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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  Best Ive owned.. - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By saleen777 - July 31 - 11:47 pm

  First off, let me start by saying Im in sales, so I drive a lot. Im very hard on my cars, and few hold up. This Ford has been amazing! I bought it with 65,000 miles on it and put another 45,000 on it over the next year. I have had zero problems! Not one. This is the only car Ive owned that I can say that. Love it! Great job Ford!

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  never a broken part yet - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By fordfan - July 31 - 7:16 pm

  I have been impressed with the fact that this vehicle has never left me sitting roadside in all these miles. I have only replaced tires and brakes so far and were coming up on a new belt and thermostat maybe...and I may give it some new shocks. I have been pleased.

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  One Year - 25000 Miles. Need I say more? - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Country Cruiser - July 31 - 2:13 pm

  Purchased car as we moved away from our family. Since have put almost 25000 miles on the car. Issues to date: Cracked passenger A pillar cover, chips from the flat frontal area. Pros: -Great to drive across country. -No DVD player, but use computer w/ 110V outlet and male-to-male 3.5mm audio cord to watch movies with sound system. -Sirius is nice, but a pain to pay for. -Sync works well. -Navigation is better than anything out there. Cons: -Like driving a boat. -No telescoping steering wheel. -No cooled seats. -Gas mileage is so-so. -Luggage space with 6 persons is tight. Overall, satisfied with build quality and features. Just wish it could drive without me steering sometimes!

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever had - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Chris - July 31 - 12:26 pm

  Im hitting 180,000 miles on my SUV. I havent had any major problems, a few minor ones but havent really spent a lot of money on any repairs. It still looks new and still runs great. It turns on a dime in the smallest space possible but it also is not the smoothest ride.

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  Wheel bearings, brakes and computers - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Mhammer - July 31 - 12:17 pm

  Vehicle gets a surprising 19 mpg on highway. AWD is great in snow, mud and beach sand. Sound system is awesome as well as front/rear AC. Easy entry and great visibility. But Ford really blew it underneath. I have replaced both wheel bearings front (once) rear (twice). Rear struts and springs after both springs broke. Emergency brake pad and cable twice. All four brake calipers twice as they froze up. As for the cars brains, I had to replace a very expensive security system computer module, as well as the courtesy light system computer. All this with only 71,300 miles and only one driver. My old Izuzu Trooper went 163,000 miles until the engine failed. Just brakes and a clutch there.

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  Best used car Ive ever owned - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By photowiz - July 30 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this 2005 Taurus SE as a one owner used car with 60,000 miles. It has been driven daily and now has 122,000 in less than 2 years. It performs beautifully and has yet to let me down. Im getting average 27 mpg and approaches 30 on the highway!. I switched to full synthetic oil when I bought it and use injector cleaner gas additive regularly. Engine power band is smooth and low end torque is impressive for a 3.0 liter engine. I live in a fairly mountainous area and the only thing that annoys me is the drain in power when running the AC on hot days. Fuel mileage drops about 2.5 mpg, which is more than my other vehicles. All in all Im going to drive the wheels of this one. Great car.

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  love it - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By rivvy - July 30 - 9:12 pm

  We bought this used with 31,000 on it, we haul a lot of stuff due to making repairs on house, this is one large roomy vehicle.. Still getting used to all the bells and whistles but cant say a bad thing about it traded in a Cherokee for it and have not had one bit of trouble with it so far. We have had 6 people in it and all were comfortable with plenty of elbow room

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  Breaks My Heart - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Sad Ford owner - July 30 - 8:28 am

  I loved this SUV and still do but after a wheel bearing went out and I almost lost the back wheel at 70 miles and hour (thank god the break kept it on the car). I then had the transmission start acting up, they quoted me quite a chunk to fix it, it has the delayed engagement of gears when you first put it into gear. Also the rear axle case leaks and has for quite some time. I looked up these issues and they are far to common. I hate to say it but since it is so hard to find manual anymore I guess Im heading to a car... a Honda and it hurts because I have always believed in ford but I cant take a hit like this again so hooray for cash for clunkers.

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  Great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Delivery - July 30 - 5:03 am

  This is my first brand new vehicle and so far its been a great buy. The new design is well accepted and appropriate as not to appear dated. While the truck has awesome power, performance is lagging due to the near 6000lb weight. Ford can do better to reduce the weight of the trucks in future models. The ergonomics are reasonably thought out but I always feel Im reaching a bit too far for the radio/temperature controls, but I also sit as far back as the seat goes. The interior design is nearing luxury looks, with the wood finish and chrome, although you can spend much more for looks on new Lincoln Mark LT, or whatever its called.

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  Just OK - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Matt - July 29 - 7:59 pm

  I have no complaints about the car other than the fact that the performance is basically non-existent. But for a 2L four, what can you expect. The mileage is ok, I usually get around 26 combined city/highway. Over the years its just been routine maintenance: oil, filters, belts, and the water-pump.