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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  Still going! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By rolienolie - February 10 - 1:04 pm

  I bought this car back in 2001 and it had about 32,000 miles on it. It had previously been a rental car so I am sure it was driven hard those first miles. I have found this car to be extremely reliable. It is nothing fancy but it gets the job done. Other than routine maintenance (brakes, new tires, oil changes, etc) I have replaced the timing belt, had the control arms replaced, and I had some issues with the check engine light but that is pretty good considering I have been driving this car for nearly 9 years! I also got rear-ended and opted not to get the bumper fixed and I just kept the money. I was hit at about 20 miles per hour and you barely see there is damage.

• 

  My Ford Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Europop2500 - February 10 - 12:42 pm

  Bought it w/ about 87k on it. 1st thing to replace it was the radio, couldnt read very well w/ the lines through it. Trunk latch doesnt work properly. To close the trunk I have to pull the safety lever in the trunk. It had fairly new tires on it when I bought it, they are already bald 7k miles later. A dome light towards the rear seats would be Nice, @night I cant see a thing back there. I get about 22 mpg all town. It would be Nice to put the rear seats down from the car, not just the trunk. The ignition cyl. Went out, Ford charged $270! Rip off. Only the drivers door has a keyhole and when its colder than 32 degrees the keyhole freezes and u cant get the key in, or turn it. Ive tried many options

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  Problematic - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger - February 10 - 12:27 pm

  After reading the reviews on this site, I realized that my Ranger has had just about every problem in the book. It now has 145,000 miles and a list of parts I replaced in the few years Ive owned it, including fuel pump, spark plugs and coil, cam sensor, 2 alternators, and more that I cant even remember. It takes a quart of oil every 1000 miles, which is tolerable. Never had any clutch problems. Power windows work sometimes, interior light stays on when doors are closed, and "Door Ajar" light will stay on for a while. A/C pump starts randomly and squeaks. Ball joints go bad a lot. Noisiest power steering pump Ive ever heard, even after replacing it with a new one. Power could be better.

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  Good car but trans problems - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By john - February 10 - 12:08 pm

  i bought the car in 2006 at precinct auto sales it only had 99,000 miles on it i fell in love with it. It was white it was fairy decent interior and exterior for being an older vehicle. As the months go by i started noticing the car would make a weird noise after a stop and then jump it was not bad at first though. It started getting worse then one day the transmission went out on a hill..... it would cost about 1500 to replace so i decided to get rid of it and the trans shop said it may not work...it went out about 11000 miles later...

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  terrible - 2000 Ford F-150
  By chris - February 10 - 9:11 am

  we got ours a 2000 and so far we had to replace the 4wd, heating, fan, tailgate handle and spark plugs. the radio cuts out, and the transmission is on its way. we have replaced the plugs 2 times and now 3 are out again

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  Ford F-250 Just the Best!! - 1994 Ford F-250
  By Lu - February 10 - 5:39 am

  I just love my truck alot of power and very reliable!!. If your need to pull anything you need one of this trucks why to pay $20k+ for a new one!

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  Chevy Suburban - Move Over - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Fred - February 10 - 1:35 am

  We traded in our 2008 Chevy Suburban (our fifth full size Chevy Sport Ute in a row) on a new 2010 Expedition EL Limited and we couldnt be more pleased. The Expedition is quieter, seemingly more powerful and the automatic transmission shifts seamlessly. Add to that the power folding rear seats, a nav system that puts the Chevys to shame and the SYNC systems and you have the winner in the full size sport ute segment. While the Suburban had a few small features I liked, there really is no comparison. Our dealer was excellent as well and the transaction was hassle free. Based on our experience, Ill be trading in my Silverado on a new F-150 very soon.

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  Buy A Later Model If You Can... - 2001 Ford Escape
  By TheBraveOutside - February 9 - 9:11 pm

  Really fun to drive. As it gets up in age, it shows that isnt ready for a long-term commitment. Difficulty keeping exterior free of rust. Nearly failed state inspection for it. Had it repaired 12/09, by 2/10 it shows signs of returning. Auto transmission isnt shot, but occasionally is prone to strange outbursts or improper shifting. Has been having brake issues... as it stands, I just went out to drive it and the brakes are non-existent and the "Brake" light is on. Master cylinder? Brake line (had one replaced in 7/09)? Time to call the mechanic -- just had a ball joint replaced 3 days ago. 158K on the odometer.

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  Piece of junk - 2009 Ford Flex
  By tim - February 9 - 4:59 pm

  Nothing but problems needed new heater core 2 mths. after purchase transmission needed rebuild after 13 months replaced rear sensors 5 times drivers door mirror needed to be re- attached wheel bearing on right front needed replacement very poor gas mileage.Can hardly wait to get rid of this clunker.

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  Lots Of Bang For The Buck - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Mike D - February 9 - 3:24 pm

  This is my 3rd Stang, having previously owned an 86GT Hatch and an 86LX Cnvt. Bought the 99 with 11,000 miles in 2001. Currently has 145,000. This is a great car. Have had almost no mechanical problems. Great style and performance. Great exhaust sounds. Mach 460 radio/CD is great too. Convertible top works well. Tends to eat brakes. Headlight covers do fog over. Dont hit a bump in the middle of a turn or youll find yourself in the next lane.