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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  Jeckyl and Hyde Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Neil Edmonds - December 20 - 3:55 pm

  Family loves the car and its features but this car just isnt performing as I had hoped. Quality issues have been plentiful. Improper alignment from the factory caused both front tires to wear after 12k miles, speedometer head had to be replaced at 5k miles (took 5 days and had to have a rental), brake light sensor has been replaced twice and rear door trim continually came loose. Gas mileage is also far from Fords claim. We get about 15MPG with mostly city driving. Our 2001 Highlander gets almost 20MPG city.

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  Windstar? - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - December 20 - 6:02 am

  Bought demo 4600 miles, 22 mpg on trips, 16 city. Solid vehicle with unfortunately some flaws front stabilizer bar came loose ~ 70K shop welded both sides for $250, speedometer bounces 40K, $500 live with, intake leaked 115,000K, $1,500, stuck valve before I caught it and radiator leaked transmission fluid $450, water pump $300, couple sensors died $160 for parts. I have a cheap mechanic - cost might be double at dealer. It still runs like new, 10,000 miles on synthetic oil with no oil added. 3.8 still squeals the tires if you want. Advice: Change transmission fluid no problems. If you loose coolant find the leak and fix. Great vehicle, mainly need to fix the gasket problem.

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  1999 Ford Windstar LX - 3 Door - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By CCSM - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought it with 90K, five months later with 97K, have to replace intake manifold gasket, cost $435.

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  Great Truck For The $$$$ - 1992 Ford F-250
  By Jose - December 17 - 10:44 am

  Bought this truck to tow my familys 20ft ATV trailer on weekend outings. Fully loaded were only pulling a little over 3,000 lbs. and you can hardly tell its back there. The 7.5 liter V-8 consistently gets 8-10 mpg but I really didnt expect any better. We just rolled over 100K miles and Im thinking this trucks good for another 100K. We did just have to replace the U-joints and put brakes on it but I consider that normal maintenance.

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  My 11th Crown Vic in 19 Years - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By H P - December 15 - 3:03 pm

  As a sales representative in Metro Detroit for over 20 years, the Crown Victoria has been perfect. Roomy, reliable, attractive with LX chrome, wheels and whitewalls. The Crown Victoria has never made too much of a "statement" to customers. This is fine product of the Ford Motor Company exudes the reliable American car driving experience. I hope Mr. Mulally and his team keep full-size rear wheel drive sedan products in the Ford lineup forever.

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  I like the gas mileage - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Bigticket42 - December 15 - 11:43 am

  I like this truck. I am 66" and 250 lbs and I fit in the truck pretty well. I would like to have the size of a full size truck but with gas mileage fluctuating between $2.19 - $3.19 this is the best 4X4 to own. I get an average of 16 - 17 mpg both highway and in town combined. These trucks are reliable. The have there little glitch like door switches especially in mine which is a 4 door. I have the 3.0L V6 with the 5 speed so I think that explains the good gas mileage. I like the looks of the stepside but for practicality the regular bed is much better. It holds my 3 wheeler though.

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  F150 FX4 For Now, Keeping Until Ranger 2020 - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Neiko Loves - December 15 - 11:21 am

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  Well rounded vehicle - 2000 Ford F-150
  By forkd - December 14 - 1:27 pm

  This is a truck with a luxury car ride. It is quiet, reliable and attractive. The engine, while not the most powerful, is quite powerful enough. I upgraded to a K&N air filter and the throttle response improved dramatically. I have changed the front brakes 4 times but that isnt too crazy. When the stock tires wore out I upgraded and the handling is incredible. The only problem I have is if the roads are icy it, like any pick up truck, has a tendency to slip and slide.

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  Fun car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mikey444 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2000 Mustang Convt for one year now. Its a fun car to drive. I love having a convertible. Great exterior design, but again interior design. Lots of aftermarket accessories available. The car itself gives me a mediocre driving impression. Strong V6 though. However, it has poor wet weather traction. I would recommend it to someone who like a an affordable, fun, nice looking couple/convertible.

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  funnnnn - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Gabrielle - December 14 - 2:43 am

  The car drives like a big heavy American car. Nostalgia like a Moms car but is hot and sharp at the same time. It feels very safe and is exciting the way it holds the road and has pick up like most V8s. The dash could be a little more Mercedes-ish but I like the chrome and design. Great speakers and upgraded music system. Pretty bad on fuel economy.