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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  2003 Ranger ratings - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bfunk62 - May 4 - 4:27 pm

  I love my Ford Ranger! I think the exterior as well as interior design are awesome. It is fun to drive and gets OK gas mileage. I just calculated mine today and I get 16.5 mpg. This is actually really good for a pickup truck. On the other hand, because its such a small pickup truck, the ride is extremely rough and any pothole or uneven road will throw the truck around. The driver must keep their hands on the wheel at all times because unexpected bumps will send it off the road. I noticed this in two other Rangers that I drove, so I can say that they are rough riding trucks and not just from one experience. Overall I love my ranger and I think it is 10x better looking than Chevy S-10s!

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  Still great after 3 years - 2003 Ford Focus
  By kate - May 4 - 9:59 am

  I bought this car new and it is just as much fun to drive over 3 years later. I have the Zetec engine, it has lots of pep and I get 25 mpg overall and thats with over 20 stop lights between home and work. The original Firestone tires were...well, junk, and after lots effort on the dealerships part, I gave up and replaced them with Pirelli tires at 8000 miles. The back seat is roomier than I expected and the front is very comfortable. Huge trunk great for travel.I love this car!

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  Too soon to tell, but so far so good - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By shaukeki - May 4 - 1:03 am

  Purchased this car in the nick of time for my trip tp Stowe, VT. The trunk was adequate for myself and my fiance and her penchant for bringing the kitchen sink. The car is attractive and sporty, yet it has a very European feel and appearance. The engine is responsive and quick. The interior is comforatable and stylish, but some of the weather stripping and trim bezels could be better-attached. Minor issues at worst. The SYNC system is great, but the voice which assists could benefit from some lessons in listening as she is often enough wrong. Also, there is too much instruction offered by the voice. Overall, the car has handled the Vermont mountains well with no issues.

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  Above Expectations - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Rick - May 4 - 12:10 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever had. Ive had Hondas, Ford, Isuzu, Nissan, Volvo, GM, Toyota The build quality is exceptional, it is very quiet, the transmission (auto) doesnt hunt for the right gear it seems to just know at the right time to down or upshift. Traction control is very good, the Active Sync is fantastic, the heated seats very good, seating position very good. The ride is pretty good, a little firm ,but I like it a little sporty.

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  The should I keep it or sell it decision for 8 yr - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Chai Wallah - May 3 - 8:32 am

  The Edge still is a very comfortable cars after 5 years of ownership. This review is more for folks who are considering trading in or selling, and potential buyers. The PTU is notorious in the AWD, hence the drop in resale values. Ford dealerships refuse to drain and fill the gear oil. Please get this done every alternate engine oil change at a lube ot transmission shop, it is cheap insurance for PTU longevity. Suck out and refill through the fill plug. The TSS/OSS sensors will go out on this transmission, the transmission itself is rock solid. Spark plug change is a must at 80-90k miles, otherwise you risk a PCM failure. So if you are a buyer wanting to keep their Edge longer or seller doing their due diligence on buying it uses, pleae keep these factors in mind! Any other issues are to be expected in most used cars.

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  Pretty nice - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JJ - May 2 - 2:59 pm

  Overall, Ive had a pretty good experience. Its nice and roomy and I love the bumper because I have lightly bumped a few things and no scratches. The ride is smooth and handles nicely. Even though its 4 years old people still tell me it still has that new car smell. Only complaints are the matte finish on the radio is chipping off, the cover of the gas cap sometimes pops open, and my biggest complaint is the CD player. Ever since I first got the car it sometimes makes this horrible noise and pops the CD out, I can usually pop the CD back and play normally though.

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  Not the best primary car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By jldude - May 2 - 2:20 pm

  This car is a great car if you find one that has been taken care of. I bought mine with over 100K miles so it wasnt the best condition. The biggest problems was the underhood electrical system which failed in more than one place due to heat, fragile transmission, and dry rotted suspension mounts. The electrical system on certain contours was recalled but mine was over the time/mileage limit. The best part of this car is the 2.5 Duratec V6, especially if you get the SVT. Unfortuneately it doesnt have much low end torque so a 5speed is the best choice for this car. Fuel economy isnt great, just make sure you get one that has been taken care of.

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  Not perfect, but not bad - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By AA - May 2 - 12:43 am

  After 110000M, its still going strong without any mechanical failures. Just the basic maintenance required. It has excellent fuel consumption, compared to my Tahoe. Of course, you trade off horses when you go into a V6 but its enough to do most things that can be done with a 4 foot long box. Outside styling looks very sporty and the paint has a tough anti scratch coating. The suspension is a little too soft for spirited driving, but the truck still handles very well on the road. Very comfortable front seats. Dunno about back ones, never been on them. Havent heard complaints about them though. The tail of the truck is a extremely light (fiberglass box), but nothing some sand bags wont fix.

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  Droptop fun - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jerry Grant - May 1 - 12:40 am

  Excellent all round fun to drive car. Our V6 is equiped with the optional Pony package. This really helps out in the handling dept with added rear anti- sway bar, ABS,and 17" alloy rims. Take one for a drive. Youll love it.

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  blown radiator - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Tony Cervantes - April 30 - 8:58 pm

  had the car two days and driving on the highway and only 125 miles on the car the radiator blew. Car shut off, warning came up on screen, water gauge stayed in the middle. Spent over an hour waiting for road side assistance. Disappointed that a major defect occurred while driving on a highway crossing three lanes of highway with a dead engine. its unknown what damage is on the engine likely will be in the shop longer than I have had it. Was excited and got a great deal on what I thought to be a great vehicle. Will see what ford and dealership will do.