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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  I Love This Car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By woods - February 6 - 7:52 pm

  I cant say enough good things about this car - I love it, even at 140,000 miles! We did have the dashboard problem that was fixed via recall, but this car just keeps going and going like the Energizer bunny. The 5-speed manual transmission is very smooth when shifting. The car corners very well, handles very well in snow, and gets great gas mileage (around 34 mpg). Im extremely disappointed that Ford no longer makes this model, or anything comparable in a 5 speed manual transmission.

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  Most Disappointing Vehicle I have owned - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Rob - February 6 - 6:47 pm

  Requires the most maintenance of any vehicle I have owned. Timing chain tensioner (twice), emission control pump, ball joints (all), intake manifold gaskets, transmission valve assembly, O2 sensors (twice), required new transmission at 94K, the list goes on ... Some of these were covered under warranty. FORD so far has been unwilling to back the transmission. I had the vehicle into a FORD dealer at least 5 times between 30k and 75K (when the extended warranty ran out) and every time I was told that it was OK. Transmission failed at 94K. Pretty poor for a vehicle that is used as a daily driver and only hauled a small aluminum boat on a handful of occasions. Will NEVER buy another FORD.

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  I love this truck. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By steepndeep - February 6 - 6:16 pm

  This Ranger is a great vehicle. It shows that Ford has really stepped up their products since the 80s. I could have paid 1000s more for a less powerful but otherwise equal Toyota. But why would I? Good handling, quiet ride, plenty of power for towing and handling medium loads like jet skis and medium trailers with considerable weight. The only thing I dont like is that something in the interior rattles when I play a song with much base, but I just turn up the music a little and then I dont even hear it.

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  2005 F-150 SuperCrew - 2005 Ford F-150
  By dironk - February 6 - 6:16 am

  It has been a very good truck. I like driving it better than my wifes Infiniti FX-35. She likes riding in it better too. Anytime I ask her which one we are going to take she always says the truck, its more comfortable. I wished it got a little better mileage; Im getting 17 to 20. My 2001 SuperCrew got a little better mileage, ran a lot better and had zero problems with it also.

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  This Vehicle Stinks - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By kc - February 6 - 5:10 am

  When I purchased this Ford Escape I was excited and went out on my ranch and got stuck in 3" of snow on a dirt road. That isnt the only time I got stuck in snow either; 2 more times in parking lots. First time up skiing and the second at a mall where a Cadillac pulled me out of my parking spot. The arm rest on the door of the drivers side is made of plastic; after driving a few days my elbow hurt and I could not figure out why. Then I realized that it was because of this arm rest.

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  Happy Bout My Bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By tbirdman - February 5 - 8:55 pm

  After drooling over her for a month at the dealership, I couldnt help but take her home. This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. The hardtop / softtop feature allows for variety according to the seasons. It has wonderful power and handling. It is definitely a head-turner.

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  Beware! Faulty Transmission! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Lisa Brannon - February 5 - 2:42 pm

  Ive learned my lesson: DO YOUR HOMEWORK. If I had researched the Ford Windstar more thoroughly, I would have known about its history of transmission system failure due to poor design. Ford could not be more apathetic. Ive read numerous tales of enraged consumers who have appealed to Ford only to have Ford Customer Service reps turn a deaf ear. My 99 Windstar is curently no more than a lawn ornament. I cant afford to put a THIRD transmission in it. (Yes, I did say the transmission has already been replaced once, at 43,000 miles. It just conked out at 74,000 miles.) DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!

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  Still Going Strong - 2000 Ford Contour
  By ALS - February 5 - 2:41 pm

  This is an update of the review I wrote back in 2003. Since then I put another 50K on it and would expect to be close to 200K by year end. Im talking HARD miles - over road, country roads, sub zero weather, construction sites, any abuse you can imagine. Only expense since last review - tires, brakes & oil changes. Now, as would expect of a car at this price level, with the service its seen, Its virtually falling apart as I drive it (door handles, interior, power windows, trunk latch). But... It still gets up and goes every day, and Im not afraid to go anywhere with it.

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  shosrock - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Dave Kucbel - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive been quite satisfied with my purchace,Its pretty funny to pull up to a car and rev the Engine and they give you a look like look at this kid driving his mommys Taurus.Little do they know theres a 235hp v8 under the hood. Then when you beat them they either turn at the next street or they ask me about it at the next light. Most of them ask if I got turbo,I just laugh and say "no its just ford"

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By steve p - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for about 6 months . I bought used with 22000 miles on and put on about 6000 miles no problems.It has a nice ride and comfortable to drive. The only thing i would like to have in it is the 24 valve duel overhead cam engine for a little bit more power. But it is not all that bad.I took of the firestone affinity and put on bridgestone RE950 what a big difference in ride and fantastic handeling.