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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  still pinching myself - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By musicman - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Im an old station wagon buff, but couldnt find anything to replace my aging Crown Victoria. Swore Id never buy an suv, but nothing else on the market did what I needed. Was about to buy a minivan when a saleswoman suggested I try the 2002 Explorer XLT. Couldnt believe it! 4 wheel drive, 3rd row seat, plenty of space for my music gear, nice leather interior, great handling, power sunroof, perfect size... I was sold. Its great looking to boot.

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  03 GT - Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Dan24 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  They should of put more toys in the car, but other than that, it is a sweet car...

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  Good Quality Truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Skiing Pilot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had this truck for almost 8 years and put about 150,000 miles on it for a total of 193,000 mi. It has been a great truck, my only complaint is the size, but I guess that is why it is called a compact. Had to have the Trans. rebuilt about 20,000 ago, and other minor wearable parts. Milage is about 14 city, 16 Hwy. Overall great 4wd small truck, great off road, can get many places full size cant

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  COOL - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By JONBONJESUS - October 17 - 2:00 am

  IT IS A GOOD CAR THAT DRIVES WELL. I ENJOY IT, IT IS MUCH BETTER THAN MY OLD CAR.

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  I got a lemon - 1995 Ford Escort
  By DR - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Im 18, purchased my first car last year, a ford escort, hunter green. First thing I should have noticed is that the last owner had a rebuilt engine, no biggie I thought, then it cost me $3500 in pure repairs after one year, the car has a new engine, transmission, radiator, alternator, brakes, a/c system and cooling fan, all replaced by me out of pocket. The car will cause you problem after problem and when you do finally catch up on the payments from the repairs it will break on you again and again.

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  Ford Fiesta with UNSAFE transmission problems - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Ernest - October 16 - 3:24 pm

  These cars seem to have transmission problems that haunt the car and the dealers do not have a solution. Our fiesta has had this problem for 2 years. I will also shut off on the road leaving you unsafely trapped in traffic. The dealer still cant fix it. All the recalls have been done. Its on its third engine computer (PCM), and its been in the dealers garage for months on end! Even now its been there for 2 weeks since it just is too unsafe to drive on the freeway. We have had problems from everything from doors closing, to the entertainment system mic breaking. I have a 91 Toyota pickup that has been more reliable than this car. UPDATE: transmission quit, dealer did ANOTHER rebuild on it. Now its messing up again, gotta keep taking it in until the warranty runs out. Im so done with Ford automobiles!!

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  Great suv - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Steven Buchmann - October 16 - 2:30 pm

  There are problems with the radio display failing, but its a pretty easy fix if you have time to learn how to repair it. Other than that Ive experienced absolutely no problems with the vehicle.

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  FLEX mpg combined 22! Very Nice. - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Rob Penlas - October 16 - 1:46 pm

  Flex legroom is awesome all 3 rows. 22MPG Combined with 4500 miles on vehicle. Extremely happy with mileage and comfort of FLEX.

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  Hybrid Escape Rocks - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By furman - October 16 - 8:00 am

  By far the best driving vehicle I have owned. Its CVT transmission is seamless, and unless you are watching the tach, you would never even notice when it switches between gas and electric operation. I dont understand the criticism that a hybrid owner wont save gas money. It was costing us $80 every five days to fill my 23 gallon van to go 300 miles. Now I fill my 15 gallon tank to go 450 miles. By a conservative estimate, I am saving $200 every month in gas.

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  Fun & efficient - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bobananda - October 16 - 6:36 am

  6 months, 6000 miles on a 2012 focus sedan SE w/203A, SE sport package, 16 inch machined alloy wheels, & side graffics. The 6 spd auto is real smooth. Got use to placement of electronic shifter & its fast & convenient. Shutter was minor and stopped after 3000 miles. Its glued to the road & brakes are excellent as is the paint job. Driving includes some interstate, some country roads, some mountains, some city but not heavily trafficked. Depending on driving mix and how much I put my foot in it, its getting a low of 38mpg to a high of 44mpg! Overall average at this time is 41.3. Amazing! Most efficient, most power, most fun in Sport mode. Everything working perfectly.