Great, reliable car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By Dave - February 24 - 8:18 pm

  It may not look like much, but it keeps going and going! I never have to worry in the morning if it is going to turn over. Very dependable and reliable. No frills, but gets the job done.

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  TCCF and Steering Assembly - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Alwyn Liepe - February 24 - 6:47 pm

  We like so many have had the same TCCF- Transmission Cooler and Condensor Failure in our 2008-Escape limited V-6- the 1st time at 27,000 and the 2nd time again at 21,000 miles later at 48,000 miles--as all say this should be a recall by Ford-there are so many - wonder if Ford has corrected with different updated replacements- consumer will never know-also as to the TSBs as to this problem. We also had a problem of a Klacking noise from Stering -they replaced the steering assembly at our dealership-where we have had all our service on this car done--we have kept all records on our 13 Pages of Our Ford Service History-- Come on Ford--step up to the line- dont wait for an investigation like Toyot

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  99 Ford Ranger XLT SB AT 4-cyl - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By JX - February 24 - 4:14 pm

  I bought this truck used at 35K miles. I only had the truck in the shop 3 times. At 50K miles the speed sensor went out ($350). At 130K miles the timing belt broke . I decided to change the power steering pump as it was making lots of noise. Also around this time, I change the alternator and the serpentine belt. The truck does have some minor electrical issues: wipers turning on by themselves, headlight warning sound going off, cab light going off, and locks needing regular silicon spraying. I never liked the handling of this truck. It seemed like I had to be extra careful when going over bumps at high speed. It would seem to lose traction. Overall, Its a good truck.

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  How long should plastic last? - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rks - February 24 - 2:50 pm

  We have had overall good luck with our Explorer. The major problem is that many plastic parts have failed which require costly fixes. Both plastic anchors on the right and left sun visors broke which resulted in the complete replacement of the visors. The plastic lift ring on the floor cover broke which required a whole new cover. The most annoying piece of plastic that has broken twice ($350) has been the plastic panel just below the rear window. I have noted that many Explorers are driving with this piece broken. Ford has a "policy" not to replace them which leads me to believe that Ford is not living up to its reputation as customer friendly.

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  8 years of ownership - 2002 Ford F-150
  By gbl - February 24 - 12:26 pm

  Bought it for about $30k. Ive had it for 8 years and 205,000+ miles. Pulled horse trailers up to 7000#. Probably have put over 60k miles towing loads. Have had both the transmission (probably didnt need to do it) and rear end rebuilt. Replaced about 6 of the coil packs. Replaced the leather on the front seats. Replaced the front rotors 3 times. On the 4th set of tires. Total repair costs about $5k. Overall Ive been very satisfied. Burns about 1.5 quarts of oil every 3000 miles. Never has left me high and dry except when a battery went dead. Its been a great truck for what Ive asked of it.

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  Need New Transmission - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Abby - February 24 - 11:00 am

  Like others, I also need a new transmission at 88K miles. I have done all the tuneups, oil changes, filters, etc on this vehicle since I purchased it new in 2005. Transmission went out and so did the fuel and water pumps all at the same time. Costs more to repair than the car is worth, and Im still making payments. Wish Ford would make concessions for these vehicles and help with repair expenses.

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  Bad Stereo - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mark - February 23 - 10:22 am

  Like the car except for 1 big thing. The stereo pops in and out of mono. Had a 2008 escape and drove in the same area and this was not an issue. According to Ford this is a signal strength issue and they cannot fix it. Dealer drove another 2010 and it did the same thing. Has really turned me against the car since it is very annoying and they do not plan on fixing it.