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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  91 Festiva L - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By KR2 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  These cars are great! Ive had 5, if you count Fiestas, all purchased for less than $1000. I drive them a year or two, they get a major problem, and I throw them away. Cylinders have blown on two, and the front end went out on a couple. Fixing them would cost more than buying another, so I bought another

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  Shoddy Brakes - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Sybilicious - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I was very disappointed to find out Ford makes lightweight rotors designed to be replaced with EVERY brake job. Ive never had to replace rotors on a car before, as long as I changed the pads early enough to forstall any brake problems, but the Ford Focus rotors are junk! Go buy some decent rotors and pads from NAPA auto supply, and use those instead- they will perform better and last longer than the dealership parts. Ford Focuses (Foci?) are not built to last. A prime example of built-in planned obsolescence. I am also disappointed in how fast the resale value plummeted.

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  its my problem - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Itsmyproblem - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Driver side window replaced and back driver side window replaced. The front driver side light cover still needs replacement.Purchased 2 new tires before 25000 miles they were splitting and next to bare. Hood latch was replaced. Brakes have been replaced 3 times and rotors twice less than 65000 miles on the vehicle back breaks are continuous coming out of allignment. Alternator went out with under 65000 miles on it. I love all the space. # road trips since Ive owned it. Twice with a child and her toys and once with four adults. We all fit comfortably.I also find it to be very comfortable for sleeping.

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  Freebie Satisfaction - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By md-freebie - May 1 - 6:13 pm

  The first three months and 3400 miles have been a joy. No issues that required a return to dealer. Build quality was perfect. Went from nearly $34,800 on sticker to $29K plus taxes. Took a little time to warm up to CVT. Now I like it. Especially at speed -- no lag in response. Ask for it and the tranny is already pulling; no down shift. More like how a manual feels at speed. Push harder and things change quickly -- RPMs willingly go to 6k with no down shift delay but pulling all the time as the ratios go lower.

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  mine is yellow - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By therick03 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  could use a few more horsepower, but overall a cool, fun to drive little car..any help on modifications would be greatly appreciated

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  patricksrating1171 - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By paatrick - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this truck a couple of months, and I am 3rd or 4th party, but it is still in excellent condition, except for a few small scratches, and it runs great! I told my wife I wouldnt have another Ford after the 94 Taurus, except maby a truck, and this little truck is great so far.

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  ford taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By arby12 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Ford for Three weeks and find it fun and easy to drive

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  Trusty Steed - 1998 Ford F-150
  By goofball76 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck, and it loves me. I have driven 43,000 miles in this truck, (owned 2.5 years)and it has 111,000 at the moment, and all I have had to do was replace the front disc brake pads. This truck is relentless in making sure I am never stranded anywhere. I abuse the heck outta the poor thing, yet it takes it like a real truck should. The only problem I found is the paint is cracked, (sniff!) which seems to be a common problem with these trucks. But I still wax the heck outta it anyway.

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  first time buying used car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By schoolbus - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the first time I decided to let the other person take the depreciation. I have owned this car for 14 months and its been great. It had come off a lease and was in prefect shape. I had the dealer throw in a 100k warranty but havent used it yet. I did, however, use the factory warranty right away for 3 minor problems. The car is a little bumpy since it is a SUV but has a lot of pep (V6) and handles quite nice. I only use it for local driving and going to the mountains. My husband hates the chrome yellow color but I can always find it. I dont think I will ever buy new again.

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  167K and still running - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Rock_2 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and Im still driving it. Have had to deel with a few recalls on gas tank, seat belt bracket etc. Other issues included front wheel bearing, shock springs, air bag sensor and key lock. Most were under warranty, some were not. Dealership experience has been mixed. Some are good, others were horrible. I think I would probably avoid getting a first year launch car if I were to do it over again.