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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  Terriffic Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By grmsky - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my Explorer. I feel very safe in it which is very important when traveling with babies. I have never had anything go wrong with the vehicle. It drives great in the snow and even with AWD, I still get about 18 mpg around town as I dont do much highway driving.

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  Great Ride & Good Value - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mboard - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Explorer because it is comfortable and safe (Ford has resolved the rollover/tires issues that may have scared some in years past). Im impressed with the quality and the ride. The interior room is exceptional for its size and the stereo sound system is very nice. Im willing to give up alittle gas mileage that some of the smaller SUVs have....the trade is a smoother, quieter ride with more vehicle to protect my family.

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  Nice car but a lot of service trips! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ThePole - August 6 - 8:16 am

  Over the first 12 months, the car had no mechanical issues. A lot of the interior trim had to be refastened and for a $30K auto thats a little cheap. Probably average 23MPG. Wide open interior make it great for kids and trips, more comfortable than the Explorer. BUT after 1 year things started to go wrong. Issues with brakes, traction control, oxygen sensor. Has been in for unscheduled service 4 times in the last 4 months. Left us sitting on the highway once, almost crashed when traction control went out. And...the CD changer stinks. I would NOT recommend buying this vehicle, at least not a 2005. Unless you want to buy mine.

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  MY STANG - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By MIKE - August 6 - 1:40 am

  GREAT LOOKING CAR. QUALITY IS SO-SO.

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  HOT in Texas - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Anthony - August 5 - 11:51 pm

  We had our 2008 Edge limited just 11 months before it was totaled in a very bad car wreck. My wife got T- Boned at 65 mph, and walked away from the car with no broken bones. If you saw the accident scene, you would be surprised that anyone lived. I am 100% sold on the safety of this vehicle! It had a very comfortable ride and was fun to drive. There are 2 significant problems: A/C is VERY weak (especially in TX), and we have never gotten better than 16-17 mpg (even highway trips). The window sticker said 16-24 avg mpg. What a joke that is... With that being said, we are looking at buying another one!

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  Never Again - 2006 Ford F-150
  By George - August 5 - 11:22 am

  I purchased my F-150 Crew Cab 4X4 as a lease return with 26,000 miles. It was actually the SECOND F-150 that I purchased from the same dealer within two weeks as the FIRST truck had the 5.4 which blew up after TWO days. The mechanic told me that there is a problem with the 5.4 losing oil pressure to the top end. I had to get flat-bedded in off of the interstate. The second and current truck has been a nightmare. 30 days after purchase the four wheel drive crapped out and numerous 4X4 components required replacement. Within 60 days the instrument cluster digital information center stopped working. On the way to the dealer for the scheduled maintenance, the steering went.

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  Great Runabout Vehicle - 2009 Ford Focus
  By JayInVA - August 5 - 10:42 am

  This is a great little car. It is what it is though, and that is a eco-box with a few luxury and sport options. The loaded SES with 17" wheels and a 5-speed is very fun to drive. I wish the option for a ~200HP engine were available. The suspension in the SES is not as hard as the Honda Civic SI, but handles pretty well for a 4-door. The seats are extraordinarily comfortable. The back seats are fairly roomy too. I would buy the car again. It is a commuter and backup family car for me, so it works out well. Not recommended for more being primary grocery getter for more than 1-child. Perfect for commuting, students, occasional running about the town or as a primary touring vehicle for 2.

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  Why get a hybrid? - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By DogFather - August 5 - 9:03 am

  My wife and I purchased the hybrid to increase our fuel efficiency. After 15 months, the Aux. Mode Door Actuator ceased to work. It wasnt under warranty so we paid over $500 to replace it. This offset all savings of having a hybrid. Now after 14 months, the same thing has happened again so we might as well have bought a standard Escape and saved in the long run. We found no benefit because of this in owning a hybrid by Ford.

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  99 Ranger- A Tank - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By later - August 5 - 7:56 am

  Bought my 99 2wd xlt new and still have it. Have put 186000 on it in 10 years, hauled wood, driven over fields, towed a trailer and driven it to work. Replaced clutch at 56,000 (daughter learned to drive a stick), sway bar broke at 186,000, electical issues at 120,000, about $1000 repair. Replaced the original battery at 175,000, new brakes about 130,000. Tired of the stick shift but this truck goes and goes. This has been a tank and I highly recommend it.

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  Good car for what it is: - 2008 Ford Focus
  By tattude - August 4 - 3:21 pm

  Ive put 32,000 miles on my 2008 Focus and have had zero problems. The Ipod, sat radio, and sync are really cool features for such a low cost sedan. All and all, you cant get a better more fun, cool car for the money.