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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  There are better choices for the money - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By CHICAGO - July 15 - 11:10 pm

  If I were buying a new crossover, I would certainly consider the Mazda CX9 first. The new Chevy/Buick Enclave second. The Freestyle (now the Taurus X) lacks serious driving and performance refinement. No matter how conservatively you drive it, you can sit and watch the gas gage go down. My only hope is that I can trade it in under the cash for clunkers act.

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By wyxlzorf - July 15 - 8:00 pm

  I use my Ranger for a daily driver, doing run and bump North Dallas commuting during the week. The weekend finds it pulling a 30 foot long, but light trailer hauling a glider. Great utility vehicle, but could use some more giddyup. Reasonable comfort, driveability, and build quality for the price. This is my second Ranger. The first went 10+ years and 200,000 miles with very little problems and this one looks to be even better.

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  Not Built Ford Tough - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Robert M - July 14 - 12:18 am

  transmission failed at 88000 miles.The failure was not do to neglect or abuse. this was 2 weeks before the warranty was up. and Ford of Canada is telling us to bad. they say water must have got into the transmission and thats what caused the internal parts to get rusty, but are not sure how it got in there. after calling them they tell us its not covered. so much for "Built Ford Tough" & "Quality is #1"

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  2004 Ford Freestar is unreliable - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Lisa - July 13 - 1:55 pm

  I bought my Freestar new in 2004 and it has been a good car until the this year. I have 85000 miles on my Freestar and the transmission left me stranded on the side of the interstate with no warning at all. $3000 later I am back running. If you look at the Freestar forum on the Edmunds.com website you will see many others like me who have had transmission problems with all year models of the Freestar beginning at 42000 miles. I was lucky to get 85000 out of mine before it quit.

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  Good for 6 years only - 1998 Ford Escort
  By DarthSodomus - July 13 - 12:11 pm

  I purchased this as my first car way back on Halloween 1998. This car was very good to me for the first 6.5 years. I did all the required maintainance. Then the transmission went after 110K miles - expensive repair. After repairing that, the engine went 2 years later - expensive repair. I have had to replace the alternator twice as well replace the water pump and some drive pulleys all expensive repairs. Finally, just now, the AC compressor went and had to install an aftermarket AC delete pulley. Ive gotten 11 years so far out of it but the repairs have been expensive over the last 4 years ~$8000. But (unfortunately) still cheaper than new car payments so I could not justify a new car

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  Terrible Vehicle - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Terrible Vehicle - July 12 - 11:43 am

  This is just a bad car. I bought brand new in 2000. The first two years I spent more time getting recalls done then driving. Then at about 100k miles the car fell apaprt. New clutch, front springs broke, battery, battery cables, battery itself, ac, heater, alternator, the list goes on. Ive spent over 6k in the past two years trying to keep this car on the road. Please dont buy an early mondel focus. It will just be a money pit.

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  Piece o junk - 2000 Ford Focus
  By BadFocus - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Heres a partial list in order of importance: cruise control (3 times), Horn (twice), water pump exploding ($350), on-board computer system ($750), engine lights consistently staying on keeping me from passing emissions ($1000) and the worst of them all: the engine mounts breaking and my engine falling out! This ran me another $1,000. Also, I had two minor wrecks at less than 15 MPH. The damage due to those was amazing as the shoddy workmanship really showed. I couldnt have made a worse choice than the Focus.

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  Untitled - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By orpha morales - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I like the fact that seven people can fit comfortably. I like the overall exterior design. I love the built-in tether strap restaints. The interior could use some work. Easier steering wheel tilting to make getting in and out easier would be nice. Third row could use a little more foot room. The seats are all very deep. I am 53" and I find it very difficult to make myself comfortable in the drivers seat. My back hurts whenever I travel long distances. And what happened to storage area!? I can just fit in my groceries.

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  Ford Flex Windshield crack easy - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Scbetances - July 10 - 3:35 pm

  I have had my ford flex 6 months and the windshield has cracked 4 times. It cost $363.00 for a replacement each time. Ford told me sorry the nothing they can do it is the design of the ford flex and it will crack easy because it has a large windshield and will catch more of the rocks from the road.

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  2009 Focus SE Automatic - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Vince - July 10 - 7:32 am

  I enjoy my 2009 Ford Focus SE. I bought the version with no Sync and I dont use the satellite radio. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly. I like the decent gas mileage and the smooth ride. Sometimes on hills the acceleration seems very slightly slow. Ive put over 14000 miles on it since I bought it last September and so far it runs great. Trunk space is a real plus. One thing Id like to see are hand grips above the driver and passenger doors. The placement of the interior light needs a rethink also. It doesnt adequately light the interior because it is too far forward. I keep cars a long time. I hope to have good things to say when I put this car over 100,000 miles.