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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  10 years and still going - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Mark - April 9 - 8:51 pm

  We purchased our Windstar new almost 10 years ago. It has been almost trouble free the whole time. We pull a 3,500 pound camper with it and it pulls great. We went from WI to Montana 2 years ago with camper fully loaded 80 to 85 MPH all day with temperature outside in the 90s. It ran great. The mileage averages about 18 MPG, which isnt that good but it has never had any major problems. Have heard a lot of bad things about engine and transmission problems, but we have not had any. I use synthetic oil and flush the transmission every 30 to 40K miles. Very comfortable front seats. Great for those long rides.

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  F150 problems - 2002 Ford F-150
  By F150 Problems - April 9 - 3:47 pm

  The first 3 years the truck was a good truck. I use the truck for camping and to go a short distance to work. For the past year I have been getting water in the cab on the drivers side. I have tried to find where it is coming in at with no success. This year the ABS has died (the orange idiot light is on and ABS doesnt function). Havent had time to investigate this yet to determine what the problem is. Three of the four doors are starting to bubble with rust at the base of the doors where the folds are at. The last issue is every so often the service engine soon light comes on. If it wasnt for these issues I would be really happy with the truck.

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  Kevins Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Kevin - April 9 - 3:03 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 2 years, I have not had any mechanical problems, just routine maintenance. It has fairly comfortable seats, but could use a little more power.

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  Great value - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Kathy - April 9 - 9:08 am

  I love the smooth ride. Others have also commented how its like riding on glass. Also have had comments that the car is sharp. I also checked into cost of insurance before purchase, was pleased at affordability.

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  Great SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By gatormike - April 7 - 3:59 pm

  This has been a great SUV for my family. The vehicle handles well and has excellent pick up. It has been very reliable. I must say, on the negative side, that the overhead instrument panel display lights went out and the moonroof frame came out, however it did not affect the operation. Those are about the only problems we have had and we have had the vehicle for 4 years. I put a captains bed in the vehicle and I am amazed at the cargo capacity. I know the Explorers have a bad reputation for rolling so I am very careful but all in all I love the vehicle.

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  1996 Ford Explorer XLT V-8 - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By s.kaldes - April 7 - 10:00 am

  my boss got this vehicle with 12000 miles on it. i got to use it occasionally so when he decided to sellit i bought it with 65000 miles on it.I love the performance and torque this 5.0 litre has.Exterior still looks new.Gray leather still looks great.Only complaints are electrical, replacing hi brake light, fog lights, dash lite and steering wheel lite.

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  Love It - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Serpent - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car beginning of last week. Although I have had my share of problems with the Ford dealership, the car has been great. One problem is that the Check Engine light has come on, and they cant figure out why it wont turn off. I have to take my car in this Saturday (again) for them to take a look at it (again) to see if they can find whats wrong. If the Ford dealership wasnt so dumb, this would be a really awesome car.

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  Great Performance - 2005 Ford Escape
  By zadscmc - April 7 - 2:20 am

  This is my second hybrid, the first with a CVT. After getting "used" to how the transmission drives the car, the characteristics of electric assist, and the general drive of the SUV, we are now averaging well over 30 MPG. The dealer has been very good, and to date, weve had no problems whatsoever. We expect to be able to push this to 35 MPG by the end of the summer.

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  Still satisfied - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Brad - April 6 - 9:34 pm

  I just traded my 2005 Escape for the 2007 model (XLT 3.0 V-6). I was very satisfied with the 2005 model experiencing no problems whatsoever. Not much has changed with the 2007. Solid ride and nice seating position. The upgraded Audiophile radio is awesome. Fuel mileage averages around 20-21mpg (mixed highway and city). A good, solid all around vehicle.

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  2008 Fusion SE sport - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By George Bergman - April 6 - 8:30 am