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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  one twice three times a for owner!! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By msgr8tescape - July 25 - 2:29 pm

  Well I have had many cars in my 30 yrs this is my 3rd ford and im no where near dissappointed in their cars yet. I love my truck would have given nothing but tens but i have had a little problems and Im only at 1200 miles. I think i love my truck so much because i bought it BSN (brand spankin new) so Im very please. After two trips to the service department my truck was diagnosed with a bad instrument panel which caused Candy (Shes red) spedometer and tachometer to go off by themselves just with the turn of the key and rev up as if you were pressing on the gas, all the way up 120 mph!! But shes being fixed right now and because of the excellent warranty I pay nothing :)!!!

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  Evap Emmisions Problems - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Rick Lovelady - July 25 - 1:01 pm

  My car has had the check engine light come on at approximately 30,000 miles with a code of p144c, Evaporative Emission Control Purge Valve. This was fixed under warranty. The same problem happened again at 61,000 miles. Thankfully I have an extended warranty. This is becoming a recurring problem. If this same issue comes up again I am not going to be a happy camper.

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  A/C and Warranty problems - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Conroebird - July 25 - 11:57 am

  Replaced my 07GMC with new Platinum F150 4X4. A/C blows hot for 1st 15 miles. Dealership says is normal because it eventually cools off under 20 miles:( They drove it for 100 miles and didnt do anything,except refill fuel tank:( Vents blow 20 deg hotter than my other cars. Paid $54 for service at an A/C shop in Conroe and it was only low on freon! Youd think Ford would be willing to warranty $54 to keep a customer. Calls to Ford support were replied with - sorry the dealer says it is normal. So here it is. Nice truck and youll like it unless you need A/C, or unless you need to use the warranty! GM please stay in business. Anyone want a new Platinum 150? LOL

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  Nothing but trouble with this car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Never again - July 25 - 11:13 am

  I acquired this vehicle with the idea of great quality. Big Mistake! 1 week after purchasing it, the engine light came on, the fuel door open light came on, the battery light came on, etc... Took it into dealership where I was told that the lights were on from a short in the wiring. 1 week later while slowing down to make a turn during rush hour traffic, the car completely shuts off. This happened about 15 times with the dealership telling me they could find anything wrong with it. Come to find out there was a recall. The trans. started slipping not more than 3 months after that. Brand new rear tire was bald in less than 3 months from rubbing. Smelled burning oil always. radio buttons broke

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  Better Than Sentra and Corolla - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ken - July 25 - 11:10 am

  Focus is much better built than Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla. I own a 2007 Sentra and had 2007 Corolla. The Focus is built much more solid and safer without the cheap plastic parts. Gas mpg is at 32 on the electronic odometer. Car handles very good on the curves and open road. I am 64" and fit comfortably. Since I have owned all 3 of the top compact cars, the Focus wins hands down in all categories except size. The Sentra fits me a little better.

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  2007 Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Edge owner - July 25 - 9:47 am

  I hit 50,000 and it seems like things are really deterioating with the Edge. I have had squeaky windows that have been repaired ($200) and now the accelerator wiring has to be replaced ($325). None of which is on warranty. I will not buy another Edge as a result and the rapirs make me wonder about Ford in general.

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  Former GM Guy loves his Ford - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Tim M - July 25 - 7:13 am

  Ive always owned GM vehicles, but the new F150 Platinum outshines anything else on the market. It runs great, gets better gas mileage than my old GMC and I get nothing but compliments on it. When I get out of it, random people always ask if they can have a look inside. The Platinum is the nicest truck Ive ever seen or owned and yet still very functional. The power running boards are the feature that gets the most "wow" factor. I would not hesitate buying this truck again. The exterior looks great and the interior is as comfortable as any luxury sedan out there. I love my Ford F-150 Platinum.

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  Absolute Garbage - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Steve - July 25 - 12:31 am

  This vehicle is a true Friday afternoon lemon. Both front calipers defective at 39,000 miles - out of warranty I have to replace. Exhaust system at 49,000 miles - i have to replace. Now, transmission gone at 58,000 miles - I have to fix. Nothing is covered under warranty, Gas mileage has never been better than 12.5 MPG. When addressed to Ford that a transmission under minimal use should not need to be replaced at 58,000 miles, Ford "regrets this, but unfortunately, cant help us." Junk car, junk company, worst vehicle I have ever owned. I would highly dissuade anyone from Ford product based on this vehicle and my experience with the company.

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  First Sports Car - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Zaxman - July 24 - 9:37 pm

  I must put the review in perspective. My wife allowed me to have a sporty car since the kids are all grown. We purchased a GT Premium coupe, however, the vehicle is upgraded with a Roush 427R package. I dont see any reviews on Edmunds about the Roush, but I must say this vehicle is worth the upgrade. After talking to someone who used to work for the SVT at Ford, the Roush is a much better overall than the Cobra. With 435 hp and 400 torque, this a dream car to drive and the handling is remarkable. The regular GT Premium was enjoyable to drive, but if you can get the Roush you wont be disappointed. Mine is a short throw 5-speed Grabber Blue with flat black accents and great seats.

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  Horrible car!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By orionmomof3 - July 24 - 11:49 am

  I bought this car brand new! Within a year my transmission went out, clutch, clutch cylinder and my front axle broke!! I never drove it rough never got in an accident nothing! It was in the shop for two months!!! got it back two weeks later my clutch transmission was out again! I got tired of waiting and bought a four door 07 focus....all of them are horrible!! door handle has broken off, cant use the key to the trunk, my alternator broke....mind you both were brand new!!!!! Ford is horrible and I will never buy from them again!!!!!!