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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  Apparently, I got a good one - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Family Guy - August 29 - 2:10 pm

  When our second child arrived I relented and purchased a minivan..Looked at several others but the Windstar SEL had the most room, the most luxurious interior, and because someone else ate the initial depreciation hit it was also the most reasonably priced for year/miles/options. I paid $9500 cash for our loaded SEL w/ 68K. In a little over 3 years of ownership and 33,000 miles I have replaced the following: Battery, Front tires, Temp sensor, and 1 headlight, thats it. Cant complain about $400 in repairs over a 3 year period. We are averaging 20.5 mpg since we got it and I see no need to replace it even though it just turned 100K. Treat it right and it will do the same to you~

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  The right choice - 2010 Ford E-Series Van
  By John Welch - August 29 - 11:24 am

  Wanted a van that, after conversion to an RV w/ pop-up roof, fit in our garage. Looked at and drove Chevy cargo and base Sprinter before deciding that the E-250 w/5.4 V8 was the best overall value. Just 1600 miles so far and am very happy with the 14.6 overall millage, power and comfort (power drivers seat). Sportsmobile did the conversion to a 4 sleeper and we are happy campers.

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  The only compact left, and better for it - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By BR - August 29 - 2:15 am

  This was my first new vehicle, my first four cylinder, and my first stick shift. I made the right choice. I bought the truck because of what it was, basic, inexpensive, and frugal. The turn signal stalk split at the mold seam at 12,000 miles, but thats not a big deal. Its 2wd but it will make it through deep mud, just dont stop. Ive got a K&N filer and a Flowmaster exhaust installed which added very usable low/mid range power. Im not a Ford guy, I grew up in a GM household. This little truck grows on you, my dad even likes it. Not bad for an old design is it?

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  silverbird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By silverbird - August 28 - 8:22 pm

  4 years ago I needed a second car to keep from putting too many miles on my Expedition. I bought my 96 ford thunderbird used with only 30,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable and is very comfortable to drive.Best used car I have ever owned. The 4.6 V8 gets great gas mileage, it rides smooth and still looks great. I am totally sold on Ford products now and look forward to owning many more in the future.

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  Big improvemnet over previous Ford C car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By peter - August 28 - 9:25 am

  Big improvement in driving dynamics and nvh over previous foci. Well equipped for price. exterior styling is a hit or miss affair. I would prefer something a little less daring. Not crazy about squarish look on front bumper cover and hood line seems a little contrived. Havent had car for long but NVH seems good and based on past experience with Ford dont expect many service issues. Good gas mileage for a "heavy" C car. Ford has spent a lot of effort to tweak gas mileage performance.

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  A good SUV - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By DS - August 28 - 9:25 am

  The Expedition is a great truck for traveling with the family. The gas mileage makes it an expensive daily commuter. The major problems I have had with this truck are blown spark plugs and the emergency brake. So far I have repaired three spark plugs and replaced three coil packs. Two in my driveway and one in the Appellation Mountains behind a parts store. All repairs where with the Helicoil save a thread kit 5334-14 and a little quick set hi temp lock tight. It takes about an hour for the repair and $40. So far I have about 30K to 40K on the repairs. The emergency brake repair parts are a dealer item only and are sold as a complete kit. The other problems where from normal wear and tear.

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  Great little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By LMK - August 27 - 11:21 pm

  This little truck continues to amaze myself and those around me. I use this truck at work all day every day. (I work in construction) It is always hauling machines, tools, supplies and debris of all sorts. This truck is slow, gutless and outdated, yet it is the most reliable and affordable vehicle Ive ever owned. It gets great fuel economy. (25 city and 31 highway if you baby it) Ive had one check engine light in this truck~ caused by a rotted vacuum line. This one repair cost me all of $.89 to repair. Other than regular upkeep, thats all Ive put into her. I have no complaints and would love to purchase another.. soon.

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  ooops... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ryan - August 26 - 8:24 pm

  I have had my Fusion now for 3 1/3 years. The blinkers lights are always going out. Last year the the AC went out right in the middle of the Texas Summer. Some sensor was out, was still covered under the warranty so didnt cost anything. A year later (the next summer) my check engine light comes on. Yes, I take car in for its regular checkup always. Anyway the car starts to putter act like it doesnt want to go when I hit the gas. I opted to buy the extended warranty. Turns out the fuse coil is burned up and seems to have short someplace, still in shop. Not at all happy. Suppose be fairly new car to have these problems. May not be covered under the extended warranty.

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  Crappy Sun Visor - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Wojo - August 26 - 12:37 pm

  Although almost everything on my Escape Hybrid is great I have had problems with the sun visors since I bought it. On the drivers side, where I need it the most, it has come loose and had to be replaced about once every two years! As it is no longer under warranty it is about $100 to do this, which is in itself outrageous. Although I like the vehicle, if Ford can not fix this I will be looking into a different vehicle. I refuse to pay this for a problem that has been identified by many and not fixed.

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  No complaints - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By NAD - August 26 - 2:58 am

  Bought new now has 126K miles. Original tran. replaced under warranty at 35k miles. Since then its been a pretty good vehicle. Very capable off-road vehicle. Still has original fact. wheel alignment! Does not come close to overheating in the most extreme conditions even when towing. Since resale value seems to be so low suspect Ill drive it till it drops