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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  EXPEDITION 2003 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By EBBcVc95 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I drove my expy from la-las vegas and it was nice and smooth if you are running 70 miles an hour constantly on a minor or flat slope...i tried to push it to run 90 miles per hour and maybe averaged about more than 80 mph all the way and i think the 4.6 liter, which I have, is needing more power going up the hills at 15 freeway. Avoid the 4.6 and upgrade to 5.4 liter.

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  My 500 Experience - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Camp13ell - October 17 - 8:03 am

  I love my new vehicle, black with black leather-ish interior. I was in an accident and ended up totaling my 2001 Mountaineer, and was shopping around and came across the 500, and i fell in love right away. Large, roomy, its big enough for me (hehe). It has a smooth ride, and I love the layout. I get looks from folks everywhere asking what kind of car I have, and theyre surprised its a Ford. I believe Ford hit the nail on the head with this car.

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  Brake Noise? - 2008 Ford Escape
  By flnycus - October 17 - 4:40 am

  I love my new 08 Escape. It looks great, itÂ’s fast and spacious. Gas mileage in the city has been about 19.8-21mpg. Excellent smooth ride on long trips. We have done 3500 miles in it. One problem - the rear makes a "rocking" noise when the vehicle is just about to stop. The dealer has it for a 2nd time and cant work out what it is? The rear brakes grind when you press the pedal when in P or N. Has anyone else had this problem? Very annoying! I may have a lemon? They should have put 4 disc brakes instead. Overall I love the SUV but this problem is driving me crazy. To date they have replaced the mirror motor on the drivers side, replaced a broken seal on the rear brakes and the left axle!

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  00 Windstar Se - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By lionheart730 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Have great acceleration compare with my 01 Taurus. Better space than my previous 95 Exploder. New tires and the vehicle starts shaking at high speeds especially at very low speed. Grille started peeling off. I hope to get lucky with this one like with my 95 Exploder. I sold it with over 214K mile in it and still running strong.

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  2014 4K review - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hounder219 - October 16 - 7:10 pm

  Just a review of what I think so far. I have a 2014 SE without nav. I got this car because of I will be on the road quite a bit in the next few years a needed a good MPG car. Just completed a 3,200 mile trip with some 8 to 13hr runs and seating and controls are great. Front seats are awesome the rear not great. Im 62" and felt very comfortable. This is my first SYNC car and the BT worked very well. Loved how all the controls worked and felt after the learning curve was completed. The car itself is very solid and quite. Not like the Prius or Honda Civic which I felt a bit like a tin can. Viability is awesome as are the mirrors.

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  Nice Little Ride - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mustang Dude - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is a fun SUV. It can hold lots of cargo as well as people. The motor is very peppy and seems to want to go with little effort. I love the new headlights on the 2005 as well as the new center floor shifter.

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  Decent Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bennb - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Everything seems solid, but not outstanding to say the least. Moonroof shorts here and there. Engine replaced under warranty for head crack. Rear piece on tailgate bottom comes unglued. Seems a little on the poor side concerning integrity of build. Ride is OK, not great, but tolerable definitely. Paint on running board has chipped, interior finish on door handles and around the stereo scratches easily and peels as well. Really like the plastic bed, bed extender, and the tonneau cover helps overall satisfaction a great deal. A little tight in the back seat, but decent. A/C compressor slows at idle (engine idles too low?) .. no cooling then.

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  Looks are only skin deep - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By SeriousSam - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I was very happy to purchase this vehicle, but the longer I drove it, the more little things would come up to irk me. Ergonomics of the dashboard are not the best, layout of the components is poorly thought out. Engine is loud, sounds like a truck (which it essentially is, but it could have been made quieter for a passenger vehicle). Cheap parts (paint, interior). I put a mountain bike in back and ended up scratching the heck out of the interior and ripping the rubber seal around the door. Otherwise, the interior is very roomy, comfortable ride, good outside looks, overall Im satisfied, but not thrilled.

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  Disappointed... - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By aeodie - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I decided to buy the explorer instead of a grand cherokee or 4 runner because I liked the styling and it seemed to be the perfect size for my family...not too big, but bigger than most mid-sized suvs. I bought a new vehicle because we were about to have a new baby and I wanted something reliable...that has not been the case. I have had the rear- end replaced because it was making a loud noise. I have had the engine light come on due to a spark plug problem. Two tires were replaced due to "abnormal wear," and the interior has had some problems. I have been disappointed with this vehicle, even though the service from Ford has been good.

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  ford zx2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Dashbrdluvr - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for a few months, and i really dont have anything bad to say about it. It has a lot more power than I thought it would have and its performance is exellent.