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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  Poor components - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Dr. Gonzo - September 10 - 10:19 am

  Bought van new. Main problems have been with poor components. Examples: Have had to replace both front power window motors, driver seat heater, driver seat adjustment motor, and 6CD/radio has been replaced TWICE, fuel pump died on the highway at 60K. Fortunately no problems with engine/transmission not even leaking/burning oil with almost 90K on it. Poor fuel economy as I can only get to 18mpg on highway. Ive owned Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Mazda and Hyundai and this will likely be the last domestic vehicle I ever own.

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  1998 Mustang V6 - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By silliwi - September 9 - 10:39 pm

  I have a 1998 Mustang w/ the 3.8 V6. I got it in September 2006 so its been 3 years now. Its a pretty good car. I got it from a family member with only 46,000 miles on it in 2006. Now it has 88,000. Ive had to replace the tires, and the brakes, windshield, along with the rear differential fluid twice. Other than those things the car has been virtually maintenance free. Its by no means a comfortable car. You feel every bump in the road. The seats are uncomfortable for long drives and it doesnt handle that great. I average about 22 miles per gallon mixed use. Im not really a sports car kinda person... I think Ill go with something with four doors and better fuel economy...

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  Frustrated with Ford - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Frustrated with Ford - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for one year and have had nothing but nightmares. There was 15,000 miles left on warranty when bought and was definitely needed! I had the emissions pump and blinkers fixed under warranty. Oh, then replaced the brakes on my own... had two recalled repairs and now 1,000 miles past warranty, My engine is no longer functioning... yeah, the 2nd and 3rd cylinders are damaged. Wheres Fords help now??? So, much for customer service! My first and last Ford EVER!

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  my first and only ford - 2006 Ford Focus
  By wade - September 3 - 11:38 pm

  I bought the car pre owned it had 43,000 k on it in the last 6 months I had the (wheel bearings, oxygen sensor, and heated seats replaced) I, m having trouble with the heater controls, the gas peddle sticks when its cold out and now the radio isnt working which is going to cost $700.00 to replace. The car isnt good in the snow and there, s a lot of road and wind noise.

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  Ford blew this one bigtime! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By No more Fords - September 1 - 10:39 pm

  Bought car new in 1999. Was worried about the power doors and they did need initial adjustment, but to my surprise they kept working for 10 years. The car rides well, when its working. This car is probably responsible for Ford losing 10s of thousands of customers. The AXOD transmission is the worst designed tranny ever. I know, I had 4 of them in my Windstar. The first went out at 86,000 (2003). The second one lasted 29,000, the third only 23,000. At this rate, Ford should just use velcro to put these in and save me the labor. The forth had 33,000 and was starting to show signs of distress. CASH FOR CLUNKERS is was. I am the proud owner of a 2009 Honda Odyssey.

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  My review - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Escape 04 - September 1 - 7:41 pm

  6 months after I bought my escape the transmission went out of it. There was no warranty on it and a new one was going to run me $3,000. I argued with the dealership and ended up only paying $500. But I shouldnt have had to pay anything! Since then it has been a great vehicle.

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  Boring Car - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Ron - September 1 - 12:42 pm

  Im 26 and my parents bought this car for me in the gorgeous blue exterior color while I was living abroad. The interior and exterior of this car really looks luxurious and the comfort of the car is unmatched. But thats pretty much where the positives for this car end. Mine is the old carry-over transmission (which I guess is good because the old transmission has received very high reliability ratings), but its extremely slow, so slow that its frustrating at times. It is in fact the slowest car I have ever driven (even my very first car a 2000 Mitsu Galant drove better) I absolutely hated driving this car and so did my brother. The gas mileage sucks too - I used to get 20 miles a gallon in mixed driving. When I compared this to my brothers Hyundai Sonata, the Sonata lacks behind in interior quality and comfort but overall is a much much better car as far driving dynamics, fuel economy and etc... After owning this car for a year, I gave it to my dad and got a Mustang.

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  1st Ford Ive Owned & Also The Last - 2005 Ford F-150
  By JPH - August 29 - 10:15 pm

  The quality is simply not there. Ive taken my truck in for warranty repairs 41 times. Thats right, 41. I wish I could pursue lemon laws but its never the same problem. Performance is pathetic. It cant tow a 3000lb trailer, shifts out of OD at the slightest press of the pedal, return lousy MPG. My 91 Chevy would run circles around this truck. EVERY other 1/2 ton truck on the market has a superior engine than the 5.4. Ford sells truck because they are cheap, no other reason. Im convinced my truck is a dud & not a true example of Ford, but my experience & service Ive received from Ford has guaranteed Ill never be in a blue oval again.

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  Tamed Pony - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Jae - August 29 - 5:45 am

  Got this car used with 65K miles, since I couldnt afford an Accord or Solara Coupe. Overall the car has been pretty good to me. No major repairs, just maintenance. This car is NOISY. Ford really cut a lot of corners when it came to quality and craftsmanship. Wind noise intrudes at high speeds and it feels like a shopping cart on rough roads. The power-steering wines, but this seems to be common. The seats are a joke, they offer little to no support up front. This cars goes through brakes fairly quickly. My drivers side windows sticks in hot weather, paint has faded, and the engine rattles at high RPMS. Transmission seal leaks are common as well, but thats been the most of my problems.

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  Not worth payments on vehicle - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jileik - August 28 - 9:45 pm

  I got this vehicle in 08/06 and fell in love with it i was trading in a Subaru Legacy AWD and wanted to keep the 4 Wheel drive without spending alot of money. I should have kept the subaru. From the time i got it things were happening, the front end was clunking, back end is severely cracked, transmission is gone, sealant around the doors comes off, doors are impossible to open, and only 2 out of the 6 cylinders work. While the interior is nice it is not worth the payments i am making, i am taking my chances on a FWD Toyota which is more reliable. I would not recommend this car unless you know a ford mechanic.