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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  OK, but I got a Lemon - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Zolar1 - January 12 - 5:08 pm

  I barely get 14-15MPG in the city in the wintertime. Summertime, I can scrape the 18MPG if the A/C isnt on. I have never got anything above 20.5 MPG. I drive with a very very light foot. If I can get 24MPG out of a 4.3L 6cyl GMC pickup, I should be able to do the same with this truck. Vehicle keeps getting leaves in the ductwork, Seriously lacks power, and the A/C is on when you use any setting other than off or vent. Dealer claims it was designed that way. Vehicle still missing a flap in the drivers side fender well. Dealer says its not supposed to have one. Vehicle has peeling painted masking tape on support in front of the radiator.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dan - January 12 - 6:03 am

  I love my Focus as a supplemental car to my Ford Ranger. It is probably the best investment I could have made to run around in. I would definitely recommend this car.

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  Best ever - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Nicole Lake - January 11 - 10:10 pm

  I bought my car used with 125K and I have to say its been the best car I have ever had. Yes it does have the small minor problems such as leaking in the trunk, and the cupholder. This car gets me to school, work, and through my daily task. This is my first car but there was no way I got robbed with it. I definitley gets up and go when you need it too. Gas mileage is great in this car, I get about 28 mpg to 32mpg. Overall the best car ever.

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  Okay but could be better - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By die hard ford owners - January 11 - 10:07 pm

  This is my second Windstar, We brought a 1995 right after it was first made, it was very reliable. In the 7 years of ownership the only problem we had was a starter go bad. We always kept it maintained. Sold only to get a newer model because we didnt want to wait till we did start having them because of the mileage. But then came the 2003 lx. Its okay only because of the brake light and ABS light always on. Also rear window starting to act up sometimes want open. but as for running it always been good so far. We take it on vacation trips once a year. It always run with strong power even with my family of 5. We now have 104,000 miles. So my problem with this vehicle is the electrical system.

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  Great car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By guy salt - January 11 - 9:42 pm

  Traded in a Lincoln LS for a smaller car. This unit was a surprise. More rear leg room,about same size trunk, only deeper. Im 6 and no problem at all. Ordered without sun roof and with the heated seats. The heating and air are simply fantastic. Quiet, comfy, great on gas, roomy and great on both highway and city driving. Would not hesitate to recommend

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  Good Performance - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By mustangboy - January 11 - 6:12 pm

  I love driving this car it is a dream come true. I have loved Mustangs since I was a little kid. I had a 97 v6 but it just wasnt enough so I got this one and it is amazing. Soon it will be able to run with its bigger brother the Cobra.

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  I love my 3rd Expedition - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Binder - January 11 - 3:16 pm

  On my third Expedition. This one is a 2WD EL Limited and I must admit I like it better thatn my others, it has a softer ride, feels heavier and is a little better on gas ( maybe the 6 speed ). Only issues are soft shifts but for 18 mpg hwy Ill deal with it. Hope I can afford to buy it after lease and get the Supercharger and chip

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  Newby to 4x4s - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Blondy - January 11 - 2:58 pm

  Ive only had my 02 Explorer Limited for less than 2 months but I love it! I went from a 90 Firebird to this. Its like going from a jonboat to a cruise ship. I decied I wanted a 4WD cause of the Nebraska winters. My family is predominantly GMC but they all like it a lot. My husband keeps trying to get me to swap him his 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee for mine. No way! I just like driving it. I dont care where. Who knows, maybe Ill encounter some probs but for now I like it a lot!

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  Is Excellent Car - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Rene Cristales - January 11 - 10:16 am

  We bought GL model at 6 y/o w/115,000 on it. I must say it has always been very reliable. Started up every morning. I dont recall it ever breaking down on me. The engine on this is a vehicle. For a van, it has great power. The transmission too, has great power and pickup. My only problem with this van was its A front heating system and ac front system. Interior lights go on, wont go off. A short in the abs system it ding with the key out. I have to punch the steering wheel to make it stop. Slide door dummy light stays on for a while after its closed. But it was a comfort ride with room to spare. Great for a family and the van has 250,000 milles and still working fine

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  Ford needs to step up! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By m_a_t_47362 - January 11 - 9:11 am

  We got our Freestar in October of 2004. We were told it was new and that only the dealer had drove it. We ended up paying full brand new price, when it had over 16,000 miles on it. We get it home and immediately started seeing problems. The side mirror had been glued on, the door handle on the back gate kept coming off, we was supposed to had a bumper to bumper warranty on it, but when I took it in to get handle put back on we was told it would cost us a minimum of $300 just to get it looked at! There is something wrong with all the wiring, it dies all the time, door locks wont work, and driver window wont roll down. Engine light stays on, and brakes and tires cant last long on front end. All in all this is not a good vehicle. Do not buy!