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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  240k On Original Engine! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By 240kmilesbaby - December 8 - 2:11 pm

  Here it goes, bought it with 110k miles and had a lot of fun in college (dont buy a red one and expect not to get tickets!!) At 170 around I replaced the clutch after driving it in 2nd and 4th for a while. Then the power steering blew up one day and that cost another $700 to replace. Other than those at 220k miles the computer malfunctioned and although the shop quoted me $800, I got a refurbished computer for $100 at kragens and did the work for less than $200. That engine had the oil changed every 3k miles on the dot! but i really neglected it after about 190k. I sold it at 240k and its still on the road, original engine!

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  Fantastic - 2005 Ford Focus
  By halogoggles - December 8 - 1:10 pm

  Just bought this car about 3 weeks ago. I spent waaaaaaay too much time researching cars. I was between an 04 Civic, a used Ranger, and an 05 Focus. This car is my first car and its perfect. It drives wonderful, gets great mileage, and looks nice and I love Ford. The bang for your buck on this car is fantastic. I ended up getting this for just a tad more than a powerless Hyundai Accent I test drove. (If you are REALLY on a budget and dont mind not having anything under the hood, I guess I could suggest that). Overall, I love the car and so far, its done everything Ive wanted it to do and with regular maintenance, I expect the same.

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  2001 SVT Cobra - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By dougv - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car. Interior in the 2001 Cobra is better than any other factory Mustang. I love the leather/suede seating surfaces. The 6- disc in-dash CD player is great...much better than having the changer in the trunk or taking up armrest space. The only problem Ive had is that the shift from 1st to 2nd would stick. The dealer replaced the whole transmission under warranty within 5 days.

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  Good value for SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By benny981 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Looked at other smaller SUV like the Pathfinder and 4Runner. Based on performance/price. The smaller Explorer is a much better value if this is a used as a second car and you already have a Minivan or something else that will seat seven. As far as reliability, you may use the money you saved on the purchase to but an extended warranty (just in case). The Pathfinder with similar options is low-mid 30s., The 4Runner is a little lower, but at 183 HP and lower tourque, its a no-brainer. Im happy with my choice and I saved at least 7-8K on the purchase price.

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  My review - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Shivohn - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Ford F-150, because its like a part of me, its like my brother, its always dependable. yours truly, Billy-bobb

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  Good reliability - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By wirebender - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This has been a workhorse for me. We have traveled back and forth from Oregon to California to Arizona numerous times and have never had any trouble. Van now has over 90k miles and still going strong. Regular maintenance has been all that is needed. Highly recommend.

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  Disposable Vehicle - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Robert Copeland - December 8 - 10:00 am

  At 100,000 the transmission in this vehicle was ruined requiring a remanufactured one at 2,900.00 (including the towing). This vehicle has had all maintenance performed at the designated intervals. Immediately after purchase the transmission dumped its fluid requiring repair by the dealer. After the repair the following day it dumped its transmission fluid again. I have contacted Ford customer relations regarding the failure of the transmission and the fact that the early problems caused the later failure. I have found no one at Ford concerned enough to research my claim. Apparently it is normal for the transmission to go out at 100,000miles.

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  hauling Goods & Dogs - 1998 Ford Escort
  By SEwagon - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Great in town -peppy drive if you stay in torque range (3750 & up)--easy lane changes, great visibility, intr. noise low. seat best in near upright. Yoko Avid Touring tires are a perfect compliment to this wagon! Frim, stable, grip, and corner. Wagon will oversteer if you dont go spritely into the corner--waking up stablizn rear assembly. Ford means 80lbs in the boot! Heavy loads off the axle are nerve racking. Drop the seat --pull it out! Smart pack can put 625lbs of goods in; predictable ride follows. Very Utilitarian w/smart looks--Ford really did a nice exit w/the escort wagon!

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  yep yep - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By pawn_81 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  its a great truck but option for the step bars and 4.0 liter v-6

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  Long Term Review - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By cclewis - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 1999 3.0 V6 Ford Ranger for about 3 yrs and 62K mi. No major problems, and it is still running great. I like everything about this truck except the ride after 25K miles. After about 25K miles the front shock went out on the right side, then out on the left. Both were replaced under warranty, but in the next 25K miles went out again. I asked the Ford mechanic why this is happening and explained that I do not do ANY rough driving (ie, off road). He said that Ford uses cheap car shocks in their Rangers and my best bet would be to replace them with some good aftermarket truck shocks. An excellent, reliable truck, at a good price (especially used, since there are so many).