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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  Fun to Drive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JLB5 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought for my wife and daughter. They are short and still could see the corners of the car and reach the pedles with ease. The surprise was when I drove it, I had head room and leg room. (Im 6) I love to drive it on our back roads in the area. They are hilly and windy giving you all the opportunity to drive. This car is FUN FUN to drive. We have not had any maintenance problems.

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  Should have bought an 8 - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Thornburg - October 19 - 2:00 am

  My truck has the 4.2 V6. For towing you definetly need the V8. The good news is my fuel economy is 19.7 on the freeway and 15.5 city. Not bad for a full size truck. Very reliable to drive and very comfortable for a familly of 4 when traveling. I would tell anyone to buy one for a second or even a first familly vehicle.

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  Aw, Not Bad! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By greentiger - October 19 - 2:00 am

  well, ive had this vehicle for 3months now as a used vehicle 2003 with 30,000 miles. its a beautiful car, has adequate power, very nice ride, but im now having to question the mechanical dependability since ive had to put this vehicle in the shop twice. first, the fuel pump had to be replaced after i noticed a "service engine soon" light. 2 weeks later, another "service engine soon" light. now, its the computer system that has to be replaced. one more major repair, and the vehicle goes back. thank goodness, its still under factory warranty!!

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  40th Anniversary GT Convertible - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Owner - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I am a tall person and most of the convertibles that I was interested in would not fit me. In other works not enough leg room or head room. In some insances because the front seat would not properly adjust I cound not even get in to the vehicle. If you want a high performance vehicle that is comfortable this car offers that with excellent handling and powerful acceleration.

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  04 Focus Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By arp - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Nice driving feel suspension control. High praise, considering that I drive a Porsche on sunny days/weekends. Not the cushiest, most refined car in the world, but a LOT of bang for the buck. Wagon has more usable cargo space than any small SUV. My car is fully optioned out (as cheap VW Jetta with better performance). Regrettably, the wagon can no longer be purchased in better than SE trim. Worse, Ford no longer sells the 2.3L PZEV engine in the wagon. The 2.3 is way quieter than the 2.0 it drives MUCH better than its #s would suggest (and its #s are a lot better than the 2.0s). If you need a wagon but like the 05 ZTS performance, seek out an 04 ZTW, rather than an 05 SE.

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  First 3,000 miles - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Double L - October 17 - 1:16 pm

  The driving experience is unlike any other. I have owned two other SUVs, (98 Jeep Grand Cherokee & 02 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer.) This is closer in size to the Jeep. It lacks the power that I was used to in the Expedition, however on 15 gals of gas I can go 150 miles further. Thats what it is all about now. $3.00/gallon gas is just around the corner. Acceleration is strange. The engine will rev-up but you dont move ahead proportionally. It almost feels like a slipping clutch on a standard transmission. That is normal in this vehicle. Braking is also different as the regenerative system provides the stopping down until 12 mph, then the calipers kick in. It handles well in the snow and cold. Learning more every day.

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  new expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By gwiig - October 17 - 2:00 am

  biggest draw back is poor milage--to be expected with such a large vehicle. Standard features galore, good performance out of the new 300 hp engine. my vehicle equipped with 4 corner load leveling--handles very well.

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  2002 Ranger Edge 2DR - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Jeff_N - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice looking truck - one problem I have noticed, and it is wilh all 2000 Ford vehiles. The outside weatherstripping around the windows has "mildew" growing in/on it - every single Ford I see of this age has this problem. I keep my vehicles immaculate, so I consider this to be a nuisance. The truck is fun to drive, and with an overdrive transmission gets pretty good fuel mileage. Plugs are easy to change, as is oil, filter and air filter. Some "squekiness" on start up - sounds like a belt slipping, but I cant figure out where the slip is. Biggest problem - OE tires are junk - Goodyear which develop knots in them just for fun, I guess. Ride is good.

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  A Great Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By mx98ranger - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This is what I actually have, but Edmunds.com doesnt have it as a choice. lol. Oh well. I have a 98 Ford Ranger XLT, 4Dr Extended Cab, 4.0L V6, Automatic Transmission. 2wd.(i wish it was 4x4). This is a great truck, and if you can get the 4.0L V6 I would DEFINITELY recommend it.This truck is extremely reliable, and Ive not had nay MAJOR problems since it was bought. Just regualar Maintenance.

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  will run this car into the ground.... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By mdlee - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Taurus new w/ the 24 valve DOHC engine package. It has been extremely reliable and a solid car to drive. My driving mix is 60% interstate / 40% local. The only major repair item in 5+ years were full struts at 60k which with new tires makes it run and handle like a new car. Everything else still original - even brakes! I forget this car is 5 yrs old, it is tight, quiet and a good runner. My complaints: the a/c fan softly "squeaks", this also happened on our 95 Windstar (which was not nearly as reliable at 5 yrs out), & the driver seat is low so I use a cushion. This was the last year for the "old" design (which I like even more now than I did then) and for me it was a winner.