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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  Its OK - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By DrCPsych - February 22 - 12:19 am

  When I purchased this car, I was so excited! But, the ignition gave me problems and Ford kept telling me nothing was wrong with it. Then, the interior headliner was rattling. They fixed it and it kept rattling at high speeds. Then the buttons to open the windows fell through the hole they were supposed to be secured in. Several years later, the DVD player wouldnt work and the CD player didnt work either. The brakes needed changing at 20,000 miles! OK, so we had a great deal of problems but I like this truck. However, I would not buy another one! I will buy a Honda or Toyota SUV next time when the economy is better.

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  Overall Good Vehicle - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By cretian - February 21 - 10:50 pm

  Bought new, garage kept. Very reliable vehicle. Safe driving, especially in bad weather. Like auto doors but theyve had bugs from the beginning. Very roomy & comfortable for adults & children & nice for long trips of 1000+ miles but very noisy on highway- outside noise and air noise while driving-you think windows are cracked open. Misc repairs during time owned- glad we got extended warranty. Now with 100,000 miles more stuff is breaking & in last 2 months traction bar rusted thru/cracked in half, sway bar links and engine gasket replaced- all normal? Interior leather still in great shape. Overall really like & will keep it for as many years as possible. Still looks good!

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  It just wont die - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By AJ - February 21 - 9:53 pm

  I never thought the thing would be so reliable, but with over 200,000 I keep hoping that the thing will die so that I can get a new ride. It just keeps on running! Ive owned it for 5 years and 60,000 miles and have never had to replace anything major. Ive driven it on several 1000 mile trips. It has lots of little stuff wrong with it like the power windows and oil leak and engine tap (which is at least 5 yrs old too), but it starts up every time even when its 10 degrees. The fuel mileage on hwy is better than most new SUVs (22mpg), and the thing does real nice off road and its only a 2WD. Ive been in and out of many places in this thing that I should never have been it without 4WD.

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  Solid Truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By safetymike - February 21 - 2:53 pm

  Bought new. Has 232,000 miles, mostly over gravel, on the 302. Replaced brakes and master cylinder at 160,000. Dealer wants me to trade in, but the truck still runs great! Burns no oil! Typical squeaks and rattles for this amount of miles.

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  Vibration Warning - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WhitewaterTrac - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle develops a vibration around 60 mph that is present from there up in speed. The vehicle has been looked at by two different dealerships, both of whom have stated that ALL Sport Tracs do this. Multiple balances and rotations performed on this vehicle at multiple shops have not removed this vibration. New tires were installed and the vibration still exists. Ford Customer Service agrees that this exists on all Sport Tracs they produce. Please be very cautious when buying this vehicle. If you plan on doing primarily highway driving on smooth surfaces above 60 MPH I would suggest a different vehicle.

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  My First Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Monte - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has exceeded everyone expectation I had set when I began searching for a new vehicle. From day 1 of owning it, I have loved driving it. I commute approximately 2 hours a day (50 miles each way to and from work), so I have had plenty of time and opportunity to enjoy it. I would suggest anyone in the market to get the third row. Also, I would highly recommend the V8. While mileage does degrade with the larger engine, the trade off is worth it to have so much more HP. Other than that, I would recommend this SUV to anyone.

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  My First Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By monte - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has exceeded everyone expectation I had set when I began searching for a new vehicle. From day 1 of owning it, I have loved driving it. I commute approximately 2 hours a day (50 miles each way to and from work), so I have had plenty of time and opportunity to enjoy it. I would suggest anyone in the market to get the third row. Also, I would highly recommend the V8. While mileage does degrade with the larger engine, the trade off is worth it to have so much more HP. Other than that, I would recommend this SUV to anyone.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Laura - February 20 - 6:42 am

  I am disappointed in the gas mileage. Far less than advertised and I am not a quick accelerator.

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  Fordza - 1995 Ford Probe
  By ford guy - February 17 - 4:23 pm

  This car handles far better than most sports cars,and she loves to run. For those of you who dont know this is a Ford design with the Mazda mx6 engine. For those who want a sports car on a budget, this is it. The GT is the funnest car Ive ever owned.

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  This Car Is a Blast - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Proud new owner - February 16 - 8:18 pm

  In January 09 I found this 4-door ST with manual 5 speed in like new condition with only 6.5k mi. and have been smiling ever since. This car makes me smile every time I fire it up and head out. Very responsive engine with nice low-end torque for a four cylinder, smooth clutch, great taut steering, tight, rigid feeling chassis, and sweet handling make this car a blast to drive. Feels, sounds, and drives European but for $1000s less. So far getting 25mpg around town and have not taken highway trip, yet.