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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  An Often Overlooked Performer - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Michael Mo - May 17 - 6:18 pm

  The ST is really a hidden gem in the Focus family. With 151 hp its not exactly a "hot hatch" like the SVT but its no slouch either. Its very well designed Im six feet tall and I have enough head/leg room, more than in some mid size cars. The front buckets are very comfortable and five years on its been a model of reliability. In heavy city driving mileage has been about 22, not too bad given the car never feels short on power above 3000 rpm. The dash is pretty cheap, the lack of rear headrests annoys and one cant call this a quiet car. Every time I drive something else though I always miss my Focuss driving position and driver connectivity. For me thats worth the STs minor faults.

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  Engine Problem - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Eric - May 17 - 5:41 pm

  I have a 2004 XLT 5.4 Crew Cab something in the engine broke around 77,800mi when I was doing about 45mph. Tow it to the dealership to have them look at it. They believe the crank broke because it does not turn. The dealership contacted Ford to see about help with the problem and Ford said out of warranty its their problem. New engine thru Ford around $5,000 then labor it would cost $7,400. I also talked to the reginal rep. for Ford that takes care of Gorno Ford and she said youre out of warranty. I told her that I know I am out of warranty but I should get more then 78,000mi after spending over $32,000 dollars. I ask to talk to her boss and said she has no boss to answer to. FORD TOUGH

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  Amazing value, amazing vehicle. - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Greg - May 17 - 3:23 pm

  Just picked up a Limited AWD 6-cyl yesterday with Park Assist and Rear Camera system. SYNC is even better than the commercials make it out to be. After driving the Element, CR-V and Forrester - this was the clear winner in a number of areas. Never owned a Ford, but after this I may never stray.

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  broken rear axle - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Dena - May 17 - 12:41 pm

  Good family car but unsafe. Recently 2days ago my rear axle cracked going 50mph causing me to lose control. Thank God one of my children were not driving at the time and that I wasnt on a major highway going 65-70 mph cause I dont know if I could have got it under control.

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  Zoom! Cruisin in my 5.0 - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Need For Speed - May 17 - 9:41 am

  This car rocks. It is Extremely fast, it feels like it leaps when you step on it. The brakes and the steering are much better than the 2010. the electric steering makes it easy to park, handles great. I have put 300 miles on it so far and averaged 21 MPG, mostly short trips with a couple of 0-60 runs, this car should do every bit of 25 MPG on the Highway. The ride is comfortable and the car gets a lot of attention. My ride is Kona Blue with dark leather and an automatic trans. I got the base rims with the all seasons and grip the road just fine, you dont need the upgraded tires unless you are taking it to the track. the Sync comes 3 years free, works like onstar. stereo sounds great.

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  My Financial Ruin - 1995 Ford Probe
  By whitetree - May 16 - 8:58 pm

  I enjoyed driving my ford probe. It was fairly comfortable with responsive handling and decent acceleration for a standard 2L 4cyl. However the car broke down numerous times. I had to put thousands of dollars of repairs into this car in only one year. I had to replace tie rods, sway bars, clutch slave and master cylinders, both CV axles, muffler, catalytic converter, etc. I finally got rid of the curse when I saw foam and rust on the oil dip stick. I sold off the car at $130,000 miles for a couple hundred.

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  Company car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By kman - May 16 - 7:16 pm

  12,000 miles so far. Drivers seat needed lots of fine tuning to get comfortable. Tranny feels confused when slowing and accelerating with cruise. Tach races when slowing. Great looking. Good handling. Poor visibility, espescially backing. Needs rear parking assist. Good gas mileage for power. Excellent traction control and braking. LOW ground clearance in front, be careful. Could use a few more options for price. I think I like the characteristics of the 2009 "grandpa" model a little more. No name tires have been good, so far.

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  Exellent - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Flexlover - May 16 - 7:11 pm

  This car is by far the best I have ever had. Its roomier than my wifes tahoe and handles better then my previos BMW 3 Series. It has the highest quality interior if ever drove, and its also the best looking on the outside. The dash isnt exactly the same case though. Its a bit dull, but that can be easily remedied. The New Taruses dash would be much better for this car. The transmission is a little fussy to. Despite this, I wouldnt think twice about buying another one.

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  Wish Ford still made them! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Loving It Still - May 16 - 5:13 pm

  Ive driven BMW, MG, Healey, and the German-designed 97 Ford Escort is as much pleasure and fun as all of those. The car is an uber-reliable and sound vehicle if proper care and maintenance is taken and no stupid-loud stereos installed to shake it to bits. Most of the performance issues are readily deal with by installing sportier tires and with very few minor modifications, the sportier handling is that much more. This is an in-city sport-commuter crossover, not a sports car and not a luxury road boat, so dont bash it for not being what it wasnt designed to be or for user failure to maintain.

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  Worth every penny - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By rbowden - May 16 - 2:09 pm

  The first new car I ever owned, no major complaints after 7 years. Glad I got the V8, awesome power and very fun to drive. Interior lacks some refinement and options that are standard in other vehicles, but probably not in this class.