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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  Money Pit of Vans - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Doug K - April 4 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased this van used, with 39K miles. My family had outgrown a SUV, so we went with the Windstar. After 2 months, I needed a power steering pump. Now it is making that groaning noise again. At 53K the transmission completely failed. It cost me $2,200 for a rebuilt, and Ford told me that they would not help. I am getting rid of this van as quickly as possible. I may never buy a Ford again.

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  Love this new car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By meagan - April 4 - 4:30 pm

  I had to trade in my 2003 Mustang for something that would hold a car seat and all of the baby gear. This car does not make me regret that trade. While it isnt as meaty, it has some pick up and feels light and easy to maneuver down the road. This has been a great car so far.

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  Cathys Max - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By Cathy - April 4 - 11:52 am

  The energi version is the one we bought as the higher price was offset by the government tax rebate - thus the upgrade was free. However, this is our run-around-town car, so the limited trunk space wasnt a problem. If space is essential, stay with the hybrid version. Our car will go about 16-20 miles on the battery only, just depends on the time of year (less in the cold weather).

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  Rock on Ford! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By bordercollie - April 3 - 10:58 pm

  If you are looking for a car with an affordable price tag, good fuel economy, and good looks, look no farther. This car is way better than a Focus or Escort for looks and style, way safer, has decent power (for a V6), and still gets 27 mpg. Sure it doesnt have the power of the awesome V8, but I wasnt looking for a racer, I was looking for decent MPG and good looks this car has both. And it still has the great Mustang name. Why buy a Taruas or Focus when this car is out there?

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  A worthy choice - 2002 Ford Escape
  By jb - April 3 - 4:22 pm

  Our 02 Escape has been pretty good to us. We have had to bring it in for service multiple times on some recurring problems/nuisances that didnt affect the way the car handles (loose air bag light wires, driver visor mirror, jammed CD changer). Overall this SUV is perfect for our family of 4 (2 adults, two young boys). In hindsight, should have bought leather seats since the cloth gets too dirty with the kids. Plenty of cargo room for large stroller, luggage, etc. V6 engine is a must. V4 (tested, not purchased) was way weak.

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  I love it.. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Joel - April 3 - 1:39 pm

  I have had fun driving this truck. My only complaint is the gallon/miles for gas. I love the hinged doors, gives you plenty of room. The 2 things I do not like are the rattling around the glove box area, and it is a little sluggish with only a 3.0 V6 in it.

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  good to very good - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By wayne rollison - April 3 - 1:28 pm

  Ive had very good traction in 4wd with this truck off road on log trails and in mud and snow but it lacked a little in 2wd. Also it does not lack for power as the 4.0 v6 is plenty for what Ive needed.

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  First Ford and I LOVE IT! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By REP515 - April 3 - 12:23 pm

  This Edge was my first Ford and first SUV. In the past, IÂ’ve owned traditional 4-door cars, unusually foreign made. I donÂ’t think itÂ’s possible for me to express how happy I am with this Edge! The ride is smooth and very comfortable and it has a great 3.5 V6 paired with a smooth 6 speed transmission. I test drove the new 2007 Outlander, which couldnÂ’t hold a candle to this new Edge.

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  I love my Ford! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Sean McKenzie - April 3 - 3:52 am

  I am in construction as is my Ford Expedition we both handle it very well. It has all the power I need for towing yet a very smooth ride that my 6 month old daughter enjoys. It sticks to wet or even icy roads well and takes mud and rough terrain with ease. I change the oil and keep up on scheduled maintenance and it has never hinted at any mechanical problems to date. I realize it is not the funnest task to wrestle the third seat out if you need the extra space but other than the weight of the seat itself it unlatches nicely. I have 5 children who love riding in "daddys big truck" and would never put them in anything that I was not sure about. I am SURE about my Expedition.

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  125,000 trouble-free miles.. - 2003 Ford Escort
  By crashnburn - April 3 - 1:50 am

  I owned a 2001 ZX2 and put 125,000 miles on it. It was absolutely unbreakable - that is until a minivan hit it recently and now its toast. Heres the repair history: New tires at 90,000 miles (thats right, the stock tires made it 90k!), brake pads at 100,000 miles, and the only mechanical problem was an alternator at 110,000. I used synthetic oil at every oil change and the motor still ran like brand new. The only complaints I can say about this car is that its loud at highway speeds (a lot of wind and engine noise) and a pretty cheesy interior design, but Ill gladly accept those problems for a car thatll run forever. Im gonna miss it.