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 handling V8 - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By mnourse1 - August 3 - 10:28 pm

  I stole this car at $850, charged the a/c and put in an upgardede soundsystem, it goes like a rocket..has a few small rust issue, but that is ohio.. The car runs like a scalded rabbit, tranny shift strong and tight. I think the last owner put a shift kit in it,, Cupholders are NOt very convenient..

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  Pretty Good Car until 130K! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dragonfly58 - August 3 - 12:42 pm

  Purchased my Escape used w/80K miles on it. Three years later w/150K Im now having BIG problems. Before it hit 130K the car was great! No problems, fun to drive, but now having big problems with E-Vap codes, check engine light always on, fuel hoses replaced, plugs/wires/coils burnt out, back seat release broke, falling apart all at once, cruise control wont work, CD player died, interior falling apart. Mileage horrible, no where near projected, getting 17-19mpg at best. Drivers seat wearing out, no cush left, but lumbar adjust ok. Have always had problems w/cargo door staying locked for days on end, the pits when groceries loaded & you gotta unload over back of seat.

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  Microsoft Sync wont run Windows WMA songs? - 2013 Ford Edge
  By sync - July 31 - 8:10 pm

  Latest technology but Windows 7 audio songs .wma fail to run unless I set Windows Media Player to rip MP3 CD to my USB flash drive. This media file is protected and cannot be accessed... Thank you FORD & Microsoft... I mean has nobody at Ford upgraded their computer to Windows 7 released in 2009? I guess the My Ford Touch issues persist to make its customers guinea pigs... Im still hoping to see if its a better built car over time.

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  Ive had my Focus for over a year now.. - 2009 Ford Focus
  By jasebduke3435 - July 30 - 2:22 pm

  Im like everyone who owns a Ford Focus and cant complain about them. I have a 2009 Ford Focus SEL. I love everything about it. Especally love the Sirius Satellite Radio. I cant go anywhere without listening to it. My mom and dad helped me buy it. It was a birthday gift. My dad was dead set against it. He kept bugging and nagging about how about a Hyundai, Chevy, Toyota, ANYTHING BUT A FORD was his very words. Finally made him come out of his stubborn shell. We went to the dealership where it was, we took a test drive, and he never complained about it ever. How can anyone complain if you can put a full tank of gas and your good for the next 300-400 miles.

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  Automatic Transmission problem - 2013 Ford Edge
  By thax8844 - July 29 - 1:36 pm

  I bought a 2013 ford Edge with Ecobost. From the day I drove it off the lot the transmission shifted with a very loud clunk when shifting from 1st to 2nd I took it back to the dealer and they are trying to fix it. They must jump through all of Fords hoops, This is causing me a lot of frustration because I can not drive the car. I really think the fix is to install a new transmission and let Ford play with the old one on their own time not mine. I have owned at least 8 Ford cars and this is the first screwed up one I have ever owned.

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  Its an expensive toy - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By jenrobsdad - July 26 - 11:24 pm

  I have a convertible and like it, but I feel the price for the V-6 Premium was about $5K too much and I bought it used. I have only had it three weeks and was a victim of a nasty hit and run while I was in a store so it sits in the shop. It will be interesting how it will hold up after being repaired. My girlfrield loves taking it on tight curves so I think this will be more her favorite car than mine. I miss my 2011 Fusion SEL. Much better bang for the buck.

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  All i can ask for - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mrfixit1993 - July 22 - 7:26 pm

  I got this truck for my 18th birthday/ graduation gift. i love it i drove a 95 s10 for a year befor loved the s10 but the ranger has more power. the only thing i miss is towing we have 2 seadoos together they are about 2300 lbs full of gas the truck pulles them good but not fun going up the boat ramp. only thing i wish is that is was the x cab im 5.10 and my head hits the roof and the seat rubs the back window. 5 speed trans could shift better. i get about 21mpgs doing 80 no ac with ac i get like 18 i miss the 20 gallon tank the s10 had. i have put mine through hell and just keeps going change the oil every 3500 miles only problem i had is the thermostat ($150) other then that fine.

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  2011 F150 3.5L FX4 SuperCrew - Good Bad and Ugly - 2011 Ford F-150
  By kirkcarver - July 22 - 9:11 am

  Ive owned my 2011 F150 3.5L for 20K miles, and just under 18 months. Im a long-time Ford buyer (this is my 4th Ford truck), and I can summarize my experience in three categories: The Good -- the 3.5L Engine. I was concerned that I would not have the power with a 6 cylinder engine. We drove to CO towing a 10K pound trailer, accelerating up the hills and mountains. Never once did the engine hesitate. Truly remarkable, it feels like a diesel The Bad -- fuel mileage. The truck performs on highway, but will guzzle gas in town (incl. urban freeways). I avg 15 mpg on 20 mi one way commute. The Ugly -- MyFord Touch/Sync. Impossible to use / dangerous interface. Ford should be embarrassed

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  Fun to drive at a price - 2004 Ford Focus
  By luckyintx - July 21 - 1:28 am

  Bought my 2004 Focus ZTS in Dec 2007 with 60K. Nice car but had been in some fender bender where the front bumper wasnt installed back correctly. After eating 2 sets of 4 tires, I found out the rims were bent and it has the rarest of Ford Focus ZTS rims ( wide 5 spoke with slit in the middle) nice design though. The 4 disc in dash CD changer wouldnt work when I bought it and replaced it with a DD Kenwood that sounds great! Since it was bought, I have had nothing but strictly electrical issues, which no one can figure out. I have seen others with this make/ model have this same problem, lights flickering all the time. Overall this car has some get-up-and- go for the size engine.

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  Love it but check that middle row for rattles - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By kkaus1 - July 20 - 1:30 pm

  Love the explorer and would give it 5/5 if not for just one very annoying problem. The middle row passenger side seat vibrates and rattles. Every bump or rough road provides an irritating rattle. Headed back to the dealer for a second try at a repair. I found the suggestion to put something heavy in the seat funny but disturbing.