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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  Good, Reliable, and Inexpensive - 1999 Ford Escort
  By ZX2Owner - August 9 - 12:32 pm

  I have owned my ZX2 since 1999. At that time it had a lot of horsepower and equipment for a reasonable price. It has been a good investment. At six years, the car has is still running with its original factory-installed battery. I replaced the tires (because I did not bother to rotate the original ones properly), but have I not invested a dime in repairs. It has been very reliable car. Too bad Ford decided to discontinue it, Escorts in general seem to be reliable cars. I am glad I bought the car and when ready to purchase another car, I will consider another Ford car.

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  Expedition - Comfort, Ergonomics & Value - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By tobermori - August 9 - 12:03 am

  Great truck. No racer, as you would expect, but I tow our 20 boat up 6 degree inclines in the Blue Ridge Mountains with no problems at all, and I have the 4.6 Triton! Comfortable on the highway. The XLT Sport is a great deal. XLT with bonuses! You have to have Continental tires on this SUV they improve handling and quieten the ride.

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  Excellent Compact SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mike - August 8 - 3:17 pm

  Have owned my AWD Escape XLT V6 for 15 trouble free months now and I continue to be impressed by the overall quality and versatility of this little SUV. Car-like ride, powerful engine, excellent handling and braking capability. I live on a small farm and occasionally have to drive it over some rough terrain. It is a tough little SUV, and Ford was smart enough to put all-terrain tires on the Escapes. This is a definite advantage over the Honda CR-V , Toyota RAV-4 and several other "pretenders." Would highly recommend the Escape to anyone.

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  Treating me good - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Ray_Scheel - August 8 - 12:46 pm

  Original owner, 4.0 V6 manual extended cab. Easy to work on, gas mileage is good, and has hauled in some bigger loads than one might expect for its size. Roomy enough for me (63"). Things Ive had to repair, in order: The O2 sensor, under warranty, <5000 miles. Starter relay ($9) flaked out at 70K. Throwout bearing (manual) at around 90K miles, garage charged $300 for that and a clutch replacement. Driveshaft carrier bearing disintegrated at about 120K miles, $30 part. Gas pedal mounting bolts/rivets (<$1) fell out at 140K. Front brakes at around 160K miles, in the $30-$60 range. At 174K miles the ignition switch shorted and the truck was trying to start without a key, $20 part.

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  Ford Tough Goes Beyond the Truck - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By wharfee - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The poor things been hit twice inside first year weve owned it. Once parked at a Hotel parking lot at sons wedding and once rear ended. Both times damage was small and almost un noticed. Door rocker panel came in right about $1K. The rear end under $700. Was hit hard too but except for TOYOTA imprinted on bumper panel and minor scraps, not one dent and you really would not know it was hit... See, truck arent only thing biult Ford Tough!!

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  Good so far - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By rls2882 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Ford auto Ive owned. Thus far no problems of a major concern. Service has been acceptable if your willing to wait long periods. Car is very comfortable to drive long distances with. Wife says its too big!

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  LOVING MY MUSTANG - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By MARIANNA - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I finally got my Mustang and I love it. The car has been very reliable and I look forward to driving it in the future. Everywhere I go, people cant help notice this beautiful car. It really is a classic and I am very proud to have it.

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  2003 FX4 Super Crew 5.4L - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Thomas - August 7 - 5:19 am

  I enjoy this truck. It has the 5.4 and still the power isnt overwhelming (but more than enough to haul or tow easily). The looks are great (I prefer this style to the 2004+). I did and do have problems with the build quality, the roof rain rails of the FX4 were unpainted from factory, and the dealership made me less than happy. But interior quality of the Ford is fantastic, its easy to drive and smooth and comfortable. Ive always had fantastic luck with the reliability of Fords (even if I have to have a little less performance).

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  Miss my Audi - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Jo Ann W - August 6 - 3:14 pm

  Grateful for this car. Due to BC my interest rate is sky high but I still have a car so I am very grateful

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  Ups and downs with the 04 Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Rick - August 6 - 2:38 am

  We like our 04 Eddie Bauer, but it should be more refined for the money. I was reading reviews to find out if anyone else was experiencing some of the nuances of this vehicle. The rear hatch is very heavy, and yes, it is hard to find the seat warmer button. However, experiencing the rotten egg smell when you turn on the A/C (that the dealer cant seem to correct) and the sluggish transmission are main concerns. The turning radius is poor, and the car "lurches" when turning tight at slow speeds. Also, the car stalled out once while my wife was driving down the road! Snow sets the rear sensors off and each tire needs its own pressure sensor since the gauge is always on.