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 Little Econo-Sport Sedan - 2000 Ford Contour
  By kent4978798 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 99 SE Sport for 4 years now and have enjoyed it the whole time. Ive had no major problems (knock on wood) except for a slight deformation in the dashboard, which I realized too late was a recall item that I never took advantage of. Its a great drive.

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  American Made and Strong.. - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By juhelofthenile - February 24 - 2:00 am

  nice line takeoff for cheap. The 302 engine is a great engine. I know people with 220k. Overall, I have been pleased.

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  Problematic Vehicle - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By BJ Wiley - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This car was specifically built for me. Within the first 2 years I began having throttle assembly problems. Its now on its 4th TA. The throttle sticks in the idle position. Instead of paying $300 for another throttle body, a friend said to check the throttle fly. It was the problem. Carb cleaner fixed it. Carbon build-up was the culprit. Also one spark plug is located on the backside of the engine which means the engine has to be disassembled to change it. This makes normal maintenance be high dollar. Also, the transmission finally broke two months ago. $1600 to repair. No warning that the transmission was about to breakdown.

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  Will overlook first trip to the shop... - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Rita - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Sure didnt think Id have to have the fuel pump and sender replaced at 1600 miles. Now at 2700 miles Im still waiting for the advertised mpg to kick in. This is my first Ford so I have to admit my expectations arent that high. The rear view mirror was stuck and the exterior molding started to peel away in week one. Ford has since fixed these things. Im hoping for no future problems to sour me because I do enjoy driving this fun little car. I can feel the difference when the Advance-Trac takes over. Handling feels safe I just hope I dont get hit ; this car will surely crunch.I dont plan on keeping it much longer after the warranties expire.

• 

  Almost Great But..... - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Dave Madrid - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that could have been great but for nagging NVH problems. Pros: Wonderful 2.5L DOHC V6 mated to a manual 5spd. Never stops pleasing! Had veh up to 115mph grinning all the way. Exterior styling is awesome. Chassis dynamics are very stable, very predictable. Cons: From day 1, nagging squeaks & rattles from the dashboard drive me crazy. The dashboard was a design blunder of the worst kind because otherwise, this would have been a great car. Road isolation is not great, particularly when sitting in rear seat.

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  Does A Lot Of Things Well - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Dave Madrid - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Although my Explorer has had minor powertrain repairs, they occurred during the 6y/75K extended warranty. My other complaint is the drivers side seat recliner lever which was placed in a terrible location. It has broken off since every time you exit the vehicle, you hit the lever with your left leg. Other than the lever, I love my Explorer because it still does a lot of things well.

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  A great SUV - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By grit - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in 02, with 60000 miles. I now have 75,000 miles on it and it is still running strong. The only big repair that I have done was had the A/C Compressor replaced and that was only $800. The former owner bought it new and had the oil replaced every 3,000 miles, as I stil do. The engine is not quite powerful enough for me, but it is a reliable vehicle. I would suggest this vehicle to anyone who wants a reliable, fun to drive, and basic SUV.

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  Incredible Reliability - 1993 Ford Escort
  By jgh2020 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my LX sedan used with 16,000 miles on it, and have since put on 130,000 more miles. I have replaced the clutch at 130,000, put in a used rebuilt A/C at 110,000, otherwise routine maintenance, tires, etc. I can cruise on the highway very easily at 85mph and this car is as solid as a rock, no shakes or rattles. I dont worry about door dings, grocery carts because it is an Escort...bring it on! It still has tremendous pep in the acceleration with the manual tranny. For the money spent, this has been an amazing car and I will have a hard time giving it up.

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  My Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By AKemp - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I just recently purchased a used 2002 Ford Ranger EDGE supercab 4 Door. The truck has 4x4 and handles perfect in the snow. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  My edge - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By niss240x@aol.com - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun and sexy truck. you cant help but look and compare yours to all the others you see every day, make sure you drive it with an attitude.