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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  I want OUT!!!!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By JAD2 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  My steering rack blew two weeks into my having the car. Then the transmission started leaking. Then I had to have my rotors and pads replaced at 19,ooo (a VERY common, and expensive, problem for the Focus). Ive heard I have this to look forward to every year. This morning my calipers got stuck and melted my brakes. Too many problems in too short a time.

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  I used to be a Ford Fan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rk4p - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used, and did not notice that it already had a rebuilt transmission. The head gasket blew at 75000 miles, Ford fixed it, but I was still stranded with family. The van shakes terribly, and no one can diagnose problem. One mechanic said "I would sell it, probably another transmission" I now have 90,000 miles on it and it has left us stranded 3 times. If not for budget restraints, I would have traded a long time ago. Do not waste your money on this vehicle, go ahead and pay sticker for a Honda or Toyota.

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  didnt get my moneys worth - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By jvb - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had so many problems with ours, from electrical to transmission. In the past year alone we have put over 2500.00 into it and thats mostly just in parts, my husband is able to most of the labor.I would be very leary of purchasing a used Ford again.

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  na - 1998 Ford F-250
  By jr - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Never had any trouble out of this truck. A little dissapoited on the horsepower but the torque is excellent.

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  na - 1998 Ford F-250
  By JR - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Never had any trouble out of this truck. A little dissapoited on the horsepower but the torque is excellent.

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  93Ford Taurus Wagon - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Dr K - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable and comfortable car. Front wheel drive for good handling in bad conditions.Fold down rear seats allow for versatility in moving cargo. Roomier than the newer body designed Tauruses. No major mechanical issues over the ten years owned.

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  The best car I ever owned. - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Saved - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I purcased a 1993 SHO in Febuary of 99. The car was silver with gray leather interior and had every option except mo- onroof and cd player. It had 71,000 mil- es at time of purchase and 109k when I let it go. It would get 30 mpg on the h- iway when driven 70 mph and would accel- erate to its top speed of 140 mph with no vibration. The only thing that ever failed was the starter. I lost the car to a deer on the hiway at 70 mph. I was thankfully not hurt at all.

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  never again! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Lucia - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Door handles/panels/cup holder have been reattached several times. Seatbelts get stuck so they cant be pulled out or remain pulled out and wont go back. All inside plastic comes away from attachment anchors. Cd player- replaced. Shifting from park to drive now difficult. Sun roof has gotten stuck open, had automatic door locks fixed, can not always use remote entry, doors no longer lock when car is in drive. All plastic covers for seat bolts have broken off. Makes SLOPPY turns. Handles horribly in bad whether. Dented door closing it & got a dent from a carwash! Both side mirrors broke when knocked into.

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  why is my gas mileage so poor? - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By sladams - October 11 - 5:53 pm

  I recently purchased a used 2009 escape hybrid 2wd with 42000 miles on it. I think it was probably a fleet car. Its in good shape but Im only getting 25 miles to the gallon with combined city/hwy driving. And, the gas tank only seems to take 11 gallons when I believe it has a 15 gallon tank. I know its hot and the aircon has to be on but isnt that still pretty low mileage? Kind of wishing I had bought a new non-hybrid for the same money now. Any info/suggestions would be helpful in making me feel like I made a decent purchase. thanks

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  Piece of trash - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Lenzius - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I had to replace the original engine at 100K. The head warped on this new engine when the heater core, the fan, and thermastat all went out! No AC, no heater.The gas tank cracked and had to be replaced. The drivers side seatbelt motor locked up mid track. I have done extensive front end work. Oil has leaked out all over the floorboard. The sun visors both broke off. There are no left side speakers. And now the UV joint or transmition or clutch or something is about to go out. If you think this car is so great I will sell you mine.