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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  Its a good car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By texasstang - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my mustang in 1999 used with only 7000 miles on it. Since I have put about 90000 miles on it. It has been a good car overall with a few problems. I am now on my third intake manifold but this problem is covered under recall for the next 7 years! I also go through tires on an annual basis, but with a Z rated tire that is bound to happen. I get about 18mpg around town and 22mpg on the highway.

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  Good Vehicle - 1991 Ford F-250
  By Tajecc - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Original owner for 12 years. Works fine, lasts a long time.

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  Get one if you can - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By v8tbirds - February 20 - 2:00 am

  If you can find a V8-Tbird, you wont be disappointed. The 4.6L V8 gives this large coupe much more verve than the standard V6. It is too bad that Ford discountinued its flagship personal coupe. It is a large coupe loaded with creature comforts. With the optional powersunroof and intergrated telephone this car cost about $18,000 new...a real bargain! Now I have driven this car daily, and routinely average 25mpg when cruising along the hi-way at 65mph...and taking it easy in the city streets.

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  PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By TINA - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I REALLY LOVE MY TAURUS.BUT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS, IN 2002 I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION.I CANNOT USE MY ALARM, IT GOES OFF FOR NO REASON, HAVE HAD SENSOR REPLACED & IS STILL A PROBLEM.MY ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON ALL THE TIME, THE COOLANT IS FULL AND DOES NOT OVERHEAT, PROBABLY ANOTHER SENSOR.AT TIMES MY DOME LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF UNTIL ITS GOOD & READY.

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  Review - 1991 Ford Probe
  By donhez - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great commuter car

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  Forced to retire it. - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jacque - February 20 - 2:00 am

  After 160,000+ miles it finally started to lose or burn enough oil that I was afraid it would not pass emissions test. Even then, always started on first try no matter what. On original clutch and transmission. Only engine work was head gasket at 130,000. Original ignition module. Hope my new car gives me the same life.

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  Good car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Mo and Steak - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised at the reliability of this little car. We actually never had any very major repairs needed - engine and transaxle still going strong at 119000 miles. Problems: timing belt went at EXACTLY 80k miles (give or take a few). Bad thermostat caused fan to come on just before the car ran hot. Suspension took a beating in Boston - 2 sets of tie rods, axles.

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  Great Car, Great MPG, 50+ - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By seattlelife - February 19 - 2:04 pm

  Dont be put off by the negative reviews. The C-MAX really does get the advertised mileage. Its a very comfortable ride and fun to drive. The car has about 4500 miles on it, and Im getting 52-53 MPG. The mileage does improve over the first 3000 miles! At 1000 miles the MPG was 43-44, at 2000 miles it was 46-47, and at 3000 miles it 49-50. If you follow the recommendations in the manual you should get the advertised 47 MPG: go gradually on the acceleration and stay around the speed limit. The key for good MPGs is to maximize travel in EV mode. Heavy acceleration and speeding keeps the hybrid in gas engine mode, and the MPGs drops rapidly: back off the accelerator to stay in EV mode.

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  The best car Ive owned so far - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jim P. - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Has been a great car despite the abuse we gave it.

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  Taurus SHO - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Geoffrey Allen - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car if youre looking for more bang for your buck. The 240 horsepower engine really gets you where youre going.