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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  Like it but not sure Ill buy another - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jalbs - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I teh SUV used with 58,000 miles on it. I had to replace the breaks and rotars at 65K, replace the original battery at 75K and at 80K I needed new ball joints. The stereo system is junk. The CD player shorted out 5 months after I bought it and there is a loose connection some where in the wire running to the rear speakers which causes them work about 25% of the time. I have driven it about 400 mile from Boston to Rochester, NY about 10 times now (3 times with a full cargo bed) and and very pleased with the truck. Im just worried to see what is going to go wrong in another 10,000 miles.

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  Wicked little Beater - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Quanger - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Only replaced minor things. Biggest problem was the heater core at around 150xxxmiles. Just replaced the brake pads (front), minor tune ups, oil changes, etc. The AC leaks somewhere but its not a problem since I use the car as a winter beater now. It gets GREAT mileage. The clutch needs to be replaced soon. Changed 4 winter tires (13" lol).$300bucks installed. Once went on fishing trip, you guys wouldnt even imagine. 6 passengers! (1 guy in the trunk lol). One cooler full of beer, portable bbq, tackle box, rods, etc. We must of had a combined weight of 1200lbs. Performance thrown out of the window. I love this car!

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  My second car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Jamie725 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in August of 2003 with 41k miles on it. Overall, I am very satisfied with it. ery good handling car, couldnt ask for any better. It meets all my needs as a student and doesnt break my bank account.

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  I like this car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By triangle - June 1 - 2:00 am

  After 22,000 miles I finally admit to myself: I am in love with this car. At first I was I was a little disappointed with the gas mileage. 25 miles / gallon on highway is not that much. But this is getting better as the car gets more experienced. In average over 22,000 miles the car is at 27,5 miles / gallon now tendency rising. The reliability was not an issue. All I had to do was to change the oil every 5000 miles. But the best about this car is the ride. Smooth. The best car I ever had. Excellent cornering speed, quiet ride, and macho acceleration if needed. It is a small car, but for me: long commute, usually alone, this is the car.

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  bring it - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By SHAKR - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Great car, lots of power, awesome looks, and a growl from the pipes that will make other drivers think before they mess with ya.

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  Tranny Shakes, bad cusomer service - 2012 Ford Focus
  By icantfocus - June 1 - 1:48 am

  After buying the new focus 6 speed automatic hatchback with the extended warentee, I noticed that there is a tranny shudder at low speeds. I took it to the dealer and was told it was a "automatic clutch break in " problem, bring it back at 1000 miles. Brought it back, and was told let wait for 3000 miles. I called customer service and was told I will have to pay for a "transmission evaluation" and there was noting they could do about this. Shame on Ford for allowing this to happen. I thought buying an American made car was the only way to go, But... Im re thinking this, also the salesman insisted the car had cruise, and it did not. ( i feel stupid) Shame on me for not inspecting the car.

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  Enjoyable - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By rah2012 - May 31 - 5:58 am

  Fantastic engine; Good power; Excellent handling/performance; Excellent cruiser; Excellent cargo space; Basically a 3-seater.

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  Ford Fordever ! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Dale A. Drottar - May 31 - 4:20 am

  Looks and handles nicely. Not enough storage in cab. Window cranks are low, but adequate. Steering wheel could use the push/pull adjustment. Offer a different wheel color for the tan color truck! Only have 550 miles on the truck so this might be a premature opinion but Im glad I returned to a Ford truck. Hopefully I wont be let down, again. Last new Ford truck I had had paint blemishes. Im lovin it now...lets see what happens!

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  traction control - 2001 Ford Focus
  By jayj - May 30 - 10:00 am

  traction control was worth the price of admission...worked well in bad weather with oem tires...very effective in snow/slush/even ice

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  Feels like an import! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By nguyen - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car a week ago and overall very impressed with the car. It drives very smooth and feels very solid. The Zetec engine is very quiet and smooth with lots of torque. Acceleration is very smooth and doesnt feel as powerfull due to how quiet the engine sounds and feel. If there is anything negative about the car would be the quality of the finishing due to the fitting of the plastic trim and possibly the quality control as I just had a wheel alignment at 300 Miles.