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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  Not Happy, Got big lemon. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Andrew - March 7 - 1:48 pm

  Weve had too many issues with our Focus. We had it in twice because of a faulty stereo. Next was a metallic squeaking noise coming from the rear suspension, supposedly from broken brake cable brackets. The suspension makes a huge racket whenever we go over small bumps. The tires got worn fast, it was way out of alignment when we purchased it. The interior plastic is way too soft. We have scratches all up and down both doors and the passenger-side dash. Our crank pulley BROKE. And currently the car does not idle smoothly, sometimes vibrating heavily. This and all within 33,000 miles. Best of all, it was in numerous times for many of these issues. Will not buy a Ford for a while.

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  Ol Grey - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Little John - March 7 - 1:14 pm

  Best truck I have ever owned! Ol Grey has 250,876 on the OD now and I expect another 200,000 easy. The only thing I have replaced is a radiator, shocks and tires several times and tune ups. He has a Straight 6, 4.9 L and man. tranny. If you have a chance to pick one of these up get it, that 6 will out preform a v-8 any day of the week and still deliver 15mpg city and 18 mpg hwy every time!

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  First Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By hotshot22 - March 7 - 2:09 am

  I bought this car used with 17,000 miles and it was in perfect condition. The acceleration is decent but could always use more power. Handling has been excellent even in the 3 blizzards weve had this year. You do get bounced around quite a bit on bumpy roads but then again, its not exactly a luxury car. My Color back-lighting is a cool feature to play around with. Insurance surprisingly wasnt that bad (considering I live in NJ). All in all this car has been amazing to own and a blast to drive considering its a 110 HP improvement over my previous car.

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  flex headrests - 2009 Ford Flex
  By john - March 6 - 7:15 pm

  I have solved the headrest issue. I purchased a set of Toyota 4Runner headrests, from a wrecking yard, recovered them to match, a much better front seat now. The new headrests are adjustable back and forth, so all who ride are able to make a selection of the rest position. Total cost $100. This was my only solution since Ford took a no action attitude. Not what I call Superior Customer Service!

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  Eye Turner - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By daven - March 6 - 10:54 am

  Traded in a 2005 V6 for the 2010 V8. As expected I was not disappointed. I shopped hard to find this car with the #4 accessory package which has the hood scoop and pedestal spoiler. Couple that with the candy apple red exterior and the 401A red interior and this car turns heads. The HID headlights,Shaker 1000 stereo.ambient lighting are must haves. This car rocks. Did my time with the minivans, SUV and 4 door sedans. The kids are gone and Dad is cruising.

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  Black Beauty - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Seth - March 6 - 5:29 am

  I bought this as my first NEW car. I have owned Hondas before which were by far my favorite car. I was actually looking at buying a 2009 Honda Civic DX Coupe (No options, year end leftover) for $13,499. The civic didnt even have a cd player or air conditioning. All it had was a heater. I bought my Focus pretty much loaded. I bought mine with A/C, 5 speed, CD player, Power windows and locks, Remote keyless entry, Rims, Spoiler, Sirius Satellite Radio free for 6 months for the same price as the civic. Car looks very sharp. Ive only had it for several weeks but average about 32 mpg mixed city and highway. I race the car quite a bit to and I still get over 28 mpg when the car is redlined!

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  Bad Van! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jamies - March 5 - 10:28 pm

  My husband and I bought a 2000 Windstar SEL before the birth of our 2nd child in 06 and have had nothing but trouble with it. Had to replace something with the cruise control and brake fluid which Im told now is a recall, a new transmission, the doors sometimes dont close right, it makes a creaking noise when I turn left or right and now it is making a knocking noise and the check engine light is on. My husband liked the looks of it but I now tell him looks arent everything!

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  1996 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0L V8 - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By HeZ777 - March 5 - 7:42 pm

  Ive owned this car since October 1997, buying it with about 11,000 miles. It now has over 203,000 miles and still running strong. The 302 V8 is a strong and efficient runner, with a strong and durable transmission. Pre-Ethanol highway economy 22 MPG. Post-Ethanol highway economy 18 MPG. Very practical car, tows 5500 lb loads with ease, plenty of ramp torque, and horsepower to run up hills with ease. Recurring issues: this car eats up upper/lower ball joints, water pumps, radiators. Subwoofer not a standard size. On the plus side: 190,000 miles on a fuel pump, 170,000 miles on the air conditioning system. Engine, tranny, fuel system, computer top notch reliable on this car.

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  good value - 2010 Ford Edge
  By steve - March 5 - 7:31 pm

  Only had it a month but am impressed with ride and highway manners. Bought in Germany so rode the autobahn for the first 600 miles, 19 mpg varying the speed between 50-100 mph, with one smooth run up to 125 and back. So far very happy with my first Ford product. Oh, BAD orange peel on rear hatch will be repainted by Ford but the rest is great.

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  No more new cars - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Connie - March 5 - 10:29 am

  Considering Ive got 127,000 miles and looking back over the last 7 years of ownership I would have to say Ive been somewhat pleases with this car. Unfortunately Im having both front wheel bearing done now plus brakes and Ill be out $1500. The rear end whines horribly and you cant hear anyone talking but Im not paying for the repair. Others have done it and problem returned. At least my tailgate cracked in warranty and they replaced it 4 times but it cracked again and Im stuck with it now. I managed to keep a spare but wont bother putting it on. Ill need ball joints soon too. Its only worth $3500 on a trade so Ill hang on but no more new cars for me. Just not worth it.