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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  Way to go! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By T - July 17 - 5:33 am

  Gm retiree here who traded 2003 de ville. This fusion is a one hell of a car. Fit and finish is excellent, paint is excellent, features and engine excellent. I immediately took this car on a one thousand mile run after purchasing it. Gotta say I had a ball in it. Plenty of power. Transmission shifts with ease. Low road noise and handling like a pro. Straight and tight all the way. Thumbs up Ford.

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  Bring the Contour back - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Leo M. Gates - July 17 - 2:38 am

  I bought my 98 Contour (2.0 Zetec VCT, 5 sp manual) with 26,000 miles on it 8 years ago and now it has just crossed over the 100,000 mile mark. It is reliable, comfortable and economical. Ive replaced a few things over the years as expected but this car has spoiled me. Sometimes I think its time to upgrade but when I read reviews,I go running back to my Contour.

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  My Third Aerostar - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Danny Hardwick - July 17 - 12:22 am

  I bought a used 1996 Aerostar in 1998 with 66,000 miles on it, and retired it with 225,000 miles on it when it started losing compression in two cylinders. Bought a 1995 with 99,000 miles on it in 2002. It now has 261,500 miles on it and still running strong. however I now live where we get heavy snows, and the two wheel drive does not climb the hills in snow if someone gets in front of you driving less than 30 miles per hour. I drove to Show Low AZ this morning and bought a 1995 AWD extended van with 116400 miles on it and drove it back to Ruidoso, NM. I could not have been happier if I had bought a new car off the lot. This one had been well kept, no rust, and only two door dings.

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  summer time suv - 2010 Ford Escape
  By JACK - July 16 - 3:10 pm

  Great summer time SUV. Great city miles. When snow is on the ground this 4 cyl, fwd is bad news. It slides. You cannot go down any small grades when snow is on the ground. The tires glaze and you do not stop. I took pictures of the glazed tires. After the roads are plowed it is not bad. Too light in the front rotten traction. Will trade for an awd.

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  Just Bought Used - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Rob - July 16 - 2:48 pm

  I recently purchased my F150, and I love it. I got for the purpose of towing a pop up trailer, and I could not even tell it was attached. One area where I might have researched more is gear ratios. I noticed some F150s had more torque. I am fine with the lower torque gears as I am not as prone to squealing my tires. I am not sure about any benefit in gas mileage. It is a truck, what would you expect? I have also added Thule bed racks so I can bring my kayaks along where ever I go.

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  Transmission Problems at 70K - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Northern IL - July 16 - 2:37 pm

  I bought this used with 3K miles on it, have driven 80K. I really like the car. There are two issues, one is the lumbar support broke, the part is $35, but the seat would have to be taken apart. The real problem is the transmission. It will jump out of gear on hard acceleration, and wont downshift at times or when it does it clunks into gear. There is a module inside the transmission that is worn out, appears at about 70K plus miles. So youre out of warranty. It is about $2K to fix. Gas mileage is also lower than expected, but it is a heavy car. I get around 24 average (hwy and town).

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  Fix Or Repair Daily is this cars Motto - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Vicki - July 16 - 1:56 pm

  Electrical problems, driver door lock pops back up, brakes, brakes and more brakes. Heater core flushed three times in year and 1/2, then isnt that warm a week or so later, new sensor for speedometer to make it shift, new blower motor for heater and actuator door, brake line repairs, after all this, air compressor gone, no air. I cant remember the rest. Cup holders poor. Car drives good if you can afford the rest of the weekly maintenance.

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  First thoughts since buying a used SEL - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Pete - July 16 - 11:33 am

  My 1998 Mercury Sable GS, which I bought 3rd owner, for $1000, and lasted 4 years, had to go bye-bye. It was BEAT! but the engine and tranny were excellent. So what do I get my wife now?? We happily found a 2007 Ford Taurus SEL, sure it has 73G miles, but it runs and looks excellent. 2nd owner, was an old fellas car, did a lot of trips. Black exterior, Tan leather interior, all options I can see, power everything, sunroof, 6CD changer. And after a couple of trips we are averaging 31 MPG out on the Highway! WOW! Doesnt matter if windows and sunroof open or AC is on, same mileage. Ride is terrific for us. Nice seating. Roomy (I am 6-2 260!). Smooth at a Cruise locked 55 MPH. Quiet.

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  Ford hit it out of the park - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - July 16 - 9:29 am

  Ive been an account manager for 35 years and this Fusion SEL is my 25th company car and its the best Ive ever had...so much so that I plan to buy it when the lease is up. I got 31 MPG at 75 MPH on the interstate. The SYNC. leather heated seats, heated side views are wonderful. My only problem was a rattle in the back that ended up being a faulty set of trunk hinges. I really love this car and Im very pleased that its American

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  I got a good deal - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Paul - July 16 - 12:49 am

  I am quite surprised by some of these reviews. I bought my 99 Taurus with 35k miles and it now has 160k miles. I have had no problems what so ever with this vehicle. I have a friend with a 98 and his has 250k miles on it and it runs like a champ. I do regular maintenance on my vehicle, oil changes, a few trans flushes, breaks and the like. Overall, I have been quite happy with this car and look forward to another easy 100k miles. -Paul