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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  No More Nissans - 2010 Ford Focus
  By ExNissan Man - August 1 - 8:17 pm

  I had a 2007 Nissan Sentra. After going through 2 sets of rear tires in 27,000 miles & the dealer wouldnt be straight with me about who would pay for a manufacturing defect. It was time to let go of my 5th Nissan. For more than thirty years I thought of Ford as "Found On Road Dead" I never considered a Ford. I Test drove the 2010 Focus SE & Wow, I was new Ford Fan. It rode smoother, quieter and peppier than the Nissan Sentra 2.0. The accessories blew me away and so much bang for the buck. Same price as the Nissan Sentra 2.0 basic. The salesman and the guys at the dealer were great! I ended up buying 2 Focuss. One for me and 1 for the wife that very day!

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  Good ol van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By IceBerge - August 1 - 7:47 pm

  Weve had this van for about 12 years now, buying it used from a rental car company, instead of an Explorer. Considering its age and mileage its held up quite well. Only real issues ore the common door sensor problem and the engine uses a little bit of oil, though no leaks. The car is extremely comfortable to drive, the ride is very smooth whether with just a driver or fully loaded with passengers. The seats are very comfortable and make longer road trips a easier thing to handle. The rear bench is a little heavy and cumbersome to remove but the middle captain chairs are as simple as can be. 107,000 miles and going strong, we plan on keeping this thing till it dies.

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  Bad Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Dissed - August 1 - 11:27 am

  I had a 2008 that was perfect in every way. I now have a 2010 and would like me 08 back. Transmission problems are back from Ford. I took it in for the recall and it did not fix the problem. I fear a new transmission next and that means more problems forever. Ford ruined the FUSION in 2010. Flex Fuel V6 automatic. It shifts like the 2001 Taurus I used to have for a company car.

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  Reliable - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Max - August 1 - 9:39 am

  Bought with less than 50K miles, overall good vehicle display went out for radio/cd about 100K miles. had to rewire some due to electrical issues. its a beast in the snow. Motor is still great, plenty of power, doesnt burn any oil at 175k miles. will replace ball joints, transmission is still going strong being original hoping to get another 25k miles out of it using it for work commute only. i could take it on a road trip, but thats why i have another ford.

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  Great Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Carylon - August 1 - 2:13 am

  I found this to be a Marvelous car I had a Kia Sportage and the switch was significant for comfort and reliability. The interior was a little disappointing when compared to other options ( Generic) but over all the Sync hands free is addicting Overall a GREAT BUY

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  This Little SUV is a Bull - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Paul D. - July 31 - 10:06 pm

  First of all I bought this Ford new. I have 50,000 miles on it. The repairs Ive made, other than routine maintenance, are. Fuel pump and a tie rod end and thats it ( knock on wood). Power from this 200hp V-6 is more than ample and its good to know you have that extra power when needed. The ride is a bit stiff but that is to be expected from an SUV. The seats are very comfortable so that makes the stiff ride more bearable. Very roomy. Highway road noise is above average. If your looking to improve on that a good set of passenger tire would help. A/T tires are not the way to go unless your looking for more traction. Fuel-ok at 20 mpg combined city/hwy for a V-6. Nice SUV.

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  Made to last - 1997 Ford F-150
  By zee - July 31 - 6:45 pm

  Its been a great truck, turned 218,000 miles, just regular maintenance. Well it finally left me on the road. Not trucks fault, differential ran dry. I been taking it to NTB for regular changes and they never checked it. Shame on them. I am having it fixed. 4.6 L engine keep on purring !

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  Awesome - 2000 Ford Contour
  By sals - July 31 - 4:25 pm

  My wife and I love this car. It wont die! Still starts every time with 280,000+ miles on her! Besides the normal maint. weve had to put a fuel pump on it at about 140,000. The way its going I dont think 300,000 miles is too far from its future. American cars do last if you take care of em and do the preventative maint. like you should on every car.

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  Happy with Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By J Harbor - July 31 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased my Taurus w/17,000 miles on it. I have had excellent experience with the car, has sun roof, large truck, plenty of room in back seat. Other than regular service I have only had to have front brake job and new battery and tires. I now have 58,000 and still happy. I like the style, enjoy it every day and have made several long trips.

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  Great 1st Car! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By LizzyLouBorne - July 31 - 6:13 am

  My mom bought this car for me in January, when I turned 17. She paid $1,500 it only had 123,000 miles on it. It was from an older couple. The interior is in perfect condition. I cant say much about how it runs because I finally went take my driving test yesterday, and I passed. I drove it all day long. The only problem I have is there is no AC. I am getting that fixed very soon, though. The only set backs are I have read about shaking when it idles low or something, and there is no tape or cd player. Its good for me though because I dont need it. I am having a problem with it shaking when I am parked, but other than that it runs like a champ.