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 Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Steven - December 5 - 1:46 pm

  Car is a little less than advertised. Mileage is only in the 29-30 range. Comfort is the same as Mustang in the earliest years; I owned one. Quality is the same. As the car ages in months, the windows sag, the dealer will not return calls for repairs even within the warranty period. Compared to Toyota, U.S. needs help.

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  Good car, some improvements needed. - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Od723 - December 5 - 11:47 am

  I have only owned this car a few weeks. It drives very nice, very much like a car. It has a bold look on the exterior which I like. The seats are very comfortable. The negatives are the rear seats, very hard to fold seats, takes a good hard yank and the rear seat is hard to access. The remote to start the car and unlock doors is very sensitive. I wish they would recess the panic button, it goes off very easy when Im my pocket and my horn starts going crazy. I had a GMC Sierra 5.3 V8 crew cab truck before this car, My GMC averaged better gas mileage than the V6 in the explorer.

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  Great Work Horse - 2009 Ford F-150
  By MDHIPP - December 5 - 9:35 am

  XL Styleside w/ 8ft bed and 5.4 Flex Fuel. This truck does everything I ask it to do with no complaints. Towing is a breeze and gas mileage has sometimes been up to 22mpg on long trips.

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  Homerun - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Patrick - December 5 - 8:33 am

  Purchased the base S auto model for under $17k and must say nothing comes close to it for style, performance, engine/tranny, build quality and MPG. Add that you are also supporting an American manufacturer that didnt take a bailout money is icing on the cake. I have 09 malibu and a 10 honda accord and have driven the Camry/Altima several times so I have compared them extensively.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Car owner - December 5 - 8:17 am

  We purchased the vehicle new 4 years ago. We had not had any problems until recently when the car started to stall upon ignition. The transmission light came on and the problems have now begun. We have 146,000 miles on the SUV and really expected to get more before any major problems. Per conversation with Ford service department and an independent transmission company, the prognosis is the torque converter and TCC solenoid (valve body). The cost to repair is $2700 to $6500 before taxes. It is amazing after reading so many reviews that the same problem is evident in the majority of the reviews from those with 70,000 miles or more. We had a Ford car with similar problems before. No more Ford

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  Love this thing! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By majoraud - December 5 - 5:26 am

  I decided to purchase a small commuter car and since Ford is having such great deals I settled for the 2009 SEL. Leather seats are standard in the SEL, and they are very nice and comfortable, and stylish. The synch feature is great, I can use my cell or launch my ipod just by pushing a button on the steering wheel, and then just talking! Works great. The car rides nicely, and looks good to boot! And so far I am getting 25 MPG in town. My other car is a Lexus, but I am having more fun driving this little Focus. I even had someone comment to me today at the grocery store how nice my car looked! Never expected to get such a nice car for so little money. Thank you Ford!

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  Ford Truck Owner for 33 YEARS - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Terry - December 4 - 6:02 pm

  I purchased my first Ford 74 F-250 when I was 15 years old it was beat up. I am a general contractor in Chicago My currant 04 F-150 truck is used for hauling-family trips and it is versatile for all uses. I traded in a 03 for this 04. The ride is awesome, Rear diff. factory recall at 30k., only replacement has been brakes-tires until 158,000 miles, trans rebuilt,had the oil changed today at 168,000 mil (oil every 3000 to 5000 miles)and still running strong. All my Fords have been dependable and I drive-em hard. I was going to try a Chevy before I purchased this one but the new 03 Chevy was $1,400.00 more than this 04 Lariat. I will write another review when I hit 400,000 miles!!!!!

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  Sensational - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Richard - December 4 - 3:53 pm

  The SHO is everything I ever wanted in a big sedan. It is very fast, very comfortable and has every electronic gismo known to modern cars. The fit and finish are second to none. What I dont get is the problem with the headrests. I see nothing wrong with the seating position in the SHO. I suggest you sit in one for yourself and do not be influenced by some of the posts you read. This car is a real bargain considering what you get for the money. Way to go Ford, you really hit a home run with the 2010 SHO>

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  Excellent Sport! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Michael Dobbs - December 4 - 12:17 pm

  Great buy! Comfy, stylish, great ride, get one.

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  Thoughts on Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mr. Wilson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I really like this vehicle. Its comparatively well appointed for the price. Its comfortable and fun to drive. The bed offers a number of hauling options with the tonneau cover (which creates a fully lockable water tight "trunk") and the bed extender. The Trac isnt as huge as some of its competitors; therefore, it fits neatly in the garage. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs to have the ability to haul cargo and people. I read a review on Edmunds.com suggesting that the vehicle vibrates at highway speeds. I have not been able to reproduce this issue in vehicles I test drove or in the one I purchased.