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 satisfied - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jaladymaverick - February 22 - 11:17 pm

  I am not happy with the noise level from outside while driving. The car drives horribly in the winter due to being light weight. I am not getting the gas mileage I was anticipating.

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  Durable Truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By yellaranger - February 22 - 12:40 pm

  I really like the look of this truck. This is my first truck and American vehicle and I have to say I like the look of the Sport model. So far its been very reliable. Coming from owning many Japanese makes, I feel that the engine doesnt feel quite as smooth as the Japanese however I feel like my truck has character. A lot of cars nowadays are all computerized and dont really give you much pleasure. I like the sound of the V6 and the seats are really comfortable. I just wish I could get a little better gas mileage.

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  GREAT VAN - IF YOU BUY EXTENDED WARRANTY - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By momof4 - February 22 - 1:39 am

  Three new transmissions in less than 75k miles first transmission 25k miles. Bought van brand new. Heavenly ride. Original transmission gave hints of failure at 10,000 miles -- dealership denied for another 15,000 miles until the whole transmission gave out while crossing highway. Ford, good training on the denial of transmission problems. Thanks for putting my life in danger! This may sound crazy, but I love the van even with 3 new transmissions in 4 years. Perhaps IÂ’m not wise. 3 children alters thought process. Edmunds reviewers were dead on even the nit picky problems. A financial survival tip -- extended warranty absolutely without a doubt a serious necessity for Windstar owners -- Ford Direct) finances no interest.

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  F150 Lariat - 1998 Ford F-150
  By gil - February 21 - 10:04 pm

  Bought used. Have driven for 5 years and no major repairs not covered by warranty. Fuel economy not good but improved with K&N filter. Pull trailer with 2 ATVs and have no problem with 4.6. Paint still looks and shines like new constantly getting compliments and offers. Would definitely buy another Ford truck.

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  Its been good to us - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Steve - February 20 - 11:11 pm

  Car is fun to drive, handles very well plenty of power (if you rev the heck out of it). The hatchback design is very useful. My son wrecked at 2 months and came very close to a total wreck, but it was fixed in the dealership body shop and weve put 135,000 miles on it since. No injuries, the car will take a heck of a whack. Weve had a few problems, most attributable to damage from the wreck that wasnt caught (except for the drive train most of the front end, suspension included, was replaced) Fuel use is 28-32 mpg average about 30. I realize some people have had a lot of trouble with these cars, but not us! One of the best weve owned.

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  Ford Tempo/White 4 Dr sedan - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By Charlotte - February 20 - 9:29 pm

  This car has been very reliable with a few new parts along the way. Replaced tires, relined brakes, replaced calipers & rotors, headlamp switch, horn brushes, water pump, hoses, belt, gasket, thermostat, fuel filter, spark plugs, replaced front and rear transmission motor mounts, tie rod front right and wheel bearings right and left front, regular fluid checks, oil changes and tune-ups when needed. 4 cylinder, fuel injection, front wheel drive.

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  Dont do it! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By sumkindawonderful - February 20 - 6:13 pm

  I recently destroyed my 2000 Toyota Echo ... nothing ever went wrong with that car, I just was an idiot and crashed it. I had to buy a new car and immediately fell in love with my 2000 Kona Edition Ford Focus ZX3. I thought it was an upgrade from my Echo: power windows, power door locks, good sound, good pick up ... definitely a downgrade. Ignition doesnt release key all the time. Recall on fuel pump which before fixed caused engine to stall at 70mph on busy California freeway. Small plastic piece on window regulator broke window taped up. Check engine light on & transmission problems. Grinding brakes all the time. Turn radio down and volume goes up ... list goes on and on.

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  Eddie Bauer Expedition - Great Vehicle! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rsilva - February 20 - 2:03 pm

  My 2003 Ford Eddie Bauer Expedition is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned (out of 20+ vehicles lifetime purchases). The ride is smooth, power & acceleration is plentiful, and comfort/amenities are a treat. I put all 33k miles on it since purchased new and Ive never had maintenance problems. After recent tire replacement with Michelin, the ride even got better ... its a keeper!

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  Fun Drive - 2001 Ford Escape
  By rk - February 19 - 2:38 am

  Great SUV. Looked at Jeep liberty, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Nissan Xterra. At 62" I have enough room up front. Good MPG, V6 has good power, easy to drive around town. Road noise and small fuel tank is the only down side on road trips. I had zero problems with the Escape so far.

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  Godd deal. - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Hoover - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Engine is turbine smooth.