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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  Beautiful and fun car marred by gaskets - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By JS - June 4 - 7:44 pm

  My very first car, and I loved her. Excellent slow speed handling and turning radius. Quick off the line but slow to 60. Wobbly on the highway. Had the notorious head gasket failure at around 70k miles. Otherwise, just minor sensor issues and a leaky radiator.

• 

  2002 SE - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By JS - June 4 - 7:39 pm

  My Taurus was purchased off fleet at around 100k miles at a decent price. No major mechanical issues with this car, but many minor repairs considering the high mileage. New transmission seals were needed around 130k, several emissions sensor failures over the 40k (2yrs) that I have driven it, and a camshaft position sensor and sync replacement are the highlights of the repair history. Also suffers from crummy Ford power window syndrome, requiring slow and expensive repair. Handles well for its size, especially at high speeds, but a little stiff at low speeds. Weak engine and squirrely transmission hinder an otherwise competant car which ran me the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

• 

  F-250 7.5 - 1996 Ford F-250
  By goparts - June 4 - 2:03 pm

  This has been a great truck. It replaced my 1986 when it was totaled in a collision. The 96 did have a transmission replacement at 66000mi but otherwise great. The 7.5 engine does best with a bigger exhaust system.

• 

  awesome - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By slambo - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this car because I always dreamed of owning a stang when I was young.

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  Still love it 2.5 years later - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By greghodg - June 3 - 6:23 pm

  Bought new in summer 2009. Its been fantastic. Since then, Ive been back to the dealer for two oil changes and one unplanned visit for a braking system issue. Gas mileage depends on conditions. In the summer in Phoenix, you have to run the A/C on full all the time, which can cause a big dip, and in the winter short trips will suffer since the gas engine doesnt shut down until it gets to normal temperature. Ive averaged 37.5 since new.

• 

  Whatever - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Familyman - June 3 - 1:58 am

  Has 80,000mi now. Owned since it had 35,000. A lifter spring broke at idle in a drive through at about 45,000. Gets 13.6mpg in town. Paint flaking off and cracking on its own, terrible. Had the recalls fixed. Both auto front door locks need a new actuator. Engine was pinging with eng light on so had to have intake pulled and cleaned due to clogged egr passages thanks to poor valve cover design in which I also had to buy the new type. Rear side defogger quit working. Interior lights used to come on on thier own. Replaced rear shocks. For the money I cant complain as all vehicles have their problems. Who knows what the previous owners put it through. Id still drive it cross country if need be.

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  Good Car for the Money - 2007 Ford Focus
  By rbogrow - June 1 - 7:40 pm

  I have had this car about a month now and so far have been pretty pleased. The 5-speed manual is very fun to drive and the car responds well. I have been getting about 30 MPG on about 50/50 driving. My biggest complaint are the really cheap sun visors. I did have a fit and finish problem with the hood and a paint drip above the rear light upon delivery.

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  Its ok, not too bad - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jr - June 1 - 2:47 pm

  A Little noisy when driving , the AC is giving me a lot of problems, the interior is kinda noisy as well

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  AC Seat? - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Ticktuktick - May 30 - 9:13 pm

  I got this limited Expedition in the winter time. I like the drive, the style and the convenience of the truck until it turns to the first summer. Many people like the AC seats. That was one of my main reasons to choose this. With a long drive, this seat does not feel cool at all. I took it to the dealer to check it up. They said it is normal. I measured the temperature with AC seat on for a 40- mile drive, the temp under my mid legs is 90º and the back is 94º and they are on the way up. Today, I just found out from a shop foreman, the cooled seats are not cooled by the AC unit like some other competitors do. They are in fact powered by the TE cooler. It is underpowered when the ambient is warm.

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  My truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By sncfwlr - May 30 - 10:59 am

  It has never failed to start. never left me stranded. I have hauled 2000 lb. in the bed. and can pull trailer wait. I cant hardly pull a bass boat up and out of the water very well but it does the job. Its been a good truck.