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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  Ranger Supercab - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Joe - October 3 - 11:01 pm

  Great truck for back and forth to work, The 4 banger gets great gas mileage and has plenty of power with stick. A little light in the snow, needs sandbags over the wheels or you will slide.

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  Big truck feel in a small SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By joe - October 3 - 10:16 pm

  As a loyal Honda owner, I never thought I would buy a Ford until I saw and drove the 2009 Escape. Lots of power, quiet smooth ride, lots of room, good gas mileage (if you dont gun it). Sync is awesome as I have my cell phone & iPod running through the stereo system. Not sure how I lived with out it before I bought this truck. Plenty of room! When I took it for a test drive, the salesman was 65" and had a lot of leg & head room while in the back seat. The 6 cylinder can tow 3500 pounds. Bet the CRV or RAV4 cant do that.

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  A true winner - 2001 Ford Escape
  By scape2 - October 3 - 6:26 pm

  I own a 2001 black XLT V6 4wd and its been great! Use it for skiiing, fishing, biking. Not one problem. performance is excellent.

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  Fix the bugs - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Johnnyrama - October 3 - 6:23 pm

  I really like my Ford 500 limited. I enjoy the way you sit up high with a good view. Its a big roomy, safe feeling car, with a massive trunk. Ive had mine in the shop for repairs several times over the rear brakes. They had to be replaced at 20,000 miles the 1st time, and they are still noisy, like metal to metal at times.Ive had the motor in the drivers side electric window replaced, the dash compartment lid got bubbles in it and had to be replaced, my seat heater for drivers seat had to be replaced, Ive had the trunk looked at( hard to open), and now my radio, CD, clock, is not working, back to the shop.

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  Great Used car - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang - October 3 - 6:21 pm

  If you are looking for a reliable used car, this is it. Very few problems if you maintain your car. Will only cost you money if you upgrade performance constantly, which usually happens.

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  Expensive to repair - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By tony - October 3 - 6:20 pm

  We bought ours used with 36,000 miles on it. We have had it almost 4 years and have driven an additional 24,000 and have been fairly satisfied with it, until now. We had small drips in our driveway, so we took it in to the local Ford dealer. Turns out that it needs a new rack & pinion and a transmission rebuild. Apparently you have to take the engine completely out to get the transmission out. Our extended warranty ran out in June. Total repair cost $4,000. We have had some annoying electrical problems (power locks). Dont lose the transponder key ... its over $100 to program a new one.

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  Great little truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SnowBeast - October 3 - 2:40 pm

  Bought new with less than 100 miles after my 94 ranger was totalled by a kid running a light. This truck is a beast in the snow. Winter 06 brought 2 major blizzards here with over 2ft of snow each time within 2 weeks. Had to blast through drifts over 4 ft to get to work. No problem at all. That is even with the crap stock goodyear RT/S tires. Tires started "thumping at 10k. Had to replace pads and rotors at 30k. Repair shop said a caliper was frozen on the right front and chewed throught the rotor. Replaced rotors, pads and calipers over $700. Now the breaks constantly squeak. Besides that have not had any mechanical issues what so ever "knock on wood"

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  Value for money - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Modred - October 2 - 10:23 pm

  When my BMW Z3 M Coupe was destroyed in a fire, I decided to go with the Mustang because the insurance money almost covered the entire cost. My last Mustang was a 91 and obviously, the 2007 is vastly better. The ride is comfortable and fun and the engine delivers. Don´t go expecting true sports-car performance though. The Stang drives like an American car, despite Fords best efforts. Engine response remains slightly sluggish and handling is a bit wobbly. That said, you won´t find better performance or looks for a comparable price anywhere, so some compromise is in order.

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  09 taurus x sel review - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By robert - October 2 - 10:00 pm

  The overall experience with this car is that its adequate. I would rate it better, but for a few glaring shortcomings, mostly associated to poor dealer service, which may not apply to those who have better dealers. The SYNC system is complicated and buggy. Does not interface with certain ipods well. The phone feature has glitches too. Can receive calls but not place calls. SYNC phone reps and dealer cannot figure it out. I dont recommend SYNC. Next problem: half way through model year, Ford changed the oil filter size without notifying aftermarket publications. All books in auto parts stores will direct consumer to get wrong filter if their car was made after 1/16/09.

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  Great value - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By nvbanker - October 2 - 8:22 pm

  This car has given me no trouble whatever. It has taken a lot of abuse from my son, and has kept on ticking. Im very impressed with its performance, and toughness. For the money, its the finest car Ive seen.