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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  Good, economical car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dan - February 14 - 9:48 am

  I love this car. I had a 2002 Focus and gave it to my daughter. It has over 105000 miles and hasnt needed anything. Mine has 72000 miles and hasnt needed anything other than tires.

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  good truck - 2009 Ford F-150
  By tom - February 14 - 8:06 am

  I bought this truck new in March 09 here it is feb 14 2010 and I have 46,000 miles already. Not one problem with this truck not even a recall. Lots of money but lots of truck. I would recommend this truck.

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  not bad for a Ford - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Huh? - February 13 - 6:03 pm

  Purchased this car with only 20k. Drove it for five years and finished with 58k before selling it. Only mechanical issue I had was a... wow I cant remember, cost me bout $300. I installed a Flowmaster exhaust, great sound compared to weak stock exhaust. V8 power is robust, and runs strong well over 100mph. Interior and exterior held up very well, still looked new when I sold it. The drivers seat position is horrible, I felt like i was sitting in a beach chair that was lying on the ground.

• 

  check engine light - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By reggie - February 13 - 3:22 pm

  i have had this car for 10 yrs and have put only 68,000 miles on it. Have had numerous issues since day 1. Weve had 2 computer unit recall, 1 rear a/c recall, and recently the cruise controll recall. We had to spend close to $1,000 on new tires and struts and shocks after only 18,000 miles. Ford nor the dealership would repair those two problems because it was past the 3 yr warranty period, though it was under 36k miles. At around 40k miles, it started to get a p0174 lean code (check engine light). I took it to several ford specialty mechanics and they all say the same: intake manifold gasket was faulty because it was made of cheap plastic. It would cost around $600 to repair.

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  04 Freestar Ltd - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Mike - February 13 - 12:16 pm

  Bought this vehicle used from a dealership. So far so good. Vehicle averages 17-19 mpg overall between a mix of 65% highway / 35% city driving. We almost opted not to get this car just because of all the negative mpg reviews. We test drove a 05 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with cloth seats/ stow & go and were very close to purchase except for this Ford came to our attention with the same mileage and far more goodies (ltd package) for less. We have always owned GM vehicles, this is our first Ford. We also considered the Kia Sedona EX, but that model is near impossible to find for the same price. Ford wont let you down. I will say that we bought an extended warranty if anything happens..

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  Just little issues - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Tom - February 13 - 7:58 am

  I purchased this vehicle for work and I drive a lot of highway miles. I was hoping for better (averaging around 21 mpg) fuel economy then what I am experiencing. I have had a number of little issues from faulty wiring connectors to the radio mysteriousely turning off.

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  F-150 beats them all - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Darnell J - February 12 - 7:08 pm

  I just purchased a 2010 XLT Supercrew, I must say it is a very smooth and quiet running truck, even at highway speeds. The seats are very comfortable my wife and I are both tall so we enjoy all the room in this truck. The XM radio is the greatest. Thanks Ford, you made a winner this time.

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  HAPPY FORD OWNER - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By CALLEN - February 12 - 2:50 pm

  I have owned my Fusion exactly one year. I love the car and have not found one thing that I dont like about it. I t has the available Sport package, with 18" wheels and a unique spoiler which really adds class to it. Makes it look somewhat like a Lincoln. Has only been to the shop for oil changes.Am very happy that i purchased the car.

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  Ill buy another - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Bulletproof - February 11 - 10:16 pm

  I love my truck. We bought it 5 years ago with 90,000 miles on it and have 142000 on it now. No problems whatsoever. Ive pulled a 28 travel trailer foe the past 5 summers. Even though I have the smaller 4.6 motor, it handles it just fine. The tires still have lots of tread with over 50,000 miles. Like everyone else, wish the gas mileage was better. Very comfortable ride. Most impressed with zero maintenance issues. I will buy another one of this vintage whenever this one finally dies. I prefer this body style to the newer model. I have the cloth seats and they show virtually no wear. Ford did an outstanding job on this truck.

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  Am awesome suprise - 2010 Ford Flex
  By shawna - February 11 - 7:27 pm

  I had been test driving Tahoes and Youkons and accidentally found the Flex. I had test drove a used car and happened to look over and saw an all white flex. I asked my husband, if for kicks, he wanted to look at it and when we did we were in for a suprise at how much room it had. It had more room than any vehicle we had looked at. As soon as I test drove it and felt how smooth it was I was hooked. I LOVE driving it and I love the gas mileage. It fits our family of 6 very well!