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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  Transmission problems - 1995 Ford Contour
  By brimar - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Automatic transmission needed rebuild after 180k

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  The Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By tt - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Get a Honda

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  leaking in Swansboro - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By mitch - March 14 - 5:47 pm

  both door panels came unglued and fell off, convertible top leaks from the side curtains on outside of rear glass with no repair solution.

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  EXPENSIVE - 1999 Ford Contour
  By dawgut - March 13 - 12:49 am

  Great spunk but has fallen apart. I had a faulty hood latch, it flew off on the express way at 70 MPH needed new hood, windshield and roof. $3000.00! Recently, replaced Ball Jonts $300. This week a new transmission, flywheel, starter, horn, another ball joint and bearings replaced. $3800.00. And all this is a result of someone that takes great pride in the upkeep and maintenance of there vehicle. Could you imagine if I didnt!

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  head gaskets... - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By mynameisjim - March 9 - 11:58 pm

  i first purchased this vehicle expecting a sporty reliable car with 54k miles. at 56k miles, the exhaust was shot including the cats, at 58k miles the head gaskets blew, which was a costly and time consuming repair. turned out the gaskets were installed incorrectly, and ford knew. owner notification was initiated a few months later, with an apology, and an offer for reimbursment, good, but not as good as my moms toyota with 140,000 miles and no engine trouble.

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  1992 Taurus L - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Jimmy G - March 7 - 2:30 pm

  Average of only 10000Km. Has 103000KM Replaced two back struts, radiator fan, air conditioning compressor & clutch 1200.00), throttle body 1800.00), transmission(2885.00), ignition (240.00), radio (400.00), side molding on driver side seat 180.00), front end work (400.00). Never owned a vehicle that caused so much grief.

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  rough ride - 2003 Ford Escape
  By lucifer - March 7 - 10:00 am

  the ford escape is a good dependable suv.the two down falls that i have are the mileage and rough ride. i drive min. 30k miles a year and it seems im constantly filling the escape up. as far as the ride its a little rough. at times one could get motion sickness on a ride that consists of alot of turns.

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  Grey - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By woof - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Continued problems with electrical ystem caused three visits to dealership.

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  Great Car.... but - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By phdmam - March 6 - 5:41 am

  I got it new and have been saving money on gas every mile I drive it. I have done my math, and save a gallon for every gallon of gas I use. Cons...-- Tires do not last long, on my 3rd set at 80k. Front end suspension is a problem - just fixed all my tie rods (the were old and torn) (I have had 20 year old Hondas with 175k and never changed a tie rod). Just changed my 2nd tone (ABS sensor) rings because they are exposed to the elements and break from rust. Overall, great car, no expenses to change antifreeze yet, no expenses for transmission fluids (lifetime). My kids are of driving age, and I think I will get another FEH

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  Pleasant change from euro-box - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By luc - March 5 - 2:16 am

  The GT, while looking over blown certainly delivers FUN. The fake vents are a little embarrassing but the respectable interior and traction control makes up for it. The TC allows for rapid progress without the need for anxiety attacks, even in the wet. Overall I like the car, its easy to reach the cornering limits but safe enough to stay there and play a while with the option of a leaving the TC on to calm you down. I get between 15 and 22mpg and for the money what would be more fun?