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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  If only I had known... - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ecn403 - November 18 - 12:59 am

  Bought used with 19K miles on it. Read reviews thoroughly--thought I had made an informed choice. Knew before buying that car is prone to eat brakes. No big deal--replaced with life time warranty set. Now, at 26K, car has just spent a full week at dealer for 3K in warranty repairs to transmission. Before taking to dealer, took to local garage and was told that this model has had a number of issues. Its fun to drive, but I wont buy another Ford. I love my Hyundai Sonata--better warranty and, so far, more reliable. Im worried about what is in store for me after the 3yr/36K warranty expires. Another transmission at 50K?

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  almost a 9 - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Pinky98 - November 17 - 7:19 pm

  First tank of gas got me 19city miles Second, 24 highway miles Third, 23 highway & city Buying a 2004 this late in the season (October) got me over $11,000 off sticker price. Right now I only have 650 miles. I would suggest the $130. for the center console. Its a great storage space.

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  Good all around truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By ramkpb - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Other than the mile per gallon issue and the multi cd player location this truck is a wonderful vehicle to drive. fits Tall people and short people, kids are happy in the back and if you get the blow in liner like I did you will not have to look at any scratches in your bed

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  Satisfied owner - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By PDX - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Thought it might be a bit smoother on the ride. Still rides like a truck but I thought at the time it would be ok. Overall I have been satisfied with the truck. 30K and I just had a thermostat stick. Warranty repair so no $$$ to me.... Seems to be a smell coming from the AC system which cannot be improved so the dealer has said. They tell me that the AC unit is always on and leaves a residual amount of condensation on the system which leads to this smell. They tried to inject air freshener into the system but it smelled worse for about a month so no more of that!

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  Fun Car that has and gets looks. - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By LAGUNA7 - November 17 - 9:16 am

  I love my 2004 Vintage mint green Thunderbird in all ways but one.It has a 1 second hesitation upon acceleration,which I hate!From a dead stop off the line this 8 cylinder acts like a 4 cylinder!Once it gets going its a monster,but Ford needs to find a way to remedy this.Im tired of old ladies beating me off the line in their Saturns.If it was as responsive as my V8 jeep Cherokee upon acceleration I would be happy.It gets looks from all,old and young....

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  Gar Review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Gar Von - November 17 - 12:17 am

  The car is great overall and is extremely fun to drive. Turns heads, grabs attention, and with flowmasters 40 series, H pipe, mid length headers, and a CAI it sounds great and quenches my thirst for speed. Not the classic 5.0, but its fast. Love the interior, great to lean back and relax in, low but not low enough to scrape. Definately not a winter car, but beats all other cars ive owned in fun. Overall, a great car.

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  Knock on Wood-Great Truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By JoeJJ - November 16 - 8:40 pm

  I bought this SUV with 55K on it. Currently have 91K on it with no major problems. Only repair thus far has been broken tie rod end which is scary because I drove it home 30 miles when the wheel started shimmeeing. After crawling under front end, the only thing holding the tie rod up was the rubber cover. $50 repair. Has decent power and is a bit heavy and rolly but I feel safe in it. It does suck gas like the tank has a hole in it. My friend has a Tahoe and he gets 16-18 mph, I only get 12-14 mph. I do think mine rides and drives better and is more stylish. All in all, a very good truck thus far, knock on wood. If they could only get 20 mph. :)

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  Trucking with style - 2010 Ford F-150
  By C. Harper - November 15 - 8:18 am

  Good year for the F150 last year of the reliable and dependable 5.4 liter V8. Repairs have been limited to mostly routine maintenance. No concerns but was always serviced by Ford dealer. Mileage is poor at about 15 in town and 18-19 on road if kept below 75 mph, Interstate speed limit in most of the state. Very good truck, towes great.

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  200 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 2WD - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By 1FordMan - November 14 - 3:54 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for my wife in the fall of 2002.I have replaced the tires, brakes and oil. I have not experienced any problems at all with this vehicle.

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  Think My Explorers Days Are Numbered - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By angelb - November 13 - 11:59 am

  I bought Explorer 21/2 yrs ago with 114000 mls . The transmission had just been replaced everything worked great no leaks. at 136000mls took it on a long road trip broke down, TRANSMISSION again had the front seal repaired cost $500. today at 150000 still having transmission problems,mechanic says these tranmissions are notorious for having problems, radiator needs to be replaced, ac n/o longer works, electrical problems, have replaced starter and other routine maintenence.change the oil every 3000 miles no problems there. we have some rust but in the upper midwest that is to be expected.its a great car for daily driving but wont be taking any more road trips.decent for 150000mls 12yrsold