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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  Good car for the price - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Jim - May 10 - 7:30 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 with 93K miles on it. The trans was rebuilt at 81k miles (OD went out, trans was never flushed at 30K increments). Now I have 151K on the car and the engine and trans are running great. A must have, is the 3.0 DOHC engine. The bad points are that it eats up front rotors. I change them every 6-8 months. Also, ball joints and front brgs had to be replaced, along with various emissions sensors and engine hoses. Normal stuff, when over 100K? I do most of the repairs myself. If I had to take it to a dealer for repairs, Id be broke! Dealer parts and labor costs are expensive! But, for the price of the car and the great gas mileage, 26 mpg average, you cant beat it.

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  Improved Ford, still asking for more - 2008 Ford Edge
  By driver@FL - May 10 - 11:01 am

  I traded a 05 Freestyle for the 08 Edge. I test drove 09 Murano, Mazda CX-7, Acura RDX. Decided for the Edge because of the lower lease payments (+ X-plan), vista roof, and some other features. Exterior design also a plus. However I have to admit the 09 Murano drives much better and has a better finishing, unfortunately too expensive and premium fuel. The Edge engine and 6 speed auto-trans. is a huge leap from my old engine with the CVT. I read some reviews saying not refined, slow, etc.. for the Edge/MKX. Maybe not the best ever but I am very happy and suprised with its performance.

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  Ford fun - 2000 Ford Focus
  By highspeed - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Ford Focus before arriving to Germany in July 2000. It has been a good car except the fact that the stereo lasted only 37 months. The bumper to bumper warranty at 36,000 is too short for cars being built today. The gas milage has only been about 27- 29 on highways with an automatic transmission. Still this car has been great in Germany and I would buy another one.

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  Heres a winner - 2007 Ford Edge
  By F.Michael - May 10 - 6:03 am

  Wife, 7 week old son, & I enjoy our little road-trips in the Edge. Cruising 70 to 75 mph isnt a problem courtesy of the 6 speed auto transmission. Solid build quality gives the feeling youre in a safe/well built crossover. Front-wheel drive is all thats needed (live in snowy WI). Very nice all around vehicle!

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  Base line economy car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By block1974 - May 9 - 8:07 pm

  Bought new with 0 miles and I got my moneys worth. Now has 145,000 and almost everything has been replaced except the engine. The transmission rebuilt at a shocking 80,000. Other repairs was tie rods, radiator, alternator at the 120-130,000 mark. It is comfy, and small. Low power, so dont expect to get anywhere soon. Noisy on the highway, and do not go past 80 mph or you will see blue smoke from the tailpipe. Great for city and short trips.

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  10 years of excellent service - 1998 Ford F-150
  By kcokc - May 9 - 9:26 am

  Bought new in August 98. XL 4.2 V6, 5- speed 3.55 axle, with XLT interior. TX/OK package. Reliability - one of the best vehicles Ive owned. Never had a breakdown, only real repair was replacement of turn signal switch. Good power for a 6 cylinder, have towed way more than recommended limit for short distances. Only complaint is fuel economy (lack of). 15-16 MPG in urban driving, 20 on highway cruise at interstate speed. Owned two Chevy p/us before, this F150 is better truck by far for a work vehicle/tough truck. Chevys were more confortable, more economical to drive. Gonna miss the old ford when it goes to a new owner shortly. First Ford, was great choice!

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  Great purchase - 2007 Ford Focus
  By joe h - May 8 - 9:24 pm

  Had vehicle for almost a year. Vehicle has enough pep to get you around but isnt a sports car, so you shouldnt get into much trouble. Stores long items decently. Car doesnt get hot even while idling in the middle of summer with ac running.

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  A little dissapointed - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Nef - May 8 - 3:13 pm

  This CUV is excellent looking, and very nice, we got the car and loved it, we had an Expedition before so we decide to go for better gas mileage. Well, its been a year since we bought it and Im not impressed with it. Im very forgiving when it comes to rating cars, the little blemishes found on the brand new car shouldnt been there. For an example, the door handles had a little mat in the cavity to cover up the bolt showing was gone the first time we vacummed the car, cheap and not the best way to design the car. The plastic covers in the back gate (lift gate) comes off when I close the gate. No foot rest for the driver.

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  Going great so far - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Okay for Us - May 8 - 9:17 am

  Bought new, no troubles with engine at all. Rear hatch lifters had to be replaced and was done under warranty. My gas mileage runs around 16 mpg mostly in city. Wish it were better!

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  Great car until you have to put gas in - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By scott - May 7 - 3:31 pm

  We bought the car new 2/06. By August had trouble fueling it. Ford said some cars are hard to put gas in. They did nothing about. Will not do anything about it even under warranty. For me, it cured me of ever owning a Ford again. Much less a mustang