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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  FORD OR FIX OR REPAIR DAILEY - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By LARRY HAGAR - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car to drive but at 120,000 miles the transmission went out and a hole was busted out of the casing. I have owned all kinds of vehicles without ant transmission problems and Ford will not be on my list when I buy another vehicle.

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  Close, But No Good-car - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By JWR in Millersville - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Basically a comfortable van that has performed well with the exception of several major problems. The transmission failed at 108,000 miles ($2000 rebuild). Also, without warning, such as water vapor in the exhaust, etc.) the head gaskets failed at 118,000 miles. We were traveling at 55 mph and by the time we could pull over, the engine had seized ($3400 repair). I was previously burned with a 1989 Chevrolet ASTRO and now with this Ford. Will not buy a car from either manufacturer in the future. Looking now at a Honda Odyssey or Pilot, a Toyota Sienna or Sequoia, or Suzuki XL-7.

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  you got to love them they need a lot of - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By jim wilson - August 28 - 2:00 am

  you guessed it transmition problems sliping leaky seals,bad placement for a cup holder,and front end parts replaced yearly,the doors are also too heavy and are all out of wack and dont close right,not a good car for the fix it yourselfer,youll spend alot of $$ on special tools

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  FUN DRIVE!! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By James 68 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had this explorer for only a month but have put about 1000 miles on it and loved every one of them, I got it with 155,000 mile and it feels like it will easily go 300,000...Ive had it off road twice and it handled great, great job ford did on the explorer!

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  The best Stang yet - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Debbie - August 28 - 12:46 am

  Ive been driving Mustangs for 31 years and the 05 is the best of them all. Its hard to go the speed limit because this pony can do so much so easily. Acceleration is fast with just a touch of the pedal. I prefer a manual and the new position of the stick makes for quick shifts. This stang also feels the most solid on the road and the ride lets you feel the road without getting bruised. The comfort of the seats is a great improvement and I feel like Im in a recliner. I could drive this car all day. And its nice to finally hear the rumble of the exhaust on the inside, sounding fast even at 30 mph. Chrome wheels with spinners hubs fit this body style, reminiscent of the 60s.

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  Great deal! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By mwv - August 27 - 11:23 pm

  I was planning to buy a certified 05 Accord LX with 30k miles from the local Honda dealer to replace my trouble-free 97 Accord, but bought a new 08 Fusion SE instead. The Fusion has a lot more stuff - leather, alloy wheels, 6x CD, trip computer, etc. and gets as good or better reliability ratings. Gas mileage is already as good as the 97 Accord in daily commute. Couldnt get the Honda dealer to give much discount on the Accord, but got a great deal on the Fusion. With the incentive from Ford, it was within $1000 of the price of the 05 Accord. Easy decision.

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  Fusion Fun - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Crawl - August 27 - 10:33 am

  Got a Fusion for the features and found it very comfortable to drive and many cool features keep popping up. Audio input in the middle console, front passenger seat lays flat, etc. It just looks good sitting still as well.

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  My Baby - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Miss Lou - August 27 - 3:43 am

  I was amazed at the performance the Escape provided. It is a sharp looking small SUV, just right for me to drive all around town, to the grocery, nursery, and any other place I have a need to haul something. My friends like it too; it is very comfortable for passengers. I will probably keep this car for a long time.

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Agroshwag - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I think the Ford Escort ZX2 is a great car. It performs well and has suprisingly good speed and power.

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  they dont build them like this anymore - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By tommmy d - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is by fat one of the best cars made. I have beaten the junk out of this explorer and it just keeps on running. The clutch was replaced at 128000 after younger brother learned to drive on it. Every thing else in the car is still factory and working great.