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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  Good Truck - 1996 Ford F-350
  By bordercollie - February 29 - 2:00 am

  this is my first truck and it has been a blast to own. The 4x4 works great and this truck tows just about anything you put behind it. The ride is a little stiff, but if Id wanted a car, Id have bought a car.

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  drove till wheels fell off - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By red ranger - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Got this truck from my dad, learned how to drive manual on it, and loved all 5 years I spent in the cockpit. When I wasnt in the woods hunting, I was cruising between AL and FLA, only problem I ever had was an EGR valve. Unfortunately, it was totalled in 10- 03, but the well-built quality probably saved my life, and the body was still strong even after having been through hell, woods, and 118,000 miles. I would reccommend this great truck to anyone, especially with the V6 I had. Every problem I had would usually just fix itself after a week or so. I plan to one day buy another.

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  Worst Purchase Ever - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Krissy254 - February 29 - 2:00 am

  After about two years we started experiencing major promblems. Ive had all of the major belts replaced at least four times. Two power steering pumps within 18 months. Two rack and pinions in less than a year!!! Tie rods, gaskets, several recalled parts, I could go on and on. I was informed at the last monthly mechanic visit that in about 5 months my transmission will be shot. As if this isnt bad enough I have a open door sensor that never turns off and the van makes a extremly loud knocking sound every time I turn the wheel. All in all I will never buy another ford.

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  Millenium Falcon Lives On!!! - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By BCM - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used with 12,000 miles on it senior year of college and has never let me down since. Now has 170,000+ miles on it and still runs strong.

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  A Great Friend - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Highalpine - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought my stang as a 1 year old mid- life fling. Been driving it every summer since. What a blast!. The 5L v8 is powerful and relaiable, if a bit heavy on the gas. NO major repairs in 9 years! Very reliable. If I were really resious about the car, Id probably do something about the suspension ass it does bounce around on rough curvy roads. The sound sysem is great.

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  Good car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Sis - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the most part. Handled well, good in snow, easy to drive, spunky. Repairs over 4 years included new fuel pump, new tie rods three times, one brake job. The last two break downs were almost the end. The CV joint broke, literally, in the middle of the road. No warning that is was bad. That was relatively cheap to repair. But the same week, we had to deal with the engine light on constantly. The code told us something was wrong with the cam shaft. Apparently, this model has the V-tech engine. Cam shaft repairs would be around $800-1000. What to do with trade-in value of $1800 at best? We traded it in and will probably never buy another.

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  Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By bonenzo - February 29 - 2:00 am

  this has been a very reliable truck for me.I had only one problem in three years,the automatic idler sensor which ran me about $300.00 to repair.The styling of this truck is great,I am selling only because I need a pickup.Because of this truck Im going to purchase a new f-250 and hope i have the same luck

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  Worst Car I have Driven - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Cole123448 - February 28 - 11:18 pm

  I have had two Hondas and one Smart Fortwo in my life. This focus is awful compared to the rest. The smart car seemed like a real downgrade from my Hondas but it shines like a gem compared to this piece of garbage. The main thing that I cannot get over is the transmission. Ford, what in gods name possessed you to release a vehicle that drives like this? Every single time you press the accelerator from a red light or stop sign the transmission kicks, jerks, and vibrates through most of first gear. It feels like the transmission is going to slip right out of gear each time and it scares me. I never know when the transmission might go. For being a "dual clutch" its awful. The Germans have been using these transmissions for a long while now and they run beautifully. Why Ford still cannot get it right baffles me. Next is the driving position. I am 63" so my seat is all the way back. I cant look out the window without half of my view being obstructed by the B pillar. And no the back of my seat is not tilted way back. A great looking car with great potential killed by sloppy American engineering.

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  06 Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By cfgfhgfv - February 28 - 8:00 pm

  The only problem we have had with the vehicle is that because it is so quiet deer and elk love to run in front of it. It is getting better mileage then expected for driving in the mountains. Very comfortable to drive with plenty of room for the family.

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  Experience with my Expediton - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Hank Wacker - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Everything, including the electronics were trouble-free. The ride was like a luxury car and gas milage on the highway was a consistent 17mpg. However, when I towed my trailer the mileage and power went drastically down. The 5.4 engine is great, however the rear axle 373 cant handle the load. I suggest that if one wants to tow a 6000 lb. trailer, buy a power stroke diesel (like i just did). Towing with a 5.4/373 axle is not meant for towing much weight (I found). I needed to bring up my rmps to abuot 4000 in 1st gear (automatic) and then go up the big grades at 35 mph.