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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  My ZX2 experience - 1998 Ford Escort
  By SarMK - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my ZX2 used about a year and a half ago. With the exception of some trouble getting it started on some brutally cold winter days (which was remedied by a coolant flush which was probably due anyway) this car has been very reliable! I even drove it cross-country from NY to AZ and was pleased with the my cars performance. My only complaint- sometimes it gets a little shakey at the higher speeds, but much better than my last escort! Overall rating- an attractive, reliable car that was affordable for a college student even with lots of options.

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  Just keeps on going-and going-and going! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By slate stevens - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new in 1997 for $9999.00 on a weekend sale ad. I thought it was going to be a strippo, but to my suprise it was a "sport model", which included head rests on rear seats, sportier front seats, alloy wheels, spoiler, body colored accents, am-fm casette with 4 speakers, intermitant wipers, chrome tip exhaust, etc. 105,000 miles later, extremely reliable car, just plain wont break! Oil changed every 5,000 miles, replaced front brakes, rear still good! Just make sure you replace that timing belt every 60,000 miles, or it could break and it will damage valves and maybe pistons when it goes.

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  Goood car - terrible trade-in value - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By javelina - November 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife and Iboth love the car. Its fun to drive, has plenty of power, is manuevarable and reasonably comfortable. Sound system is very good and A/C & Heat are adequate. the gas mileage is not the best although not really bad, averaging about 17 mpg around town. The trade-in value on this vehicle, I have since discovered, is very, very bad. The surprising thing is that it is really a very good car to own, just big and strong enough for most people. I really think that the problem is that its a FORD. Quality may be Number One but depreciation is really a major factor.

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  Really, its a Ford? - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Adam - November 12 - 8:03 am

  I just got this car for our company for the traveling salesman. Over the weekend, it was not being used and my car was getting fixed, so I borrowed it. Although its not as fast as my other cars, it still has power for accelerating, but passing at high speeds is difficult for it. The interior in huge. The seats are big and comfortable. I was really suprised at how good this car was after hearing so many terrible things about Ford (and being a GM guy, this is hard to admit) The Ford really is a good daily car. Not for an enthusiast, but it gets the job done.

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  truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By calislacker105 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  i am disappointed with the leather seat that are cracking and pealing..i feel if you just purchased a vehicle within the first year the dealer should repair a pealing leather driver seat..

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  1996 Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By windstarowner - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had problems with coolent leaks and sensors. It goes through a set of front brakes about once a year. It is hard to work on. You have to remove the vent cowling every time you want to get at the back side of the engine. We have had 2 recalls both relating to the brakes.

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  Excellent Reliability - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Gary S - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my 1998 Windstar 142,000 miles. The only maintenance has been normal items such as oil changes, new brakes, etc. Not a single problem with engine, transmission, or other mechanical items. It has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  2002 ZX2 Manual Transmission - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Todd Skrypek - November 12 - 2:00 am

  It is a suprise to get decent power and good reliability for under $14,000. I had two transmissions put in within the first 20,000 miles but it was my fault the first time and the dealers fault the second time. My only complaint is it is rough shifting but it could be the result of the multiple transmissions.

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  Id buy another (but not a V8) - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By trathgeber - November 12 - 2:00 am

  My 98 Eddie Bauer is a great vehicle. It hauls all I need it to, has proven to be reliable and looks great. The features on this truck have spoiled me (power everything, auto headlights, steering wheel controls, push button entry, great stereo, etc.) The V8 is very strong whether youre hauling or playing with some kid in a Honda Civic. I recommend it to someone looking for a TRUCK based SUV!

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  Really nice car for the money - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Mike - November 11 - 12:00 pm

  I was looking for a nice inexpensive car to replace my old 91 saab 900s. I wanted similar features that I had; heated seats, CD, heated mirrors, good mileage , and adequate power. This car delivers in all areas and more. The price was $14,700 after rebates. I got used to the car immediately, more comfortable, more power, better mileage and emissions , better handling, more room, more everything, than my old Saab. Very pleased with the car. Fun to drive! Best car for the money in my opinion. Considered Honda , Nissan, Toyota but none could match feature for price. Better warranty also with Ford.