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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  Fixing it all the time - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By guy from NH - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable, but has been in the shop over 10 times everything from the steering rack to sensors. Will never buy one again. Extended warranty has turned out to be worth it with this vehicle!!! Nobody should have to be paying a hefty car payment and hefty repair bills at the same time. Actually had smoke pouring from the steering column once. The multi- function switch apparently melted!!!

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  taken for a ride - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By e dodson - February 16 - 2:00 am

  GO GET A TOYOTA, THEY ARE CHEAPER AND THERE TWICE THE TRUCK. AND BEST OF ALL YOU WONT HAVE TO DEAL WITH DISHONEST PEOPLE. IF YOU JUST HAVE TO BUY A FORD TRUCK STAY AWAY FROM HAYWARD FORD, OR YOU COULD BE VERY SORRY LIKE ME.

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  2000 ZX3 vs 2008 S 2 dr - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Wayne Hulsey - February 15 - 1:40 am

  Had to replace my 2000 due to being totaled. Loved the car. To me they ruined it for 2008. No hatchback available. Sort of ugly clunky styling outside and inside is worse. The dash layout is very poor and unfriendly compared to the original. My elbow is sore from wacking the console bin when I shift. No spare tire which is really unaceptable in AZ due to our weather and cell phones dont work in lots of places. The Vista Blue color is nice (best thing on car), but miss my bright Autumn Orange. Ugly hubcaps. Basic sound system is better sounder then 2000. Seat bottom not adjustable like the 2000. Just not happy with car by comparison, can say I wish Id bought the 2005 ZX3 that they had now.

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  Love it but not a keeper - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jnttsikes - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck and how it drives... I have had more problems mecanicaly than any other vehicle I have ever owned. I am a fifty year old female and I have had many vehicles. This was the first time I have ever worn out a set of brakes at 19 thousand miles, as well as go threw to the roter. That was a quick $400 out of my pocket. The rebuilt the transmition at 15 thousand. I had to have it towed in because it left ma stranded and would not get back going.... That all started about 8 thousand miles...

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  Dont spend your money - 2001 Ford Escape
  By escapefromtheescape - February 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice looking car that performs well. The quality is persistently poor. The car has had a leaky roof, broken rear gate latch, malfunctioning rear storage cover, broken cigarette lighter, extremely rough running, herky jerky engine, broken spark plug coil, a recall for seatbelt tensioners that did not work, and the seats stain easily even after Scotchguard. I will never buy another Ford again.

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  Problems, Problems - 2003 Ford Escape
  By bizmark - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new, right off the lot at a dealership 50 miles from home. Within two days there was a problem--the vehicle had a hole in the radiator right off the lot! With less than 10,000 miles a front wheel bearing went out. And now the thing kills sometimes if your foot is off the gas. I have to drive it with my right foot on the gas and my left on the brake when it is acting this way because every time you take your foot off the gas--even if moving in traffic--it will kill the engine. I had similar problems with a Ford in the past and now I think I wont ever own another one.

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  My family bought 21 Fords but no more! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By MyLastFord - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 1999 FORD Expedition4X4. At 7500 miles the transmission began to slip. Parkway Ford in WS,NC couldnt keep it from slipping. Because of our loyalty for 26 years, they gave me a KILLER! deal on a 2000 Eddie Bauer 4X4. Thank God I purchased the extended warranty. At 53000 miles the engine went bad. After replacement, I attempted to trade for another Eddie Bauer 4X4 which would have been my familys 22nd Ford. You can imagine my suprise when they only offered $19,000 for trade in. Lucky for me the local Chevy dealership gave me $4,500 more to purchase my first GM product. Shame on you FORD & Parkway for not honoring a loyal customer.

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  My last ford ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Ernie Votava - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Problems: head gasket door chimes (all the time) wipers work sometimes check engine half the time seat belts broke in back HUGE cruise off button was easy to accidentally hit this was the first vehicle ever that I had to look at the radio to do anything with it. Volume, on/off, presets, every button was the same size and feel. F.O.R.D: Full Of Retarded Design.

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  Dont make my Mistake - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By No Ford - February 7 - 2:00 am

  At 55,000 miles we had a major transmission problem and simultaneously the enginge blew! During the next 10,000 miles it has been in the shop more days than out. It currently sits in the shop to have $2,000+ of transmission repairs completed. Ford could care less and has done nothing to help compsenate after persistant follow- up on my part. I strongly urge careful consideration and research prior to purchase of a Ford product.

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  LOUD wind noise - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By derf - February 4 - 10:26 pm

  I had a 94 4.0 reg. cab with 170,000. Excellent truck. I traded it in for a 2002 extended cab 4.0. The driver seat is breaking down. Ill need to take it in for them to build it back. The worst is that is is loud on the road over 55 mph. I get a bad wind noise between the doors. The truck seems "thin" because when Im on the highway, the ground noise picks up. I really dont like the noise level. I wonder if some it is cause of th Firestone tires.