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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  Great daily driver... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By 6spdGTO - August 23 - 11:45 am

  I have owned my Explorer for a year and a half now, with no major problems. I bought it to take my GTO off the road. It needed some work at the time of purchase: Front wheel bearings, a starter, thermostat, IAC motor, brakes and BF Goodrich All- Terrain tires. Recently, the transmission began acting up, but it is most likely an issue with a shift solenoid and separator plate gasket which is common in these models. Should be an easy fix. Due to its short wheelbase, it also offroads great and is fun to drive in the snow or snotty mud. Over all, a great truck. After I drive the wheels off of this one, I will certainly buy another.

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  One year in, and still enjoying it. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JR - August 22 - 11:58 am

  I had a 1995 Explorer when I was in high school and it had been awhile since Id had an SUV so when we had the great gas crisis of 2008 I thought I could get into another one cheaply. Since I was buying used, I didnt care what the resale value was and this Explorer was a deal I couldnt pass up. Its been trouble free and very handy.

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  Sport fun, sore right elbow - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By JOHN GEORGE - August 22 - 6:29 am

  Love the car in every respect. One change should be made, that is the middle console does not give elbow enough shifting room without hitting.

• 

  Solid Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By bjman71 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with the car. Other than the recalls, which are fine as long as they fix the problem, the only negative is that the tires and brakes wear out far too quickly (30,000 miles). Car is enjoyable and has had no need for a mechanic other than routine maintenance.

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  ZTW - 2000 Ford Focus
  By HRW - August 22 - 2:00 am

  After 36k mi, only two issue to report. I had a sensor go bad on the engine at 12k. Replaced under warranty. The original right rear tire wore unevenly. Otherwise, this car has been good to me. The wagons cargo space has come in handy many times. The engine power is adequate, although more power would be nice. The advance trac is wonderful in the snow. So far. my ZTW has been a good car.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mark - August 21 - 9:30 pm

  Bought our 2008 Escape used with only 8000km on it. No real problems except bad gas mileage. The gas tank is too small and no matter how easy I drive this car I cant even get 500km on a tank. I should be at least getting 600km on a tank. Only had it in to the dealer for regular oil changes and one warranty problem. Has a whining sound now that I have to get checked.

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  It was great at first. . . - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Denise M. - August 21 - 7:09 pm

  This is my 8th car, 2nd new car and first American made car. Initially I was elated with my purchase and glad that I decided to buy American. I drive 100 miles round trip 5 days a week. The drive home in my roomy and comfortable Fusion was something I looked forward. And I only have to buy gas twice a week. Fast forward 10 months,I just had to get a new transmission and I am going online later to find a condenser. The condenser issue really could have happened to anyone,(so they say)a little rock bounced into it . It is just annoying that it happened 3 days after the transmission was replaced. Now everyday I dread the ride to and from work, wondering what will go wrong next

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  Reality Check - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Brett - August 21 - 3:46 pm

  The fellow complaining about his resale value is blaming someone else for his own lack of research. I bought mine to drive until the wheels fall off, so depreciation wasnt an issue. I knew about it going in. The complaint in the Vehicle Overview that the car is large and unwieldy is absurd. Compared to a full-sized SUV this thing is like a Miata to drive and park. The alloy suspension pieces, power rack and pinion steering, and the 17" alloys make it handle like a 5-series BMW. If Ford spent another $100 in materials inside the cabin, dropped the 300HP 3 valve engine in the LX Sport and actually _marketed_ the bloody thing, they could sell a ton of them. Who cares about the 300C?

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  A good friend - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Bruce - August 21 - 12:11 pm

  This truck has been so reliable and great looking I hate to trade it in for another one. The radio has a rich sound, I just put the 3rd set of tires on it at 110,000 miles. I have not done any suspension work except shocks. I have used synthetic oil every 6,000 miles and have never had to add any oil between changes. Its a good friend

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  Scaring me - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Jim - August 21 - 10:58 am

  I bought my Escape in June of 2008. I drove to Daytona Beach, Florida from Mechanicsville, Virginia and was ecstatic. Drove beautifully and the radio (Sirius) was great until they (Sirius) changed the channel lineup. However, I have had the vehicle in the shop 3 or 4 times for a rattle in the back of the car. The dealer cannot find the problem and keeps giving it back to me and it keeps rattling. Other than that I am pleased with it. Does any body else have any rattles they cannot get rid of?