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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  owner review - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By proudowner - May 12 - 4:13 am

  Rides and handles well especially on slippery snowy roads. Mileage is better than expected.

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  Great Value Even Greater Fun!!!! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By FatBoyAYA - May 11 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a 1999 LX with 22,000 miles on the clock in 2002. Been drving it as daily commute since then, and the odometer now reads 240,000 miles. Sporty handling, solid platform and a preppy engine makes this car a breeze to drive. Never once breaks down for the past 7 years, and maintenance limited to regular oil change, couple burnt headlamps, a few sets of new tires and replacing the timing belt once. Will definitely buy another Contour in the future. The Contour was named Mondeo everywhere else in the world, and the Ford Fusion in the States is actually the new Mondeo outside N America. Thats definitely going to be my next car of choice.

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  Awesome - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Happy - May 11 - 8:07 pm

  The title says it all. I LOVE this car! This has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. In nine years of ownership, only one thing has gone wrong: the passenger side door lock has been disabled. This is my second Windstar, as I bought one in 1995. Both were very reliable. These minivans are so comfortable, reliable, efficient, and stylish, that I wouldnt trade one for anything!

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  Chronic radiator problems - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Wendy - May 11 - 6:11 pm

  Bought my Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer when it was just 2 years old. Ive had it for 9 1/2 months and am on the 6th radiator! Yes, you heard correctly...even a reputable Ford auto shop can not find the source of the problem. So the radiator keeps getting replaced and every 1-2 months (this time it was literally only a matter of 1 week!)...it ends up leaking radiator fluid everywhere, overheating and roaring/not running properly. This was the worst purchase Ive ever made and now I fell totally stuck. I HATE this car and will NEVER EVER EVER buy Ford again...Nothing but a big hassle, headache, money pit and inconvenience.

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  CVPI Review - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By steve bloom - May 11 - 5:00 pm

  This is a brand new 2005 Police Interceptor with the 250 hp engine. Quick midrange performance, but slower off the line due to the curb weight. Outstanding response and handles like its on rails. Very well balanced. Spartan interior but very comfortable buckets with power adjustment. Dual exhaust has a nice sound but is subdued at the same time. Same as the LX Sport except for the 11 hp increase.

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  Pleasing Performance - 2005 Ford Focus
  By T.L. Anderson - May 11 - 11:50 am

  When I went to purchase a new car, I was honestly more interested in the pricing than the actual car. I was used to buying used cars at least 10 years old. By the end of the first month, I was so in love with my Ford Focus that I wished I had made this purchase years earlier. I love the smooth ride, the HUGE trunk space (love to shop) and most of all the 26 miles per gallon (at least) in the CITY! I also love the new clearcoat that comes with the paint job. Even when my car needs washing, it looks sparkling in the sunlight. I will probably trade in my Focus next summer but only for a new model Ford Focus. I am pleased with my purchase and this cars performance.

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  Taurus-Value & Performance! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Jodi - May 11 - 10:02 am

  We absolutely love our Taurus! We looked at other makes/models and found the Taurus to be a great value for the size and comfort of the car. We recently took a trip and received almost 26 mpg for mixed hwy/city driving. My husband does the maintenance on the car and we have had no problems with it whatsoever. I travel 60 miles a day for work--so, I need a reliable car. I recommend this car to anyone--its roomy for family travels, too.

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  Great Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By B. Glenn - May 11 - 9:01 am

  OK here goes for all of you with bad reviews. Ive had this car for 7 years and currently drive it every day. It now has 328,000 miles on it and continues to start and run each day. Yes, Ive had problems, transfer case, sensors, intake gaskets, but this vehicle has been used and used hard. I pull a boat 20 weekends/year and still use this one as my primary traveling vehicle for vacations. Ice cold A/C, pushrod V6 has been great, interior is comfortable (back seat could be better), very few electrical problems Im thinking about replacing it but having trouble parting with it. Compared to a similar GM suv owned by another family member, this suv handles more like a sports car.

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  Broken Axle - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jerzeetrish - May 11 - 8:18 am

  I had my Windstar for almost 2 years with really no troubles besides brakes and tires,when at 107,000 miles my real axle just breaks! I was driving down a highway thankfully only at 45 mph when i hear SNAP and see black smoke and hear a grinding noise and smell burning rubber. i thought it was just a tired but to my amazment when i looked under there van theres my rear axel lying on the ground. THANK GOD that i wasnt on a major highway going any faster than I was otherwise me and my 3 children might not be here today. If anyone already owns this van WATCH OUT!!! The axles are rusting from the INSIDE OUT and there is no way to tell!!!!!

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  TANK - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By red - May 11 - 8:17 am

  This is my first American vehicle and will NOT be my last (Ford). This thing is a WORK HORSE. I pull a 3500lb trailer every weekend and it has done this for the last 3 1/2 years. Very reliable. I have 130k on it and look forward to 75k more