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 think I made a HUGE mistake! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By togobackintime - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This was, unfortunately an Impulse buy. Ill NEVER do that again! Rides as if you are riding on solid rubber tires. The rattles are unbelievable! If you test drive one of these, take it over just the littliest bit of road imperfections, ouch! Gas mileage is shameful! Got a Big Wallet?..youll need it! 5 Years to go & dreading it!

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  Not worth buying - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Alyssa - October 8 - 2:02 pm

  You can get a lot better cars than this for the price. Ive had to put at least 3k in for repairs within the first month of buying it. Although I do feel really safe in it, I have to fill up my tank every week, and I dont drive a lot. I regret buying this car and its put me off of all fords.

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  Not worth buying - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Alyssa - October 8 - 2:02 pm

  You can get a lot better cars than this for the price. Ive had to put at least 3k in for repairs within the first month of buying it. Although I do feel really safe in it, I have to fill up my tank every week, and I dont drive a lot. I regret buying this car and its put me off of all fords.

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  opinion - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Ernie Pounders - September 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is under powered for the true Mustang enthusiast. Ford needs more options for its engine power and power train (gear ratio). It would help to have a 430-475hp option. Make a true muscle car, not something everybody buy to look stylish to go to the grocery store.

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  Be careful! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Ellie - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our SUV to have a reliable new family vehicle. We have since had this SUV in the shop for 8 different problems. (new engine, wiring fire..it goes on and on) We have been left on the side of the road many times due to major problems. The size is nice and roomy for our family, and when it is running, we receive a nice ride. We have done routine maintenance and have taken good care of our Expedition. We had planned on this vehicle lasting for many years...however, we are ready to trade!

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  Taurus model Ho Hum - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By JR Cook - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a good looking body style, the interior is basic at best, very hard seats and a rough ride. We just got rid of a 92 Taurus with 153000 miles and runs great. The 92 is also snappier then my 2001. The 2001 has a strange feeling when shifting from 1st to 2nd. It also ate the first cd I put in it, and the replacement radio is on back order. How great. In closing I wish we would of got a Regal or Intrigue.

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  No more Fords in my future - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By instresp - September 10 - 10:00 am

  We have had more breakdowns with this vehicle than any vehicle we have owned. Also misdiagnosed several times. Has stalled and stopped unexpectedly. Expensive repair bills. Disgusted with overall quality on a vehicle whose defects should have been worked out by 2000.

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  Pay me later - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Xavier Fordham - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Stereo shot ($350), transfer case broke ($2200) all around 70K.

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Badexperience - August 21 - 7:56 am

  I Purchased my Freestyle on 17 November, and to date Ive been able to drive for ~24 days! The rest of the time itÂ’s been either in for repairs or waiting for parts to be "pulled off the line". So far Ive had the front wheel bearings replaced (@ 600 miles), transmission replaced (@ 900 miles), and the car still makes horrible grinding and/or clicking noises when cornering and breaking. Worst yet, when braking in turns this car occasionally pulls wildly to the right. Great job on styling, terrible job on reliability and ability to diagnose and fix problems. Not what I expected for $35K, Ford can keep my Freestyle. Hopefully I got one of a few lemons!

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  Transmission is horrendous - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Stephen Rust - August 8 - 4:18 pm

  I have had this Fusion back to the dealer 5 times for transmission problems. It sometimes slams into gear, stutters between gears, revs high and fails to upshift, seems like it gets confused between gears and can’t decide what gear it wants to be in. Each time the dealer says they can find nothing wrong. Give me a break. I wrote to Ford and they sent a factory technician to the dealer to check the car. Of course they said nothing is wrong. Now I am stuck with this car. I can’t sell it, since whoever buys it is going to definitely have the same problem. Never again will I buy a Ford.