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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  1993 Ford Tempo Gl automatic 103K - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Libby Strickland - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is of poor quality. The parts wear out quickly and are not durable. I cannot wait to get another car. I would only get another Ford if it was brand new or relatively new.

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  Do not buy a Ford Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By bcorgn - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Took care of my Ford Windstar with regular maintenance and oil changes. At 69,000 miles, mechanic now tells me I need to spend $1400 dollars on replacing the head gasket...a "common" problem, but Ford has issued no recalls. Cannot belive there is not a class action law suit yet on this common problem. Do yourself a favor and buy a Toyota or Honda.

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  Tempo -rary - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By originalowner - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Over 100k, this has been a fairly reliable, american car. My list: partial tranny $700 80K brakes 40,90 window lifters 6 of them (that sucked) tie rod, susp $400 70 starter $125 100 radiator pending a/c small fix thing Anyone who rips the Tempo probably is expecting too much from life. Anyone who praises the Tempo too much is delusional. I agree with the review that called this a good cheap car. Good for your High School kid to ruin.

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  Good and Bad - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By meridian - October 19 - 2:00 am

  After 46000 miles and 3 years I have had to have over $1200 in repairs not to mention dumping a $1000 a year into it every year since Ive had it. It just hasnt held up. While the exterior looks great, the engine is lacking, a lot of misfires and sluggish performance, and suspension problems now. Its a nice vehicle, the ride is fine, interior quality is ok, the build quality just hasnt held up well.

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  Unhappy Owner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Branden Mattson - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Very dissatisfied with the Ford Expedition. Front brake dust will drive any consumer crazy. Fuel mileage is below average for the rating, about 10 MPG. Quality isn,t there from the wind noise in the windows to the rubbing of the wheels when you turn sharp. Agree with the back trunk room and the groceries falling out when you open the back tailgate. Most of all the trade in value after only a short time.

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  POS Car.....I got a pos car! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By JCU - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased with 22K miles on the ticker. It wasnt long before I knew the relability of Ford products are poor. To make a long story short, in 78K miles of driving, it needed a new tranny ($2500) and a replacement engine ($3500). By the way, the engine failed due to a known design flaw on the camshaft sprocket which Ford wouldnt admit to. Now at 125K miles, only 50K since the last tranny, it needs replacing yet again. This car was never beat on or abused. It is a Taurus for gods sake. This car has never treated me good and quite honestly, I will never purchase another Ford product.

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  Dont buy this truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Ford POS - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 99 with 22k miles. While it has never broken down once, the smaller problems are really annoying. Interior lights will not go out. Truck will hardly run on 87 octane so we use 93 always. Has the small 4 banger which has 8 spark plugs, only 4 of which I can get to without removing the intake manifold. Rear suspension design is so poor that a moderate size bump will throw the truck into the other lane. Everyone I know with this truck has these same problems. Now at 104K miles, it needs new front wheel bearings. CD player quit at 35k. I dont understand why Edmunds has this truck in its "Top Ten" list.

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  Loved it at first............BUT - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Foxxii - October 17 - 10:00 am

  When I first bought it, I really loved it. After a while, I wasnt so sure. With 3 children, it was very hard for them to enter and exit back seat. Not to mention the gas mileage stinks! I have recently looked into trading this vehicle and I must say that the trade in value of this SUV is very depressing. I will lose thousands of dollars. But it will be well worth it for me to get out of this thing! The ride is terrible. Feels like youre driving a truck! A/C doesnt work very well in extreme heat either. My overall rating of this vehicle is VERY POOR. Oh, I also forgot to mention that the rear window, where you open the back is leaking also.

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  My Review - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Kj - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a great 4WD vehicle, but with poor gas milage.

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  I despise this car - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By KSimmons - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when we lived overseas in Germany and we needed up upgrade from a sedan. It has been an almost constant source of disappointment. Weve had to replace the transmission sensor, rework the brakes twice (in one year), and countless other things. Who makes pistons out of plastic?! Im not a heavy braker, so Im not sure what the problem is. I also dislike the fact that the van will routinely stall. That makes me feel very unsafe. The mechanic at the dealer could find no cause for this problem. Im looking for a vehicle to replace this piece of garbage!