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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  Reliable and has taken some abuse - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By MBR - August 16 - 5:51 pm

  Bought this vehicle used in 2002. Now has 100,000 miles and have not had any seriously major problems. Have had to replace ball joints but Ive run some heavy treaded Mud Tires for the past 2 years. It goes good in the mud and has ample ground clearance. Even though this is a great daily driver it is rugged enough to take you to some serious back woods adventures. Dont be afraid to get this vehicle off road.

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  One of Fords Better Years for Trucks - 1995 Ford F-150
  By woodleader - August 15 - 7:27 pm

  This has been an excellent vehicle. The only major repair I have made on this truck was a rebuilt transmission at 160,000 miles. Other than that I have replaced an alternator, a radial arm bushing, idler pulley and a few batteries. I drive this truck to work, M-F, around Atlanta. With 287,000 miles on it now, I could see this truck easily making 400,000 miles in a few years. AT 80 mph, the 5.8l still gets 15mpg. I like this truck so much I am starting the process of restoring it.

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  Better choices available - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LG - August 15 - 7:13 pm

  I bought this as a dealers demo with 4,000 miles and the truck performed pretty good mechanically. Needed tires at 32,000 miles. The ride was very noisy with a lot of wind noise and road noise. After 30,000 miles the ride was very rough and the truck was all over the road on bumpy roads. I recently bought my wife a Kia Sportage and that vehicle runs rings around the excape as far as comfort, ride and standard features although the Excape does have a more powerful engine. There are better choices in this price range.

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  Lame MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By mxgolf - August 15 - 12:43 pm

  I actually love the car but the mileage is not even close to EPA numbers. 33 MPG is not 47 or even close. I drive like a grandma now and it still does not get near what its supposed to. I would gladly get rid of the car due to Ford lying about the mileage. I do live in Oregon which has 4 seasons but the weather should not have anything to do with fuel mileage. If there was a lemon law for fuel mileage I would gladly give this car back. Unfortunately I am stuck with it. I would not recommend buying the car if you are buying it for the hybrid mileage.

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  In need of fixes - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mark Larey - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Very dissappointed with some mechanical aspects. Turning from stop makes noise, other transmission noise between 40-55 mph. Been to dealer (first time at 1800 miles) they are aware of the problems---told it is "clutch" and "pinion". Also having abnormal wear pattern of front tires--Ive been told this is a tire problem. Dealer seems aware of these problems (I must not be the only one) but tells me Ford hasnt come out with any fixes yet.

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  2004 GT coupe - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Scott Jessup - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Has suffient trunk space and back seat space. Has plenty of power. Is very comfortable.

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  Not too shabby - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Jeff - August 14 - 10:12 pm

  Overall pretty happy with our V6 XLT 4x4 at 83,350 now. Handled tough Colorado 4x4 trails well even without low range (as well as slippery roads). Only a few problems: idle air control valve and blower motor died. ~22 mpg HWY, ~18 city.

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  Why? - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By wvhiker - August 14 - 2:53 pm

  Why did Ford decide to cut this model out? I have driven Tauruses in the past and knew what a good car they were. Had to get a car and this was our choice. Good, dependable family car. Nothing more, nothing less. I actually like the styling as opposed to the new Taurus. I have driven the new Taurus and prefer this model as well, except the motor. Very pleased with out choice.

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  first problem - 2002 Ford F-150
  By skeptic - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I compared all of the full size trucks on the market before I purchased my F150. I love this truck, but its now in the shop because it developed some sort of electrical issue and left me stranded on the side of the road today. Other than that, this truck rides great, gets pretty decent mileage for a full size truck (18mpg in mixed driving), is squeak and rattle free, and was running perfectly prior to today. Assuming the electrical problem is a fluke, I would recommend this truck to anyone looking for a versatile, comfortable, full size truck.

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  Safe to Drive - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Chad - August 12 - 12:31 am

  I have 144,000+ on this Expedition. Because of the weight, I feel safe driving in snow/ice. The AWD is excellent. The leather seats are still in good condition. The safety could be improved with side air bags. The oil pressure when first started during winter time is 20-30 seconds delayed. I corrected this by using less restricted KNN oil filter. I used Castrol synthetic 0/40 motor oil. Also, I do transmission fluid change every 2 years by draining only then load new fluid added with 1 jar of trans-X. Spark plugs and some little things have been updated. I know the gas mileage is bad, but it rewarded me with the safety and comfort.