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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  works for me - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dipit - August 9 - 10:00 am

  For my need`s this little gem has so far done ok.It`s Defiaately not a pick up and Not a true 4x4 suv.For commuting 70 miles a day and carrying my wife wheelchair it not bad> the ride could be better and so could the handling. but all and all I like it.

• 

  Fix My Ford - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By DBA - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased brand new and has been in the Ford shop on the average twice a month. I have 85,000 miles on it and putting on the 5th set of tires. There are rotated every 3000 miles at the oil change. It has had one electical problem after another. The leather started looking worn after the first year. We have only Ford cars and trucks and this Expidition has by far been the worst.

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  Finally getting out from under this - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Jacki S - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Have had bad luck with this one. Replaced rear wiper motor, ball joints, tie rod ends, ignition relay, water pump, mass air flow sensor, and am on my fourth trip to the tranny shop at 103K miles. This van ditched our family of five twice driving from NY to SC for vacations. Owe more on it now than I can get in trade in, have to roll extra into new loan. I want to stay in an American made vehicle but am very disappointed with reliablity of this van. Typical problems with overhead lights/door ajar dummy lights, overall rattling, lost a hubcap, bad springs, excessive brake work, on and on.

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  Last Ford Ill ever buy - 2004 Ford Escape
  By J.L. - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003 New Ford Escape in Virginia Beach at Beach Ford.It was a nightmare. Very poor service and very rude service managers. Could not get a call back from the sales manager or general manager (I paid cash for the car). Milage is way below what it is supposed to be. Ford Corp would do nothing, Beach Ford would do Nothing.It got 14 miles per gallon the first year and has improved to a whopping 20 or so the next year. I have been very disappointed in the vehicle, dealership and Ford Corp. The passenger door would not close and the windshield leaked when I bought the car. Both Beach Ford and the national Ford did very little.

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  Liberty vs Escape-no comparison - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LJAS - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I received an Escape XLT as a company vehicle and was highly disappointed! It is more like a minivan than an SUV! The vehicle has a weak 4WD, boring and cheap looking interior, and does not seem sturdy. My new Jeep Liberty Limited on the other hand, has a nice looking leather and chrome interior, sturdy ride with a strong 4WD and is a pleasure to drive. There is absolutely NO COMPARISON! I dont know why the Escape is getting good reviews? It is a minivan with 4WD!

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  Alright Value - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Blake Rickels - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I think they are alright for the money. It doesnt do anything great but it does do it. It will get you there and back. If your looking for a great all around truck I wouldnt choose it as the one.

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  Time to move on - 1996 Ford Contour
  By kitties6 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  As a commuter car (500+miles per week) my contour has held up well. I have had problems with the sensors (too many to note), transmission (111,000), air conditioner, and wheel bearings (70,000 and 120,000). At 145000 miles I never thought it would last this long.

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  Just another flawed design - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Bill Wilson - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Over $1200.00 in repairs to figure out that Ford changed the valve covers causing oil to be sucked into the intake manifold and ruin all the seals and gaskets. Lots of electrical problems w/ lights that come on from short circuits. Very bad design flaws. Slider doors dont stay lined up. To many bad things to list... stuck with a worthless, badly designed lemon.

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  DONT BOTHER WITH THE FORD - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By rick welliver - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Dont even bother looking. We have had countless recalls. Had to fix something at 38k right after warranty expired, dealership met us 1/2 way on a 900.00 bill. Squeeks everywhere, door leaks.. Car rolls SIGNIFICANLTY after it is placed in park DANGEROUS... ALso groans and moans when you turnt he wheel. I am told it might have a crack in the manifold, WHICH IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I will never buy another Ford again.

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  Not a Bad Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By wyomingwapiti - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I was sceptical when I bought our 98 Taurus SE in 1999 sold as a "program car". I figured I would be throwing money into this car since Taurus didnt have a very good track record in the past. I now have 97,000 miles on the car and it is still going strong. Never had any problems whatsover.Gas mileage is still about 27-30 mpg highway and considerable less in city. I have the DOHC engine which I recommend. Lots of power. I do not like the styling of this car...looks like a bubble. Like the styling of the 2000 and newer Taurus. This is no Lexus or Infinity, so it does have squeeks and rattles and doesnt have a very good ride quality, but I am all ab