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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  A good second car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By DaveM - January 31 - 7:48 pm

  This car is one of the few Ive owned that I considered worth holding on to as a second car. By far the best value on the market for a V6 with manual, it gets > 30 mpg overall. Its still a pleasure to drive and has had no major problems - except, strangely enough, it needed a new fuel pump at 60K miles - same as reported by several other users. The after-market moonroof and optional CD/AM/FM system were worth getting.

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  Throttle Control-2010 Ford Fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By DALE - January 30 - 9:00 am

  I Purchase my Ford Fusion the last week of August. The 2nd week of Sept, 800 miles later. The wrench sign lights up and the vehicle will not drive over 20mph. I stop the vehicle for 5 mintues. Everything starts up fine, and a few minutes later the wrench lights up again and the car will go only 10 mph. I take it to Ford with the check engine light on and the wrench light on. The Dealer replaces the Throttle Body Assembly. I pick up the vehicle and the next day the same thing happens again. I take it back and they can not find anything wrong with the vehicle, they even drove it for 30 miles. So I go pick up the vehicle today and before I get home(4 miles away), the wrench light comes on.

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  Nice car so far - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By janet - January 30 - 1:30 am

  Bought with 17,000 miles. Already had brake work done and new tires. I had to put a EGR sensor on it, but other than that, havent had to repair anything else, yet. Car is very pretty, but not much room inside, plus seats are not comfy. Lots of road noise to get used to. Has 45,000 miles on it now, after 1 1/2 years. Hoping it wont start falling apart. Miss the large trunk I used to have on my Grand Marquis. No comparison to the comfort that car had. All in all, so far this has been a nice car.

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  Big and Boring - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dmorningcall - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a big beast! No problems with quality, and the car drives very smoothly. The car, however, lacks all character and personality and one tires quickly. The large mirrors are awesome but the second row seats are very disappointing given a vehicle of this size. Gas mileage not bad for this size of vehicle. I miss my Land Rover!! BEWARE: If you want to hand in your vehicle (off the lease early) the dealer can charge a $1000 mark-up to another dealer wholesaling the truck. This is completely UNFAIR.

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  Maybe I Got Lucky - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By rufus1959 - January 29 - 1:46 am

  Powerful 4.0 SOHC engine, lots of options, nice styling, and comfortable. Needs better shocks and it has front end alignment problems. I got the timing chain tensioner and intake manifold gasket recall problem fixed at 50,000 miles. It has 101,000 miles on it now and the only problems Ive had were two thermostats replaced, front end alignment, and a battery. It could use some new shocks though. Overall it has been a pleasure to own. Ive had other Fords and I have experienced numerous problems with them. Maybe I got lucky with this Explorer. Resale value is terrible, but thats the norm with a Ford.

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  most reliable truck ever - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By rnttheriot - January 29 - 1:43 am

  This truck just does not fail to impress. It is the most reliable truck I have ever owned. It has never been in a shop. Regular maintenance I do myself, change oil every 4000 miles, add oil treatment and fuel treatment at every oil change. This truck made me a true believer in Fords, since I owned Chevy and Dodge previously.

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  fairly good truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Georgia Engineer - January 29 - 12:55 am

  Overall no "major" quality or reliability problems, but enough to be annoying. Require several premature repairs after basic warranty passenger door lock intermittent, rear sliding glass windows leaked from day one, cup holder spring broke, check engine light on and $300 sensor repair at 37 months (just out of warranty), cheap tires, brakes needed at replaced at 25K mikes, Cruise control sometimes acts erratic and disconnects on its own. Engine is powerful. Body finish is still excellent. Only big negative was that Ford service could never duplicate rear window leak (floor always wet after every rain). I finally repaired the leak myself.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By PETER LOVEITT - January 28 - 11:48 am

  I bought this used, with 78K miles. First owner had taken very good care of truck with a lot of highway commute miles. I have continued with good up keep, only having to replace lower ball joints and front brakes and disks. Only wish 4.6L had more pep. And gas milage is poor.

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  Well-Built Truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By rufus1959 - January 27 - 7:55 pm

  Ive had this truck for the last 11 years and its been a reliable, tough truck. I have had very few problems and they have been minor. The motor, tranny, and clutch have never needed any work done to them. The chassis is extremely strong and the truck rides well. Never needed front wheel alignment. Interior still looks good and the exterior paint still shines. I admit I have taken very good care of it. Built like a tank.

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  My Favorite Ride! - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By MARY ANN - January 27 - 7:16 pm

  I have had no major problems with my Bronco. Just the usual wear and tear things. It has 114,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. I have had several people come up to me and ask if I want to sell it. No way! Still looks new. Its a beauty!