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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  Great Family Vehicle - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By kshen - November 10 - 2:00 am

  We have had nothing but good luck with this vehicle and would give great reference to anyone else that would be interested in buying one.

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  Poor Choice - 2012 Ford Transit Connect
  By ttheroux - November 9 - 7:40 pm

  We have operated about 10 of these in our fleet, model years 2010, 2011 and 2012. They all have the same reliability issues, tranmissions failures, we have replaced at least 5 of these, radiators start leaking and assorted electrical issues that lead to overheating. These issues started occuring at 40k -50k miles and we do not carry heavy loads so it is was not abuse. It all comes down to one thing, they used an undersized passenger car drivetrain and tried to pass it off for commercial use. It is a great idea, but Ford totally botched the execution. Lets hope they learned some leasons with the new design. Did I mention that all have a weird musky smell inside?

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  fyi - 1993 Ford F-150
  By c.d. - November 9 - 2:00 am

  great looking-excellent condition. no visible damage to body. interior is immaculate and rear bed is very clean.

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  Choose it from 5 cars, and am very happy for 2 weeks - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By stranger267 - November 8 - 8:50 pm

  I own it for 2 weeks, drive about 900 miles, and am very satisfied by this car (it is exactly what I want). The only thing which I never reached was promised mileage - it increased to 36 mpg eventually but is still far from 40+ promised. We will see in 2 month. I test drive Subaru Impreza CVT, VW Golf TDI and VW Jetta TDI, Prius and Prius V. Among all, CMAX stays behind Impreza but ahead of others by the fun to drive, and is very different from slow and drive as a Prius Prius. Normal controls (not these futuristic Toyota-s) are a plus too. Car is Base SE model. Our other car is Subaru Forester 2008 (2010 became too big).

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  build to last - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Yvonne - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this van for 6 years and with 2 small kids it has been to the beach and elsewhere several times a year with no trouble. The only problem we have had is the side door not closing well after 5 yrs. of hard slamming otherwise I have 127K miles on it and hope to get another 70K before I trade it in for another ford hopefully.

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  Great Little Car - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By MomBought - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my daughter to take out-of-state to college and was very glad I did! It has proven to be unusually reliable (for a Ford). She loves the pep it has, the 5 speed transmission, and the GREAT gas mileage (50 MPG). The only problem we had was the muffler and resinator ($300). I also had installed a nicer stereo/cassette for her. The car now has over $80,000 miles on it and is still going strong. Amazing for a tiny little car in a teenagers hands!

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  Love it - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Birdies - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is too cool. With the roof down it makes you want to sing as you drive down the road. The car is my one toy and it does everything I ask of it. No one takes a second look at a BMW, only the Bird and Ferraries. Bye the way, you can $100,000.00 to the Bird if you want the same look when you drive the high price spread. One might also look at the crash test data, it is impressiveeeeee.

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  FORD - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Drivesem Fast! - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car back in august for 1200. This was my first car, and i didnt expect much from a ford. All the car needed was new brakes, sounded like a school bus coming down the street. After that, it runs great. 5 Speed manual trans. gives good acceration, especially for a 4 banger, execpt with ac on!

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  Love my Ford Probe! - 1990 Ford Probe
  By TanyaS - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1992 from a dealership, figuring Id drive it a year or two and then update.... but I loved it from Day One... now Im at 160,000 and still going strong!! I love this car, and hope it makes it another 40,000! Ive only ever done routine fixes.... new starter, new brakes, etc.

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  amazing - 1996 Ford Probe
  By jared stein - November 7 - 2:00 am

  this car is amazing, it doesnt brake and its easy to supe up. i recomend this car to anyone