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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  Engine Misfire - 2002 Ford F-150
  By hawker - December 10 - 12:01 pm

  At stop lights it misses but at high speed it runs fine. And the dealer keeps telling me thats its fine.

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  My first SUV and I love it. - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Dude - December 10 - 5:33 am

  I am Ford loyal. This Explorer is my 6th Ford vehicle. I love everything about this new Explorer however I do feel there are some improvements that need to be made. 1st the headrests in the middle seat arent so bad but the 3rd row when the seats are up need to be down to see out the back. 2nd the door pulls are too low. I do like how heavy the doors are makes it feel more sturdy. We love the reverse sensing system. The gas mileage could be improved. I traded a 05 Ford Ranger that I was able to get 30+ mpg on highway. Im getting 22 average on the highway, big difference. My wife was sold when she found out that the Explorer came standard with side impact airbags and a 5 star crash test rating.

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  Ford Flex is Outstanding! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mickey Ranyes - December 9 - 7:56 pm

  What a very pleasant surprise from Ford. We chose after a test ride and paid $29,800 out the door. Second and third row legroom is very strong. Vehicle tracks perfectly straight on highway! Safety for rollover on an SUV has to be tops with this car, as center of gravity is lower. Cant believe how much this auto has won us over. Ford is definitely heading in the right direction. Very proud we dropped Mercedes and saved $60,000.

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  Nomorefords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Nofordnomore - December 9 - 4:27 pm

  I have owned two Windstars 95 & 97. Bought the 95 used. Engine blew. Bought a new 99 LX with 4 doors. Justification was the 99 was "redesigned". I learned "redesigned" does not mean "improved" it just means different. All of the same problems everyone else has had.The pinging started at mile 1 off the dealer lot. Blamed many times on bad gas in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. Finally with 74K they replaced intake manifold - on my nickel. What a difference! First time it ran right. Now the tranny problems begin. At 94K traded for used Tahoe.

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  Exploder.. I mean explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Olivia Alyse - December 9 - 2:54 pm

  Personally, I dont care much for the car. Ive spent nearly 2000$ in repairs for it! To begin with, Im a very very cautious driver- Ive never caused any wrecks, but Ive been rear ended. And the car held up well in the collison- but a few times, when turning slowly even or taking a curve, the car nearly flips over and tilts. Other times, it stalls out and the car speedometer is wrong. When compared to other drivers going 40 the explorer seems slower. It also takes forever to accelerate. And its a gas guzzler. It also has a very very very bumpy ride. I swear I could feel a pebble in grass! Not the best car in the world- especially for someone on a budget!

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Done w/FORD - December 9 - 11:54 am

  Bought this Expedition new in 07/1999. Rides great, lots of room, easy to drive, enough power to tow 23 boat w/ease. Electric system is absolutely horrible. All 3 wiper motors, 1 power window, and 1 heated seat have been replaced. Some fuel/air sensor on the engine was replaced. Now all of my warning lights on the dash i.e. 4x4, ABS, and airbag, have lit up. Dealer wants $270 to figure out why. Doesnt include how much to fix the problem. Ive spent more money repairing this 5 year old vehicle than I have on my 15 year old Toyota P/U. I will be trading this in for a Sequoia this week.

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  please someone take this car from me! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Chris Hughes - December 9 - 5:12 am

  This is a very poor choice for a car. It is not fun to drive in the least, the automatic tranny is very unresponsive and unprecise, and the engine has a terrible drone to it. I average anywhere between 18 and 30 mpg. This car only has 38xxx miles on it, never abused, and always properly maintained at the Ford dealership. The interior is actually falling apart, numerous plastic pieces have fallen off including the entire dashboard peeling up.

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  Fusion Meets the Challenge - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Ken Deken - December 9 - 2:43 am

  Surprise! Ford really means it when they say this car can beat the Camry and Accord. Dont take their word for it, give it a try. Eerily quiet, smooth, elegant interior with the leather package, smooth-shifting six- speed automatic, and decent fuel economy at 25 MPG in mixed driving with the V-6.

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  My Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Sonia - December 8 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had my Escort for 6 and a half years. I bought it brand new and it is as reliable today as it was back in June 1998! It has almost 130,000 miles and going strong. It even survived about two years of being used by my wild teenage son. When this car finally retires, I will definately want to buy another Ford. Wish they still had Escorts.

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  Great van - very practical - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By franz182 - December 8 - 10:41 pm

  Great utility and a little luxury go a long way - we have had no issues mechanically with the van. Only minor electrical problems (all under warranty) with the onboard VCR. We have 3 young kids - the remote sliding doors are a godsend. Easy to get in and out of - easy to load up and reasonable comfort and mileage. Great sound system and climate controls. Has stood up quite well for the abuse it has been given. Traction control works great on snowy days - very safe feeling dependable car. We leased it and elected to buy.