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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  Freestar vs Windstar 99 - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Boo Boo 99 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Windstar and loved it. Got rid of it because the transmission started to go. So I bought a Freestar SE for 16,500. The interior is more refined and it handles better on the road. The engine is quieter and the transmission much smoother. Bought the ext warranty. The SE model comes with the smaller engine. Acceleration is horrible compared to my old Windstar LX which had the larger V6. For that reason only get the upgraded FreeStar with the bigger engine. I am not excited about the Freestar but it beats 24,000 for an Honda Oddessy. If you can stand the acceleration the freestar is a bargin

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  Perfect Camper Hauler - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Big Ben from Balto - December 7 - 9:16 am

  Have had a nagging problem with the driver side seat belt unbuckling on its own. Other than that, the truck has been great!

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  Great Car - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By mprice - December 6 - 2:00 am

  The Thunderbird has spoiled. I fear I will never be able to find the balance of performance, confort, size, and appearance that this car give. That is for the $15,000 I paid for it. They do have rotor problems, that can be fixed for about $200. They also have trasmission TCC shudder that can be fixed fo $80. These are a problem, but ones I can live with for the price. One other thing, it is terrible in the smow!

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  Better than I thought - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By roger5 - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have found that in 92,000 miles my Wagon has been very reliable. Only one problem with a Vacum conector Conection . MY maintiance cost have been limited to Brakes, Rotors, Tires one time only and a Serpintine Belt. only I am told now to watch my Ball Joints they are showing some ware. But not Bad for 92,000 miles

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  transmission - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By cat rio - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1999 Taurus. I bought it certified from the dealer. It had 43000 miles on it when I bought it. At 75000 the transmission gave out. It was covered under the extended warranty I bought with the car. I had no problems dealing with Ford for the repair. It broke down 200 miles from my home, and even though I was far from my usual service dept., they treated me well, and repaired it in a reasonable amount of time. I have heard the 1999 tranis go out around 75000 pretty regularly, someting I wish I had known. Other than that...I love the car.

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  Better values out there. - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Donovon Nichols - December 5 - 5:13 pm

  I really wanted this truck. Test drove a few and loved it. Great ride, very roomy, and aggressive looks! Sparsely equipped until youve up into the sport and platinum packages. Ultimately bought a Chevy Traverse. Got heated seats, Sunroof, and remote start for less than the Explorer XLT would cost.

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  Very good car for the money - 2001 Ford Escape
  By doorg_reater - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have driven 25500 miles in my Escape. I have FWD version, so it is not that great on snow, but is still good on gravel and forest roads when it is dry. Overall, I like this this car, especially the strong engine and good handling. (I have driven Hyundai Santa Fe, and Escape handles much better than Hyundai.) I got the cheap XLS version so the interior is pretty basic, but still OK. The only problem so far was failed DPFE sensor at 19k miles.

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  Ranger as a work truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By billymc294 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Ranger because of the good reviews I had gotten from Co-workers. I am a courier, had previously owned Chevy S-10s that had broken down a lot, and saw a lot of my Co-workers having good luck with their Fords. My three year old Ranger now has 230,000 miles on it and has held up very well. I bought the 6 cylinder engine because I do some hauling and have been very happy with the perfomance. It doesnt get great gas mileage, but it runs well. I will probably buy another Ranger in the next year.

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  Starting Problems - 2002 Ford Escape
  By jewff - December 4 - 11:16 pm

  We love our Escape. Great V6 power. Plenty of room inside. A joy to drive. With 2235 miles ours failed to start. After 20 minutes it starts right up. Technician was on road test and it stalled on him-started right back up. Brought it back to dealer to check computer - no codes and wouldnt restart. Fords Technical Department told them to install new fuel pump. No problems since. It runs stronger than ever now. We still love our Escape but we now wonder!

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  ESCORT IT IS - 1999 Ford Escort
  By JRJNJLB - December 4 - 2:00 am

  AS A FAMILY MAN I ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF DRIVING THIS CAR. PLUS I NO LONGER HAVE TO USE MY BMW TO HAUL OUR KIDS AROUND. NOT THAT THE KIDS CARE THEY THINK THE ESCORT IS CUTE-ER. ITS DEFINATELY WORTH EVERY CENT. GAS MILEAGE IS ABOVE AVERAGE 38 HIGHWAY 28 CITY. DESIGN IS MODERN AND NOT LIKE THE OLD ESCORTS. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FANCY GO SPEND YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE, IF YOUR LIMITED ON CASH AND LOOKING FOR A GOOD VALUE-THE ESCORT IT IS.