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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  The best - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Family fun - December 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought it with 87,000 miles on it and ran it up to 220,000 and it is still going with only minor repairs. (mostly general maintenance) We have been pulling a fairly large camper several times a year with absolutely no problems. Buy one if you get the chance.

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  Fire electrical engineers - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By KCMOWindstar - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this Limited van in Dec 2002 and have had numerous electrical probs. Dead batteries, fuel sensors, blower switches, etc. Driver front door was hard to close and had to be re-fit but still has high closing effort. The electrical engineers for this program should be thrown out on their ear.

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  Freestyle to an X - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Bama - December 19 - 12:36 am

  I traded a 2005 Freestyle for this program 2008 Taurus X and other than the gas mileage being worse the car is much improved, the ride is so much better and to me that more than offsets the difference in the gas mileage. Have taken one trip in it so far and it was without any flaws, ran very well on the interstate and back roads! Only thing I really dont like about it is the price it will cost me to replace the tires, they are very expensive.

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  Fix faulty THORTTLE BODY before purchase! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Lumpy Trooper - December 18 - 7:58 pm

  Purchased this vehicle 3 days ago and the throttle body when out on us as we were getting onto the freeway. We could have be in a serious car accident. FORD is knowingly selling people these cars playing Russian Rullete with you familys safety and lives. The part has been on back order for months and the internet is lighting up on this issue with these cars yet FORD has failed to issue a recall even now. At the dealership they begged me to keep my car because giving me a new one would lose the dealership so much money. Like I give a damn about their profit after they knowingly sold me a vehicle that puts me and my family at risk. Do your research on customer complaints about the SUV and ask that the part be replaced before purchase if you really are shallow like me and still want the car for its sexy body. Or get smart and buy a Toyota.

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  My 05 Focus Rocks!!!!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By sjillybean - December 18 - 9:20 am

  I own a 2005 Ford Focus door hatchback zx3 and I love it, I traded in my 2000 focus and made the greatest decision ever.

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  94 Aspire - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By JamesB - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Extremely reliable car. Only problems have been in rainstorms the cylinders tend to misfire. Easy fix by changing spak plugs and wires about every other year.

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  better than the rest - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By YO11 - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Pushing 14 years old and still blows away all the little SUVs out there. Only the Hummer comes close. FORD better get this back into production

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  Best Truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By KLSmith - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck new, and is the best car I have ever owned. Two problems. Cruise control went out, repaired under warrenty. Cruise controle failed a second time and I repaired the clock spring wiring harnes inside the stering wheel myself, cost $100.00 for repairs. No other problems. This truck has the hardest paint I have ever seen on a car, it gets waxed once a year in the sprind and still looks like new. This truck was not financed and it made it a lot more fun to drive, still like to drive it as much as the day I brough it home. It a good puller, go to Arkansas once a year and pull a 1400 pound boat, no trouble, never gets hot.

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  Discouraged - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Why me - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Tires went at 35000, new brakes about the same time. U-joints replaced at 40000, and 10000 later the rear-end needed new gears and spline replacement. The backend feels like it is going to drop out during normal acceleration at stop lights. The rear window doesnt seal well and dust is a problem along with water. Not giving up the ghost yet...Thank God for the extended warranty.

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  11 months of satisfaction - 2017 Ford Edge
  By FordEdgeOwner - December 17 - 11:05 am

  I purchased my Edge 11 months ago. I compared it with an Acura RD-X (rode rough for my taste), Lexus RX350 (too $$$), and the new Honda CR-V (nice, but a little too small) . Because of my large amount of driving, I went for the Ecoboost 4 rather than the 6, and it has turned out to be an excellent compromise between power (acceleration) and fuel economy. I do a long commute, and I appreciate the ease of driving it as well as the mileage of 23-25 mpg in all conditions. My family of three has taken it from the Bay Area to Tahoe with a full load of luggage, and it had enough performance to handle it comfortably, even through a snowstorm on the way back. We also own a 2012 Toyota Highlander, and the Edge is far more smooth, quiet, and refined than the Highlander, and gets better mileage as well. I am over 6, so it is more comfortable as well. I use Android Auto with the Sony audio system, and the audio system is satisfactory to my non-audiophile hearing. Would definitely recommend the Titanium 302A package just for the proximity sensors, which aid in backing up.