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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  great first car! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By pacothechihuahua01 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  When I had just turned 16 I asked dad for help getting a car. He didnt tell me but went out and bought a 95 escort that was a company car and had 153000 miles on it. To top it off it was purple. I wasnt crazy about the color but i was glad to have my own wheels. I no longer have this car because it finally died, but i cant complain since it had over 200,000 miles on it, not sure of actual milage because odometer broke and i have to get a new one that read 100k less than what i had on it. great car, few problems , inner tie rods. brakes!

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  Just as I was gonna give up on Ford - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By JustinSki - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This van is a bear. I cant kill it. Ive doubled the milage on it, it taken every bit of abuse I can throw at it. This thing is tough. I bought it from a friend who apparently is clinically unable to change oil in a vehicle and he put 120,000 miles on it with no major repairs, and now Ive run it up to 220,000 with no repairs, worries, squeaks, rattles or concerns. Im in the process of selling it (need a full size) but it breaks my heart to see it go. Ford shoulda never killed this one off. Especailly to relace it with that garbage Windstar.

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  nice truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Baubalu - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I,ve taken this truck on several vacations out west.,the gas mileage was pretty good. Driving in snow and ice this winter was great with the limited slip rear-end, who needs 4wd.

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  fun and practical - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By dundonrl - April 6 - 1:36 am

  This is the 2nd Explorer that Ive owned, the 1st being a 01 XLT 4x4. So far I have put BF Goodrich A/T in 31x10.5x15s on it, installed a hidden hitch front mount and have a Warn 9.5ti winch on a mulit-mount to get me out of places the All Terrain tires wont. Its fun, gets decent fuel mileage and with its small turning radius can get into some pretty tight trails when going off road. Future plans are rear Detroit locker, front air or electric locker and a 4" lift.

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  Brakes-Brakes-Brakes-Brakes-Brakes - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By WV MAN - April 5 - 9:30 am

  I just finished putting on the third set of Ford factory rear brake pads and rotors. My car has 81000 miles on it. Something wrong with this picture. Its not the calipers replaced them the second time.

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  2001 Ford Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Greg Shattuck - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am pretty satisfied. I bought the truck new in 2001. I looked at Dodge, Nissan & Toyota compact trucks but felt they were too expensive and not as handsome as the Ranger. The only problems I have had are the rear doors rattling over bumps, also I wish the seats were more comfortable (lumbar support, head rests?). But everything else has been great: I currently have about 33,000 miles on the truck and have experienced no major problems. I like the 4.0 V6 power but the gas mileage suffers a bit (will there ever be an eletric hybrid pickup?). Have taken the truck off road a bit and it seems to do well.

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  Excellent value - 1996 Ford Contour
  By NMRN - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 4 years ago from owner.. Been a Ford expected a lot of issue. So far only one minor issue. Front power window actuator broke. Wish I had the larger engine, but even with the 2L (Shift stick) it is fun to drive. For what I paid for it, It was plesent surprise, especialy performence and handling, but alos reliability.

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  Fun to drive little car. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jason ONeal - April 4 - 9:40 am

  Went from a 03 ZTS to an 05 ZX5 SES And I love it! This car feels so much more powerful than the 03. Very roomy with a number of options (like a moon roof, heated leather seats, a 500 watt Sony stereo ext.) The ride is very smooth and it drives like a dream. Im still getting used to the new styling inside and out, but I love this car. Just wish the the 2.3s were a option on all models, not just the STs A very good small car.

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  380K on 5.0 V8 - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By TBird Lover - April 4 - 3:00 am

  I have a 93 T-Bird LX (was there any other trim level?) with a 5.0 V-8. This engine is unbelievable. The car now has over 380K miles on the original engine. Have only done oil, filters, plugs, wires and the engine is as strong as ever. Doesnt like anything less than 91 Octane.. unfortunately. I have replaced brake pads probably every 30K and rotors every 60K. Rear brakes have faired better. Replaced the transmission (at 120k) and rear main seal (at 250K). Has always had electrical system gremlins. The interior is falling apart and the body is showing signs of 10 NE winters. This engine is incredible.

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  Too much grief - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mnmlst - April 4 - 3:00 am

  Bought new for $24,000 all up in May 99. Now has 54,000 miles. 4-door LX with dual a/c. Ended up at the dealer a lot that first year: cruise control (3 trips to fix), liftgate piston failed, battery died, cabin air vent mechanism came loose and stopped the HVAC, taillight came loose, rear wiper motor died, odometer is 4 percent off. Since that teething period its needed a manifold repair ($1100) and new front brake rotors. Cabin lights strobe, passenger side front seat is jammed in its track, upholstery wearing out quickly. Get a GOOD, extended warranty. Pay a lot for foreign and avoid the repair shop or pay less for domestic, then pay the repair shop. Six of one...