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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  happy - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Austin jones - January 20 - 6:21 pm

  buyford

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  great handling but mechanical trouble - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Scott - January 20 - 3:49 pm

  I have experienced quite a few mechanical issues with this car and I would not buy another.

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  Great So Far - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Craig - January 19 - 11:44 pm

  Bought the van a month ago and have put about 3000 miles on it. Absolutely love it. Quiet ride, great highway gas mileage. Glad I bought the Ford over a Toyota or Honda. Third seat that folds into the floor is awesome, just as good as stow and go.

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  Delight to drive - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By nopolsky - January 19 - 9:30 pm

  I was especially surprised how well the stability control worked in the snow. We got a ton of snow recently and when I looked out the window I began to regret not getting the 4x4 option. Anyway, out in the snow I went... The explorers RSC option kept the veh going in a straight line without swerving and tight in the corners without the rear going out. I was really pleased, why didnt Ford have this before.

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  I really like this thing - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By imaxmagee - January 19 - 8:10 pm

  My company installed some charging stations which prompted me at least look at some plug-in vehicles. I just couldnt bring myself to consider the Prius (plus it only goes 11 miles on electric), and the Volt was really nice, but just too small. That left the C-MAX, and I couldnt be happier. I am absolutely amazed at the quality of the car. It feels great all around, and I swear, they fixed everything I hated about every car I have had before it. I plug it in at work everyday and that is it. My round-trip commute is about 20 miles, so it really gets me home and back. On the weekends, I just drive it as a hybrid and it works great. The only thing I dont like is the turning radius.

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  Expedition is a Lemon - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Expedition a Lemon - January 19 - 3:43 pm

  I loved this car the first four months I owned it. Then it started having nothing but problems. I have not driven it in two months and it is only five months old! Size and design is great but reliability is awful. I do love the bench in the front to seat nine. It makes the driver and passenger seats larger and more comfortable for long trips. Rear seat is also large and can actually seat adults. Inside looks so much more updated than the Suburban models. Flat fold seat is great -- and I did not get the power option. Seats flip down easily. My children can do it. Turning radius is great for such a large car, much better than my smaller Durango. Just be careful you dont buy a lemon.

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  Great Truck - 1996 Ford F-150
  By kryke1 - January 19 - 2:32 pm

  This is a great truck. I use it for hauling horse trailers and construction. It is great for going up hills and for 4WD. With a few extras it has great handling and speed.

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  My reliable used Ford. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Eric Wehrenberg - January 19 - 3:41 am

  This is by far the BEST used car that I ever purchased. The ride is smooth and the car is mechanically sound. Gas mileage is as high as 28 highway but on average is in the area of 26 mpg. Even around town the Taurus is good on gas. I am truly pleased with this car. Visibility is good and the truck space is large. Seating is comfortable and car seats fit in the back without difficulty. I would recommend the Ford Taurus to anyone who is looking for a reliable used vehicle.

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  Buy Something else - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By ekarlw - January 19 - 2:34 am

  "Minimal at best". Most irritating is that for 2005/6 Ford removed the rear wheel well splash shields to save a buck and now on wet roads the wheels throw water, road oil, spilled chemicals etc. up through the seam under the lip of the bed rail and into the bed - with a shell on the back everything inside still gets wet. Once again Ford has found it acceptable to lower the overall quality to save about three dollars in plastic. I have to wonder what other corners were cut. I remember when car makers would make improvements every year. Shifting linkage is clunky and the 4 cylinder engine vibrates more than most. Also the bed does not fit the width of the 2 door cab and looks awkward.

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  If your have any sense PLEASE AVOID! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Intellegent Owner - January 18 - 9:46 pm

  We got van used (55,000) miles. As is, no warranty, BIG mistake! The first week we had the van, the power steering went out. Then spark plugs needed to be changed. Dont attempt yourself. Front brakes have been changed 5 times. We have a hard time putting key in the ignition. Awful dinging sound when head lights are on sometimes. When its below 30 degrees out, doors freeze shut, then wont close after you get in. Replaced water pump and now I fear we need a new transmission due to van jerking when shifting. Ive met 4 people that have trouble with theirs as well! Windstar= LEMON.