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 everything is roses with this new model. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bwj3278 - April 13 - 9:35 am

  It was about 3 weeks ago I decided to trade in my gas guzzling F150 for a new Focus. With two jobs and one of them being real estate, I really needed something fuel efficient. Lets start with what I do like...most of the styling...the only part I dont like is the unpainted rocker panel plastic...it looks cheap. The car rides and drives well and the Candy Blue paint is awesome and gets lots of compliments. However, it is not all well... I am currently waiting for a new dash, because mine split. My driver side air vent plastic is chipped, a door is misalligned, and a rattle has already developed. This is my 12th Ford, and my last until Ford can get it together.

• 

  Excellent Truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Bill - April 12 - 7:51 pm

  I have used my truck for recreation, work, and general daily duties. Is perfect for trip to hunting due to size and weight. It was preferred by my co-hunters for it compact size and ability. Worked well when building my deck, performed well when loaded with construction supplies. Has been a reliable and efficient vehicle in going to and from work.

• 

  awesome - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By vicki - April 12 - 7:49 pm

  This vehicle is a 2 year lease and I got it before a huge snow storm. The vehicle just cruised through the snow with little swerving and sliding. The only complaint I have is the aerodynamics if you roll down the back window without the front being down your head will pound really bad otherwise it is good in all conditions and great for carrying things I sell at flea markets and there is plenty of room. Would recommmend for reliability.

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  My First Car - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By tempotimtim - April 12 - 4:18 pm

  I am writing this review because I feel that people put Tempo/Topazs down too much. A Ford Tempo was my dream car and I finally got it. It is a 92 Tempo GL, with the Vulcan 6, 5 speed, sunroof, spoiler, power mirrors/lumbar, A/C, cupholder, 14" 7 spoke factory rims. Ive had no problems with the car since I purchased it in Oct. 2004, when I got my license. Ive only had to replace the rear springs, patch 2 holes in the floor, and replace the front tires. This car hasnt left me stranded yet. It is exceptionally good on gas for a V6, and has enough pep to it. I would recommend a Tempo/Topaz for a first car, very cheap for parts and reliable.

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  Good buy - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By svofan1 - April 11 - 1:29 pm

  Just picked up my 05 Expedition EB. I am impressed. I checked others and found that one will need to spend about $5-10k more to get all the bells and whistles in this SUV. Good value for the money.

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  Ranger ext cab worth the money - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By mbls - April 11 - 12:11 pm

  God handling, excellent paint and body especially with the 4-door model. Jump seats a bit cramped but local commutes not bad. Good all around track-record no major repairs as of yet.

• 

  93 GL - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By David Tatum - April 11 - 8:25 am

  After a nuclear war two things will remain, roaches and Festivas. Purchased in 93 and it still runs strong. Over 200.000 miles and still gets 43mpg. Only major repair - CV joint at 70,000 miles. For a work car to go from point A to point B you cant beat it. A long trip - NO WAY. 12" tires are cheap to buy new.

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  Too many repairs, too soon - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By No More Fords - April 11 - 12:15 am

  Beautiful with alloy wheels and very comfortable. However, the air wasnt working when I bought it at 53,000 miles, but forgot to check it until after sale. Then it needed a new transmission at 56K, but received a used one for $1200 since new was almost $3000. Then oil leaks, coolant leaks, and at 70K the heat stopped working. Squeaks and rattles here and there. I called Ford three times about the transmission, asking for help, and each time they said engineering would get back to me. Can you guess if they did? Not. If this vehicle had had a 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty, the transmission wouldve been covered, but the warranty was 3/36. Plus, the resale is horrendous. Avoid.

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  Sporty drive in an economy car. Above the rest! - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Rickey Silverman - April 10 - 1:33 pm

  The best features of this car are its attractive looks, driveability and availabiity of many trim levels, engines, tires and wheels allowing you to choose your own style. I love my SE with the sports and trim packages and the automatic. The controls are simple and logical, the backup camera is a a useful tool for in town parking and I am thoroughly enjoying the Sirius stereo and handy bluetooth compatibility. The car feels smooth and responsive and handles beautifully. It is a quiet as a Cadillac my friends say. Comfortable too especially in front. The rear seats are a bit small though. The car also doesnt seem to have great traction in the wet though. I have yet to experience the New England winter yet. I like having the paddle shifter for the automatic too, though I havent used it much.I am not worried about reliability as it is a lease! Enjoyable and fun drive.More fun than the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota Corolla, plus I love having a hatchback.

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  love my pony - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By rick - April 10 - 12:20 am

  So far the experience has been great. I love my 06 pony. Mine is vista blue, charcoal black interior with a 5 speed. And the dash lights, wow.