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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  ok truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By madriver - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Was beginning to notice problems at 43,000 miles with front end noises. Did full brake job on front-end at 37,000(rotors and everything - $400!). Terrible fuel economy 14-15 mpg seeing that my new 4Runner gets 25-26 mpg. Decent truck and fun to drive but go with a toyota

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  Worst Ride Ive Every Had - 2002 Ford Escape
  By EX Owner - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased a 2002 XLT Escape with leather seats in July of 02. We liked the body style of the vehicle and read all of the consumer reports on the vehicle SUV of the Year, etc... This vehicle has to be the worst riding vehicle I have ever been in. The seats are very uncomfortable on long distance trips. Road noise is awful. Interior trim is cheaply designed. Fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired. Finally traded it this past weekend OH HAPPY DAY!!!! At its price, I honestly can not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Very disappointed - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By JAKE - August 22 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased my Ford 500 limited because I liked the roomy interior and gas mileage. The safety features were a plus also. I have always bought Ford trucks and am a loyal customer. This was my 1st Ford car. I have had so many problems with this car I will never by a Ford again. The car has been in the shop 18 times. The dash bubbled the brakes the strut bushings the air cond. The rear bumper cover rust under the hood too many to list all. Strange noises that Ford cant fix or explain. I even tried sueing Ford under lemon law but Texas lemon law states too many miles on the car between repair intervals disqaulify my case. Im still having problems but cant trade because of to much neg. Equity $8,000

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  bad tranny - 2012 Ford Focus
  By john - August 19 - 7:28 pm

  Jumps and grinding noise dont buy dont buy.

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  Depends on when you ask me - 2001 Ford Focus
  By soylentboy - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have often been asked about how I like my car. It looks good and Im in a Ford town. Well, it depends on when you ask me. I find the performance and the handling very good. I had a Miata and i dare say it is somewhat similar. However, I have been plagued with ticky tack problems. Seats, seatbelts, rear defogger, turn signals.....Very disappointed from that standpoint.

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  It is Just Okay - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By DJG - August 17 - 10:56 pm

  We traded in an Excursion for it. Hard to give a 100% unbiased review. I miss my Excursion; this just doesnt compare (I know it isnt apples to apples) but I wish I hadnt made the trade.

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  Could be better - 2004 Ford Escape
  By martilk - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Seems reliable and comfortable enough, but has a horrid turing radius and a puny gas tank. The leather seats seem like naughahyde.

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  Does Ford Care? - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Fred - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for just over two years. While the ride is fine, its just not the same quality that my 1992 Taurus was. I am at present without vehicle due to serious transmission problems which FORD feels are mine alone. This is not the fist problem with this vehicle either. Im not so sure that Quality is No. 1 but pretty sure customer satisfaction is dead last.

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  The Good, The Bad - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Hasbeen - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this new and enjoyed it for 3yrs. I liked all the room I had for my junk. Great in snow in 4x4 and ABS was able to bring me to a stop quickly too. Had a few mechanical problems though. I had to have something fixed with the idle (kept stalling). Had to have the back wiper replaced and the running boards replaced due to pre- mature rust. All these were replaced while under warranty so no cost to me. Firestones were replaced too; those tires were much to big for this car and made the ride bouncy and at times and feel unstable, the Goodyears made ride somewhat better but I was still a bit concerned about rollovers.

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  johns 97 f150 4 x 4 ford pickup - 1997 Ford F-150
  By john norcia@aol.com - August 12 - 10:00 am

  bought this truck new, both torsion bars have broke tie rod went while i was driving it and i lost my steering.and transfer box had crack in it.i am going to trade it in for a tundra. this truck was not even beat on on only has 68,000miles on it.