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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  Ford Tough - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Darrell - December 10 - 2:31 pm

  Bought this truck with 100,011 miles on it. It now has 254,433 miles on it and all i have had to do is replace the battery, torque converter, alternator, shifter inner guts and thats it. Still runs like new, uses no oil, leaks nothing. Not so fond of fuel mileage but hey its a 96 model. Looks like new when cleaned up. Drives better than my sons 05 Dodge ram. I will drive it until the wheels fall off, and even then may put them back on and keep driving it.

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  Problems - 2006 Ford Focus
  By April - December 10 - 1:11 pm

  I bought this car used a year and a half ago, because I was going through a divorce and need something that wasnt a gas guzzler and compact. Since the purchase it has needed a new transmission, a new fly wheel and I just replaced the starter. When I bought it the back passenger side strut was already squeaking (and still does). Luckily the transmission and fly wheel were covered by the warranty. However, it cost me $460 to replace the starter. I know there is up keep in buying a car but geez...

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  Road Trip - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By PAK - December 10 - 8:34 am

  Lots of tech stuff to learn. Good road trip car. Would prefer a larger gas tank. turbo 6 cylinder the way to go for performance and still get acceptable gas milage.

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  Reliable to a Fault- Just keeps running! - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By FestivaFan - December 9 - 11:14 pm

  Bought this car as a temporary replacement for my beloved wrecked 89 1/2 Mustang. Seven years later, I still have it. Getting fantastic gas mileage is addictive. It is also a great city car, no self respecting car thief or jacker will mess with a lowly Festiva. Not a great car to be in during an accident, but it is nimble enough to avoid situations bigger cars couldnt. After all, are we all going to be forced to drive SUV Panzers to be safe from the SUV bullies. I hope not. The Edmonds pricing for the Festiva is a joke, I can sell this car for what I paid for it tomorrow. They are revered for their reliability, storage, and mileage. All the same reasons I will keep driving it until it dies.

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  Ford sold us - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Jeff and Mary - December 9 - 8:46 pm

  This is the first American car I have ever owned. We traded a 2007 Altima for the Edge (needed more space). Got a great deal, loaded with all but nav and awd. This CUV is so comfortable and just does almost everything excellent, we looked at alot of vehicles too. Some reviews I read say the interior plastics are cheap. Now they arent soft to the touch, but they are put together very well. No creaks or squeaks at all unlike our Altima which had leather all over and soft touch plastics but had creaks. Ill take a well put together interior over soft touch plastics anyday. This vehicle is so comfortable, great for highway trips. Got 24 MPG on our 2.5 hr trip home from the dealer.

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  MY FORD FOCUS - 2005 Ford Focus
  By ROBERT J BAUM - December 9 - 5:26 pm

  This is my second Focus. Thats how much I like this car. My first was a 2001 manual transmission. Now I have an automatic transmission with so many extras I feel like I own a Ford Town Car. I weigh in at around 278 pounds at 5 foot eight inches tall and I never have felt crowded in it. The pick up when entering traffic is swift. The comfort when driving is as if IÂ’m in my home recliner. Parking is almost as easy as my 1991 Ford Festiva was. When I fill up my gas tank at todayÂ’s prices IÂ’m sure glad I own my Focus and I can go mile after mile not worrying about my next fill up. The ease of handling in traffic and winter driving is worry free. Im a Ford retiree and I will buy another Focus!

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  116,000 and still going strong - 2004 Ford Escape
  By 2Fords - December 9 - 5:07 pm

  We bought our Escape brand new in Feb 04. It has been a great little SUV - our first experience with an SUV. Only had cars or PUs before. Ive read some of the problems other people have had and we have not had ANY. Only have replaced tires, brakes and battery (usual stuff). We have one problem with the sunroof sometimes sticking so we do not open it anymore. Have had all maintenance done at dealer & we think that makes a difference. Now at 116,000 - hope to go up to 200,000. We average 21-23mpg - best on trip was 26. I bought a 07 Civic to drive to work & have had more problems with it than this Ford! We use the Escape every weekend for shopping & around town.

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  Awesome Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Dave - December 9 - 4:20 pm

  Best truck ever, always what I wanted and always a good experience

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jason - December 9 - 1:25 pm

  This is by far my favorite model of mustang. Ive owned several years of the mustang almost every year from 84- 04 and this one takes the cake by far.

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  Versatile, Underrated Hybrid - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By taurusman11 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Ford 4 WD Sport Trac is solid, quiet, highriding, and well-appointed. The price is similar to the Escape, but the Sport Trac is a serious vehicle while the Escape is a fun run- about. The Sport Trac offer versatility: a comfortable 5 passenger car, a short bed pick up, an SUV. The back seats fold down flat to provide great interior cargo space; and, theres 5-foot external bed (6 extended.The Sport Trac has big, thick upholstering. The "utility" in the Escape SUV is very limited, while the usefulness of the Sport Trac inspires imagination. The Sport Trac engine has a powerful deep rumble which sound as if it can "take it".