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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  Mediocrity at its best! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By monkeyfinger - February 22 - 8:21 pm

  My 2003 Ford Focus has seen its share of problems: Alternator, Thermostat Housing, AA Solenoid, Fuel Pump, Water Pump, Drive Belt, Timing Belt and Engine Mounts. I Love the compact design however, this causes astronomical labor charges or very difficult self repairs. You actually have to go under the car to change the headlight bulbs. Overall, I like my Focus, but I wish Ford had put more thought into the quality. For example, a thermostat housing that is not made of plastic. If yours has not failed yet, then it soon will. Or a better set of engine mounts. One thing that the focus will do is help you become a great mechanic.

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  Bad Tranny Cooler, Windshield Noise - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Ford OK - February 22 - 4:16 pm

  Same problem as others on transmission/ac condenser cooler. Ford will not issue recall due to not being a safety factor. Ours went out at 35,800 miles, but didnt get to dealer until 36,400 due to out of state trip. Didnt cover under warranty, even if 36,001 per the dealer. Our third Ford, will be our last, due to Ford not standing behind their vehicles. Would like to buy American, but my Nissans have been so much better. Also have the same windshield noise as others.

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  great price, great car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By veruca - February 22 - 11:25 am

  My Fusion has been a great car for the last year. I researched several cars in the same class and concluded that for the money, I was getting the most options for less money. It really does have all the bells and whistles that a luxury car should have. It looks very sporty and drives fantastic. Its spacious feeling without feeling too big for most parking spots. A little disappointed with the poor gas mileage for the V6, but the power upgrade is worth it.

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  Shouldve got the diesel - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Greg - February 21 - 11:21 pm

  I have had to do a lot of repair work on this truck. I guess ford designed things to wear out around 100k. Just replaced the engine due to 2 broken valve springs #5 & #10. Hub bearings at 85k, various ciols and injectors. Should have waited for a diesel. Great for hauling the family around, feels safer being bigger than most everyone else. Added air intake and cat back. Mileage went up from 10 to 12 unloaded, is around 9.5 pulling a small landscaping trailer.

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  X Mazda owner followup - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By X Maxda Owner - February 21 - 8:24 pm

  Having taken the Ranger on several trips I questioned the horsepower ratings made by ford. I took it to a dyno shop here in Sacramento and the truck produced 124 peak horsepower. This is about right counting drive train power lose. Ford claims 156 so at 20% drive train lose, this number, 124, is right on. Here is what I dont understand. The Ranger wont pull the same hills as the 1991 Mazda truck did. The Mazda got 27.5 miles per gallon. The ford Ranger gets 27.5 miles per gallon. So where is the progress? Ford has had 19 years to get the same gas mileage? Ford also chose to make the bed shorter, presumably to save money. I purchased the ford bedliner, now the bed cannot hold six feet.

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  Still Enjoying - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Tia - February 21 - 7:42 pm

  I was given this car in 12/06 and have had very few issues with it. When I bought the car with 16k there was a slight squeak in rear when I went over bad potholes, and the dealer fixed that. Now, with 55k i am noticing that noise every once in a while again. I have had no other problems with this car that needed to be fixed. I live in Indiana and havent noticed the issue with the A/C that other people have mentioned. Im not sure if its the way I drive or my car, but I do not get anywhere near 30 mpg. I dont check it very often but I think I average around 22-25 mpg. The paint on the radio is wearing off a bit. Only complaint is that although the trunk is pretty big, the opening is not!!

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  No problems here - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By POC - February 21 - 1:13 am

  Weve had a very good experience with our Freestyle. It replaced a Durango that we had lots of trouble with. The Freestyle is peppy for its size and handles well. The CVT is different and takes some getting used to. Traction control is sometimes not helpful, very glad that it can be turned off, with it off both front tires pull. Last week I drove home through 6" of unplowed snow without a problem. We had one problem with the Climate Control dash buttons not working, turned out to be a vacuum leak (known to happen). I bought the car for my wife to drive, as she didnt want a minivan. It is a good looking car too. Selling ours to get something 4x4.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Joe - February 20 - 3:07 pm

  My dad bought this as a work truck and its been through a lot of punishment and some heavy payloads. Shortly after we got it we had to replace the autotyranny(around 115k) with a used one, but it works great now. Just hit 130k not to long ago. The 2.5l engine is kinda weak, not enough power but gets the job done, gets around 14-16mpg highway, very poor for a small truck/engine, the dealer couldnt find out why its so poor, but runs great nonetheless. Has good suspension and great build quality. Its been in a accident before we had it, we think it hit and drove ontop of a small car rear end/trunk, but it nevered caused a problem for us! I really do love this truck.

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  Old Reliable - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By vsanders - February 19 - 5:41 pm

  I have been beyond impressed with my 2 door V6 coupe. The odometer quit at 220k and I admit I am rougher on cars than I should be~but she just keeps going.The only problems I have had was the water pump went out,but I noticed the indicator leak and fixed it,the odometer and the drivers seat motor.This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned,and I only paid $1500!

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  Great Features......But the ride is not - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Frank - February 19 - 9:30 am

  The car comes loaded with all the Bells and whistles which were the attraction. I mean who doesnt want all the safety feature as options. But @ 46 K the ride should be much tighter up front. The Power assist steering might be the problem. Alot of oversteer. The power for a turbo revs at a very high rate. Not as quick out of the blocks as I would have hoped. Definitely not a performance sedan like the audi 6 or BMW 5 x series sedan. Alas the economy prevented me from going in that direction. i miss my european ride, controlled, tight, and exceptionally quick. Ford has done a great job with the vehicle but has a ways to go to compete with the big three BMW, Mercedes, Audi.