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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  I like it! - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By desertamber - July 5 - 11:13 pm

  Well since we bought it a few years back, its actually been a great vehicle. Ive only had to replace the brakes once and now the clutch is starting to go...my fault. I was real bad at driving a clutch back then.

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  Sticky 4-wheel Drive - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By john - July 5 - 3:51 pm

  The truck runs and drives great. We enjoy using it for fun short trips pulling the pop-up camper. However, every time I engage the 4-wheel drive it wont disengage without multiple attempts and switching it back and forth. This happens even after service to the drive line.

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  Dont be so hard on Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Lynn Daczyk - July 4 - 3:38 pm

  This has been a good utility and trip vehicle for me. Normal maintenance. Worst problem was blowing a freeze plug at 130,000 miles and, with my not watching the temp gauge, ruined the engine. Replacement was reasonable (lucky me, on a trip!) and its been running fine, now at 150,000. Gas mileage is 26 in the city, 30 on trips. Doesnt use oil.

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  one year review - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By pcpham - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The bad. Ergonomics. Headrest isnt there. Shifter too far. Car is way too high in terms of springs. Interior design dates back to 94. Maybe this happens to just my car but you can hear an air leak on the drivers side in freeway speeds. Squeeky rear suspension. Dealer cant figure out what is causing it. The good. The power and handling is pretty good. Lots of fair price aftermarket modifications for it. The exterior design looks very muscular. Too bad for the 2005. Looks like the t- bird route.

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  Brake Eater - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By californiaoldman - July 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice car and handles extreamly well for an SUV but it eats brakes like there is no tomorrow. I have replaced them at least 5 times during its 104,000 mile life.

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  2006 Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Hensler - July 1 - 8:36 pm

  The ride, road noise, and stability seem to be much improved. The added horse power is apparent. The seats are much less comfortable than my previous Explorers, even though they are listed as luxury seats. I asked my dealer about this, and they just blew it off. The floor shifter is really in the way after using previous column shifters. It also leaves no room for pockets in the cockpit in which to store things in a convenient manner. I had an extremely difficult time getting the vehicle set up to my preference. After waiting 6 weeks, I finally accepted a vehicle that was very much a compromise -- next time I will abandon my allegiance to Ford.

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  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By anonymous - July 1 - 8:51 am

  Bought the car new for $11,000 under the Ford employee-discount sale. Its roomy inside, even for the rear seat, and its practical and fun to drive. Early on there was a problem with the manual shift linkage that took a few tries to be fixed properly, but there havent been any other troubles with the car since then. Its a very nice car for the money.

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  New purchase - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By RGankiewicz - June 30 - 11:13 am

  New Freestyle is a welcome change from driving a Ford Explorer. Vehicle handles well. Engine is a bit noisy on acceleration then levels out when highway driving. Lots of room, plenty of cargo space, better gas mileage than an Explorer.

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  New focus real value - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Gary Verburg - June 30 - 4:22 am

  Great gas mileage at a great price. Forty miles to the gallon and $10,000 less than a hybrid.

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  She runs like a champ, no matter what - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Maleficus - June 30 - 3:50 am

  I purchased my used ZX2 about 2 years ago, with 58,000 miles on the clock. Since then, shes only let me down once, and that was because I hadnt performed a regular maintenance item. The timing belt slipped so it wouldnt run, took it to a shop who didnt know what they were doing and they told me my cold air intake and header were why she wouldnt idle (at ALL). Well, they were wrong, the timing was still off. For a year, shes been running with bad timing and she runs like a champ, well, to a certain degree. As soon as I fix the timing (myself!), Im positive shell be back to her old zippy, fun self. Please, please buy one of these cars, you wont regret it.