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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  Drive Train Problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By fmcenery - April 8 - 10:00 am

  have had replaced the right rear bearing, and then the rear differential, and then the left rear bearing. Still sound like drive train problems. look to have more problems. love the rest of the car.

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  Its BASIC family transportation. - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By M.Nicley - April 8 - 12:16 am

  My family has owned several Tauruss and Sables. All but the 86 Sable were great. All were bought new, all lasted through my parents driving, and me and brothers "Hot Rodding" teenage years. My most recent one is a 2003 SES. It is a nice BASIC family car. If you want luxury buy a Lincoln LS. Have had no problems with the car, other than a couple recalls. The bucket seats and floor shifter make you think its a performance sedan, but its NOT!. Great to get groceries and go to work in. Took it on one 500 mile trip, and immediatey realized why people with two kids get an SUV. Oh, if you buy one new, plan on driving it until the wheels fall off.

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  Solid Car - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Walter - April 7 - 10:10 pm

  This is my third Crown Victoria since the current styling came in 1992. It is not very fancy, but it is very solid transportation. It has adequate power when needed. If you are trying to impress or need more performance, you probably shouldnt be driving this car.

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  Ford Explorer, 1998 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By MaryRW - April 7 - 5:24 pm

  I like the Explorer and find it very comfortable and useful for hauling things around. However, it uses massive amounts of gas.

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  Head Gaskets should be a recall item - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Mike - April 6 - 5:17 pm

  I bought my rig new and loved it until the warranty ran out. New power steering pump at 38,000 miles, would not come out of 4WD because of bad switch, then the big one at 60,000 miles - head gaskets went bad. $1,800 repair, new Ford parts and now - leaking again! Heard of several that have had this happen but Ford claims no knowledge of the problem and we are stuck. Fuel mileage lousy, 14 mph on highway and about 11 in city. Good power for towing with 5.4 engine. Love the ride, room, 3rd seat. Been a Ford driver all my life but will be hesitant to continue with the quality issues.

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  Cathys Max - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By Cathy - April 4 - 11:52 am

  The energi version is the one we bought as the higher price was offset by the government tax rebate - thus the upgrade was free. However, this is our run-around-town car, so the limited trunk space wasnt a problem. If space is essential, stay with the hybrid version. Our car will go about 16-20 miles on the battery only, just depends on the time of year (less in the cold weather).

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  A worthy choice - 2002 Ford Escape
  By jb - April 3 - 4:22 pm

  Our 02 Escape has been pretty good to us. We have had to bring it in for service multiple times on some recurring problems/nuisances that didnt affect the way the car handles (loose air bag light wires, driver visor mirror, jammed CD changer). Overall this SUV is perfect for our family of 4 (2 adults, two young boys). In hindsight, should have bought leather seats since the cloth gets too dirty with the kids. Plenty of cargo room for large stroller, luggage, etc. V6 engine is a must. V4 (tested, not purchased) was way weak.

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  I love it.. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Joel - April 3 - 1:39 pm

  I have had fun driving this truck. My only complaint is the gallon/miles for gas. I love the hinged doors, gives you plenty of room. The 2 things I do not like are the rattling around the glove box area, and it is a little sluggish with only a 3.0 V6 in it.

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  good to very good - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By wayne rollison - April 3 - 1:28 pm

  Ive had very good traction in 4wd with this truck off road on log trails and in mud and snow but it lacked a little in 2wd. Also it does not lack for power as the 4.0 v6 is plenty for what Ive needed.

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  2001 Ford Windstar LX - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Jactionville Marine - April 3 - 12:04 am

  I bought this vehicle used. The 5 star safety rating was the big attraction. It has performed well and is very reliable. Had to put 2 new tires on at 40k miles. Previous owner had knocked wheels out of line and never had them realigned. My van doesnt have all the options that some of the Windstars have but that will be less to break in the future. I had one problem with a fuel metering valve that Ford replaced for free. It was covered under a technical service bulletin. Id like better fuel economy but otherwise really like this vehicle.