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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  1994 SHO Good-Bad-Ugly - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Czar - September 12 - 4:48 pm

  Overall, the best, most fun car Ive ever had to drive. I have no complaints about the Yamaha engine. The combination of the exhaust and engine sound is a thing of beauty. Maintenance is/was expensive. I got 190,000+ miles on the original engine and tranny. I had a fair amount of problems with the electrical system, and thus the starter. I easily put at least 5 starters in this car within 12 years. I could never prove it, but I suspect a lot of the problems were related to a dealer installed Chapman alarm system. Worst things were, despite quarterly professional detailing, the paint started to flake and rust in 7 years. And interior (headliner and climate control buttons) rip/broke.

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  Ford really has a winner here. - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By keithm - September 12 - 4:47 pm

  I just bought a fully loaded SHO. Extremely fast without the "floaty" feel of the 08 Sable that I traded in. The Sable was a great car, but I wanted some real sportiness. It has the Platinum tricoat finish, which looks great. The interior is the Charcoal/Umber color combo usually seen in the brochure. I didnt come with the Performance package (which prevents getting Adaptive cruise, Rainsense wipers, among other options). I guess the performance package gives you stiffer suspension, summer performance tires (meaning you need winter tires up north) a little faster off the starting block (though this car is among the fastest I ever drove). Cant justify the additional 10K for the Lincoln MKS.

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  His Trash, My Treasure - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By jESSe - September 12 - 3:14 pm

  I got my Explorer from a Quality Auto and they thought they were going to beat me, that I was just a dumb college kid. It was making a funny sound and everyone thought it was the tranny. I paid 1000 down and was willing to take the risk. Turns out it was only the ball joints. I love the car it has a smooth ride, and AC after 16 years. Im happy and wouldnt trade it.

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  Recall Bad Tranny Coolers in 08 Escapes! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - September 12 - 1:48 pm

  A local auto repair shop just told me my 2008 Escapes transmission cooler is leaking and has been for a long time. Since purchased, Ive taken it to the Ford dealership where I bought it for servicing and they never mentioned this problem. This same dealership said the extended warranty expired 600 miles ago and they cant cover the repair. The dealership is asking almost $600 to repair it. I see other 08 Escape tranny cooler problems on this site. Ford needs to fix this problem. Though a loyal Ford customer for years, I will no longer be buying a Ford if the company cant replace a repeatedly defective part.

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  No Complaints - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JamesyFreshXXX - September 12 - 1:03 pm

  This car is very reliable a couple minor recalls no breakdowns. Fuel usage consistently 33 MPG combined city/highway even split.

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  Love my Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By PAT - September 12 - 10:11 am

  I own a "supposed" luxury car as well as my Ford Taurus. There is no comparison between the Ford and my other car. The other vehicle cost twice as much new and is a piece of junk. The Ford has over 100,000 miles on it and I have not had to make any major repairs. It is a reliable car that is worth every penny that I spent for it.

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  Old Muscle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Adam Petro - September 12 - 8:43 am

  I bought this car to replace a old 1973 340 Plmouth Duster I owned for 18 years. I was getting tired of fixing the old car but loved the power and sound. Well I found the power and sound in a 2005. The mustang is a true rocket. If you nail it out of a stop it will smoke the wheels till it shifts. I have the automatic trans. The car is a true throwback to the early 70 muscle cars.I have 2,100 miles on it and so far no problems. The rear seat is useless. Even my sister had a hard time lifting herself out. But this is a muscle car not a family car.

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  Drive a Flex and You will buy it, I did! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Randy from Quad City - September 12 - 7:05 am

  We love this car! We test drove the Flex and that was all it took to say "well buy it!" Our last car was a Toyota Avalon, but the Flex simply is a better ride. My wife and I are getting older so we wanted comfort, which the Flex excels at for both short trips around town and long trips when we visit our grandchildren 300 miles away. We use the built in Travel Link to check Live Weather Radar, Gas station prices and local movie listings! Cool! So many people have stopped us to ask about the Flex and told us they love the look! Even the 20 something bank teller at the drive through this week. Definitely a head turner with the white roof! Our friends all want to drive our car!

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  Looks are not Everything - 2002 Ford Escape
  By lair - September 12 - 1:03 am

  The transmission died at 54k , replacement cost: 3k, The alternator died at 72k replacement cost: $600. The fifth door does not open on hot days. Either I bought a lemon or its just a typical American built car, and thats all it is, mainly because it has the same transmission as the ford contour (why would ford use a car transmission in a 200hp SUV?). It looks great though, Just engineered stupidly. I trust my 1995 Toyota pick-up more than this piece of junk. Now, on the bright side, it truly is a nice ride and the interior, sound system and all the rest is great. [just beware it will break down on you].

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  Great vehicle, the plug in is the bonus - 2014 Ford Fusion Energi
  By teo_baby - September 12 - 12:54 am

  I have had my vehicle for 3 weeks now. Have 850 miles on it and still have not been to the gas station. I have a quarter tank of gas. The interior of the vehicle is very nicely done. The seats are very comfortable and supportive. Fit and finish is up there with entry luxury vehicles. The technology is quite advanced. I have the adaptive cruise and blind spot detections system. It also alerts you if you are in danger of an imminent crash. The exterior styling is distinctive. If you are considering a plug in Prius or plug in Accord, check out the Fusion.