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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  red rocket - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By robert - November 7 - 1:06 pm

  Too good looking to pass up, always wanted a muscle car. A blast to drive and love the burble of the exhaust. Agree with other comments that 1st is too short and 5th too tall. Gas mileage seems to vary wildly for no particular reason. from 11-17 around town. Prehistoric technology that makes me smile.

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  Quality is an Issue - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FormerFordLover - November 7 - 7:28 am

  I bought this truck new and get lots of compliments on its looks. Almost 4 years and 37,000 miles, but plenty of issues. After having water leaking around the top of my rear window, and almost having it replaced, the guy who was working on it said, "I used to work at a Ford Dealer, and it isnt the window, it is the cargo lamp gasket". I then called a dealer to find out that you cant buy a gasket, only the complete unit for $54. I also have a problem with the outside mirror remote not working. Turns out the fuse box has a break in it somewhere and needs to be replaced, another $278 for the part. A few months ago, the drivers side window stopped working..$450 more.

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  2008 Expediton EL Was Better - 2016 Ford Expedition
  By David Neal - November 6 - 3:50 pm

  Ive owned Fords from my first car. V-8 was Ford in my opinion. We moved up from a 2008 Expedition EL 5.4 V-8 with 130K miles, that was averaging 17.4 MPG. Despite the hype the EcoBoost is given regarding fuel economy, Ive got just short of 8K logged on this vehicle. Driving down hill with a tail wind in neutral Im averaging 16.2 MPG. Not what I expected. We are over 70 and have long past the "Roger Racer" phase of lead footing. Ford should have kept the 5.4 V-8 in this vehicle, put twin turbos on it, then they would have had something to brag about. Or at least offered the 5.4 as an option. Secondly having to scroll through computer displays to find various gauges is annoying especially while driving. We looked at the GMC counter part and regret not purchasing that unit. V-8, better MPG, and gauges to look at. Radio reception on Serius keeps loosing connection as does Blue Tooth from my MPS iPhone. We have reset Serius once and hasnt improved the issues. Most Noticeably the problems occur when we are near cell towers it seems. This didnt happen with the 2008 and Serius.

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  1994 Ford Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Hugo - November 6 - 1:17 pm

  Let me start off with the bad issues. The first thing I have to say is that the interior door handle design is the worst ever. Ive seen many Explorers witht broken handles. Next, I hear a slight lifter knock from the engine. At first I thought Id just drive it until the engine gives out then do a total valve job, well yeah that was 100k miles ago and hasnt caused any major issues, just annoying once in awhile. Well other than that the car has been fantastic. I just recently changed the radiator and fuel pump just for peace of mind since the car now has 333,000 miles on it and I figured it was time. I really think it could of gone longer but I sometimes use the car the take my 1 yr.

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  One great truck - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Jon - November 6 - 10:50 am

  I bought mine for only $600. After I replaced everything in the front brakes and put in a new starter solenoid, the truck was awesome! The size is just right for my 63" height, styling is attractive, and the interior is well laid out. The OHV 4.0 litre V6 has plenty of torque to climb hills and power the 4500 lb. SUV off road. The fold flat seating is very handy and practically turns the back of the Explorer into a cargo cave. Since I bought it, the 4WD shift motor has gone out (a very common problem with Explorers and Rangers, but an easy fix). At this point, the next step is to only make it better with aftermarket suspension and accessories.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jon Heath - November 5 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 05 with 17k,we now have almost 80k on this vehicle and have only replaced the tires once and the rear brakes once. I was nervous about buying a Ford but would now buy one again.It is costly regarding gas but most SUVs are and the reliability more than makes up for the fuel cost. This vehicle is very utilitarian for us and we treat it more like a truck than a SUV. I haul everything in it and at times can be pretty rough on it, it takes it all in stride. Also the AWD makes this thing a tank in the winter,and we live in the East. Makes me feel safe when my wife and kids are in it. This is a daily driver for us and we have taken many road trips in it with no problems.

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  Just saved my husbands life - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By adizziedoll - November 5 - 9:26 am

  My hubby just got T-boned by a large work van (bigger then him, always envisioned it as the other way around) doing 60mph, never even slowed down for his red light. The truck is completely destroyed, but my hubby walked away. The sensors worked and all the right air bags went off. Even if me and my son were sitting on the pass. side, we would have been OK. 100% worth the mechanical problems (but my hubby is a Ford mech. and we can get these things fixed easily and inexpensively). When everything is running top notch, fuel economy is actually pretty good. Watch your O2 Sensors and plugs, sparks- youll see it in your gas tank. The rear design as someone mentioned - not so good.

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  Great ride - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ryan - November 4 - 7:56 pm

  I came out of a 2003 4x4 F250 w/ the V10. I loved th truck but needed a vehicle with a lower payment and lower fuel bill. The Sport Trac did both. I have really enjoyed the ST. I think the 4.0 v6 handles it better than the 4.6 v8 handles the F150. Fuel mileage is avg. about 17, and, with the tailgate down, my Honda Foreman 4wheeler will fit in the back(the side tie downs come in very handy for this. Would definately recommend this vehicle.

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  First Ford - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By jeffry hesler - November 4 - 12:09 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for a year now. I started with 89,000 miles on it. It now has 98,000. I love to drive. I have had only problems with the brakes. The line broke and the disk or something like that on the wheel broke cause I pressed on the brake too hard. So I rate the brakes really good. The car overall is very big on the inside. Ive been into 2 wrecks with the car one with a deer and the other was I went under a semi trailer and the rear wheel hit the stands for the trailer. Each time Ive never gotten hurt cause the air bags have worked each time. I dont know if its supposed to but all the air bags went off in every case. It even went off when I hit the deer.

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  poor design - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By rich bison - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Hard to get in and out of when the hard top is on. Also the drivers seat should have more adjustments.