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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  2002 Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Christine - March 17 - 4:37 pm

  I have had nothing but great reliability with my 2002 Focus ZTS. I still have the factory battery in it, ac works great, great on gas, I can always depend on this car to get me where I need to go. Oil always gets changed on a regular basis, regular check ups and it has been going. Im no mechanic but the money that I have put into this car is just maintenance that you do for your car to keep running. The only thing that has not worked since I purchased it was the drivers side windshield wiper.

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  Im a believer - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By SpGator - March 17 - 3:09 pm

  I bought my expedition in 2004 with 85k miles on the clock to pull my boat. It tows like a champ btw. I had never owned a domestic vehicle (past vehicles-Honda, Acura, Nissan, VW (crap), and back to Honda) so I wasnt expecting much of a vehicle. Oh boy has my perception changed with this SUV. It now has 110k on the clock and it still is extremely reliable. Only issues so far are normal wear and tear items. Heater core went bad around 100k, some corrosion, otherwise, its been rock solid. I think Ill ride this thing into the ground hopefully at least another 150k miles later :)

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  2002 Ford Taurus SE - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Kris - March 16 - 11:32 pm

  I had my Taurus for about 3 years now the first two years I havent had anything major done on it besides brakes and oil changes, the last two months I had nothing but troubles with it starting from engine sensors (camshaft) fuel pump , car would die wiring electrical problems, transmission went out completely had to tow it to the dealer I have 85K on it, and I never abuse the car its very well maintained! I may switch to a Japanese car for better reliability

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  05 Stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By kjoe - March 16 - 9:42 pm

  Flawless. The car has traction control and even worked well this winter during all the snow. Has new all season tires same model as original BFG and they are great. The car routinely achieves 26 MPG. We have had the car since new and still get compliments. Great buy and super reliable.

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  The best car Id never considered - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Kung - March 16 - 7:56 pm

  Our 1997 Taurus finally had one too many malfunctions so we set out to look for a new vehicle. I ran across a review here on Edmunds stating that Fusions are fairly reliable. Further research bore that out and we bought a 2008 Fusion, 25K miles, I-4/auto, SE package, with warranty and other extras (backup sensors) for exactly $12K. We are VERY pleased. Ive only owned it a week, so reliability reports will be coming in the future but it rides VERY smoothly, accelerates surprisingly fast for a 4-banger, and fit and finish are definitely a notch above for Ford. Sound system (with 6-disc MP3 changer) is more than sufficient, and the car has plenty of cup holders. :D VERY satisfied.

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  no problems here - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By jim g - March 16 - 5:44 pm

  This is my 3rd Explore and by far my best. Plenty of power and the ride is very smooth. Every feature works as expected. Very stable on the highway and easy to drive in town. No comparison to the explores of the early years.

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  not bad but could do better - 2001 Ford F-150
  By motogirl - March 16 - 4:09 pm

  I bought this truck to haul the bikes, camping and some off roading (after owning a Jeep Wrangler a truck cant off road) I was looking for a Tacoma or Titan, my friends dad owned a lot and got me a great deal on this F150. i havent had to major of issues but every time i give it a good wash a spark plug blows, then every time i get the front brakes done a bolt backs out when Im in motion thank god its a quick catch and nothing bad has truly happened while i have been driving. the gas mileage is ridiculously horrible Im lucky to get 10 miles to the gallon. The stereo volume will go up when you turn it down and down when you turn it up.

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  I LOVE MY T-BIRD! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Kevin - March 16 - 2:53 pm

  I have had it for about a month now and I LOVE IT! Everything I could have asked for and cheap as dirt! 136000 miles when I bought it 138,000 now. I have had to replace the serpentine belt and a battery connector. Very fast, very reliable and good looking. My T-Bird has all of the options. Moon roof, power everything, Auto head lights, auto climate control, Keyless entree pad, remote keyless entree fob. All for $1900! You just cant beat that! I just wish they made more aftermarket parts for it. Major upgrade from my previous 97 ranger. V8 is very quick on the highway and I get 20 mpg. Plenty of room for me, seeing as im 6 foot 5 thats saying something! Great car, great price, SWEET!

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  So far so good... - 2008 Ford Focus
  By JHorn - March 16 - 2:18 pm

  I bought this car used in Jan. 08 with about 15k miles. I had to have the back left window motor replaced and just had front right axle and bearing replaced. It was all under warranty so no cost. Everything else has been great. The audio system is awesome with SYNC, though the high end is a little tinny and the phone calls are hard for the other person to hear when using bluetooth. The acceleration is great for the engine size. It does not handle as well as my 2000 VW Golf did, but it isnt bad. As everyone says, the mpg is terrific. It isnt that exciting but it drives well and seems to be reliable since I got those things done.

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  Great Truck. Fun to drive! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By titleist8 - March 16 - 2:09 pm

  Great truck to drive. Feels very solid and handles very good. I am using this truck as our family car and my kids love to ride in it. My wife drives this truck often and loves to drive it also. I have been absolutely pleased with this truck. I tried them all and Ford is the best and they did not take government money.