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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  Nice, but not as well built as my 2004. - 2010 Ford F-150
  By BryanWJ3178 - June 3 - 9:03 pm

  I had dreamed of this truck for some time. And God answered my prayers! Love the truck, but it has issues. A few days after purchase, I noticed a blob of paint above the driver tail light. Came like that from the factory. Went round and round with Ford, I got an extended warranty for 75k miles and free oil changes. Whoop de doo, GM offers a better warranty standard. I have 1700 miles on it and already have 2-3 rattles. And the transmission shifts ROUGH into 3rd gear, almost like its going to break sometimes. Also, sync does not always recognize names. Other than that, I love the truck. This is my 5th F150, and might be my last. Ford could care less if I am satisfied though.

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  Poor Quality & Engineering-Ford Cops Out - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Cold Mainer - June 3 - 5:30 pm

  Fun car with great gas mileage if driven correctly. I average 34 MPG on the highway at 60 MPH. A major flaw of this vehicle has been the rear suspension. It has too much negative rear camber and not enough toe. This causes wear to the inside edges of the rear tires. This is not adjustable and must be accomplished with the use of aftermarket parts. It cost me $350.00 to get this problem fixed. It has stopped eating tires now and has improved the safety of the vehicle. I have 48,000 miles on my latest set of tires now. This vehicle was very dangerous when operated in snow and wet conditions. It always wanted to spin around before I got the rear end problem fixed. Trunk latch, ignition rp

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  Still happy after 8 years! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Moms Taxi - June 3 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my 2002 Windstar new and its been a great vehicle for 8 years. Now has 140,000 and still going strong. Originally bought an extended warranty which covered few minor problems up to 60k miles. Then practically nothing but routine maintenance needed after the warranty expired. New spark plugs & wires at 120k miles. Overall it has been an excellent vehicle that still looks and runs great. This convinces me that if you do ALL recommended maintenance your vehicle can last forever. I have the problem with the brake light and ABS light staying on. Apparently its related to the recall for the speed control issue, working to resolve that.

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  A Classic - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By GORDON CORCORAN - June 3 - 3:08 pm

  I bought this 1997 limited Explorer from a private party ONE OWNER with 97,000 miles. with no body damage at all, Excellent interior. With many extras. Like a pone in the center console. Heated seats. Mirrors. Computer display. 10 CD player. Cassette, New Tires. No oil leas, and the V8 5.0 engine. Navigational system. I got it for $3.500. and much more, When I got stationed here at FT Sam Houston, San Antonio TX. So far So Good. $3.800. I am very pleased.

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  Nice truck - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SUVguy - June 3 - 12:30 pm

  I bought my escape in October of 04 with 13,000 miles on it. Thus far only one major repair which was the ignition module around 40,000 miles. Other than that just normal wear and tear (water pump, serpentine belt etc). Overall very pleased with the performance and reliability. Just hit the 110,000 mile mark.

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  2010 Design Quality Problems - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Farmerswife - June 3 - 10:20 am

  I bought my 1st NEW vehicle in January. It has been in the shop 4 times. Problems with a high pitch noise coming from the gas pedal, power steering, Vacuum intake noise under passenger side, and a loose rattling noise in dashboard. Ford Engineers say the high pitch noise and vacuum are a design problem. Service dept has fixed power steering and working on rattle, not sure what engineers are working on. I love my explorer but the noises are driving me crazy. Hope Ford Engineers can recall or fix the intake problems of the noises.

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  Strong Like Bull - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By blackhaus50 - June 2 - 10:44 pm

  I got this truck used of craigslist back in 07 for $1800. it had 160k. ran great till the day i sold it with 235k on it(may 2010), never had to dump much money into it ( oil changes, new tires and some other reg maint.) much better than my 99 blazer i had. BTW i sold if for 900 to a buddy of mine, no leaks & never burned any fluids.I drove this thing 60 miles a day to boot

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  Wheel well covers rattle! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Deb - June 2 - 4:29 pm

  I love my grabber blue mustang. The only issue I have with the car is the rattling noise coming from the wheel well covers. My dealership let me take out a few 2010 models like mine and they do the same thing. A review was sent into the Ford Co. Other then that I have no issues on wet pavement or massive puddles here in FL.

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  Transmission issues- BAD! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By DawnLowery - June 2 - 12:29 pm

  I have had plenty of Explorers but my 2006 limited was final purchase for awhile and the plan was to "drive it till the wheels fall off," I am not a heavy driver. My commute to work is about 20 miles total. I took the Explorer in for service after the second year of owning it. I was told I had "cracked hoses" and that was why my fluids leaked. I mentioned all the complaints that I saw on the internet with radiators, the ford garage did not know of any "problems." They fixed it and then the next summer it was leaking again. I was told that was "normal" in the summer and was talked out of making an appointment. Just after 36,000 miles I was then told my radiator was shot.

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  Rangers the Truck for me - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - June 2 - 10:32 am

  This is my 2nd used Ranger. First was a 1997 I bought in 1999. I had few problems, just the usual parts that wear out over time. And most parts lasted longer than mechanics expected. It NEVER left me stranded on the road.I got my 2009 used at a great price with 1300 miles on it. I like the exterior appearance. While the interior dash is the same & dials are hard to read & get at while driving, the seat is more comfortable & the cab seems bigger. 4 cyc. acceleration & mileage are about the same. My 97 never burned a bit of oil & I expect with reg maintenance my 09 will be as dependable.