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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  1999ford escort se - 1999 Ford Escort
  By billy bob banker - September 18 - 2:00 am

  purchased this car new. replaced the rear blinker bulb 2 times. and replaced the battery after 3 years. replaced the brake pads at 30,000 miles. i have changed the oil& filter every 2500-3000 miles and air cleaner every 3rd oil change. i had the cooling system flushed at 25,000 miles. this car has had no major problems and has performed consistently for the 5 years +. a car you can rely on.

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  like a Lincoln/Cadillac - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Eric Loudermilk - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Fully equipped, looks & feels of a LINCOLN or Cadillac. Luxury-Versatile- Flexible/ all the features of a great SUV & convenience of a truck. Surprised & impressed w/the drive & feel of this Ford. Great power. Silver-Birch looks Classic but Sporty. Replaced the tonneau cover cause of leaks-no problems w/ replacement. Ask for door adjustments cause of wind noise. Clicking/grinding in the front turning the wheel all the way to the right or left in turns. Other owners say the same thing. Overall good value.Back Seat equally comfortable for passengers- you dont know youre in a truck. MPG 17 city 20 hwy. Side-Steps a must for this vehicle.

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  2001 King Ranch - HAIL THE KING! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Rockpick - September 18 - 2:00 am

  One of the most luxurious trucks that youll ever sit in... your tush will cry out when it comes in contact with the plush Castano King Ranch Leather. This is a top of the line truck with a top of the line feel!

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  Super ride! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Mr. Skywalker - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had numerous F-150s over the years, this one carries on the tradition of quality vehicles. The motor has plenty of pickup, nice bodystyle, easy to reach control panels. The only drawback so far has been erratic transmission shifting (has Ford ever made a decent transmission?).

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  get the 4.6l v-8 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By tkbnmkkk - September 18 - 2:00 am

  the 4.0l v-6 with the 3.73 axle and tow pkg is ok, but in elevation it tends to down shift too frequently for my tastes. Fortunately, i was on vacation and usually dont drive in hilly terrain. Still, in hindsight, i would have bought the 4.6l v-8 for the little extra $ and little difference in gas mileage.

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  Great Experience - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By civicadk4 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy to have purchased this truck. I used to tell myself that Is never buy American, and would never buy a Ford. Well as soon as I saw and drove the 2003 Explorer I wanted it. It has a good amount of power, a lot of room and rides like a dream...much better then a 4runner.

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  Well it,s a Ford! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Steelersrule - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I hated Ford since the purchase date because they promised repainting due to "acid rain issue" but never followed through. Overall my XL served well but no options causes a quick lack of interest. Choose wisely.

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  High Expectations...but.... - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By teddyp27 - September 17 - 6:07 pm

  I thumbed through a lot of the reviews on Edmunds.com and it seems like we are experiencing a lot of the same things. We ordered our CMax with dreams of high MPG and ruled out a Mazda CX5 solely because of it. Had I known wed be averaging low-to-mid 30s overall I think I would have bought the Mazda instead. We follow all of the recommended driving behaviors but the fact is "highway" really means 70+ MPH (not 60 when EPA standards were written) and some of the nation (even Dearborn, MI) has cold weather. We will be happy if we can get it to about 40 mpg now that we are past the legendary 500 mile "break in period".

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  9-Months and 42,000 miles on the CMAX Energi - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By middleof - September 17 - 3:02 pm

  I purchased my Energi in August 2013. So far the car has been flawless other than some bugs in the "Sync" system that have been fixed by a software update. I typically drive 200 miles per day on Southern California freeways commuting to various construction sites. I often drive into Los Angeles, the deserts and mountains for work. This car is very comfortable at freeway speeds, where I drive with the flow of traffic, often 80 mph. At the speeds I drive and distances between charges, I am very happy with my 42+ mpg. I am by no means a hyper-miler, and I carry hundreds of pounds of gear in the car every day.

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  favorable - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Brian D. Brown - September 17 - 6:16 am

  My Ford Five-Hundred Limited has a spacious interior and a very smooth ride. The command seating gives me the feeling of having an advantage over drivers who are seated closer to the ground in other cars. Im finding that my mileage is hovering around the low estimate of 19mpg in the city, but on the open road it gets well into the estimated 29mpg range. Curves are handled deftly and the interior "noise" is less than Ive experienced with other Fords. I feel there is great value in my car considering its relatively low price and so far Im quite pleased with it. Reverse sensors & front and side airbags increase my confidence regarding the safety of the vehicle.