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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  Cost average with gas versus my Expedition - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Tnerb - November 18 - 12:52 pm

  So far Im pleased with the car. I purchased it with the thought that I would cut my fuel consumption for my Expedition. Gas was $4.25 when I bought. I took a trip to Carlsbad caverns and also to the Grand Canyon, my weekend trip was in excess of 1300 miles. My dislike: Radio has an XM button Im unable to add XM to the radio or any of the Sync options, there is no upgrade other than going to a higher cost on the vehicle. Cruise control: Engineers this is a gas miser add cruise? No spare, yes you save weight, break down in the desert New Mexico see if you walk out. No aftermarket, no cruise, no radio and who knows about a spare. Other than that I like.

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  Reliable, economic transportation - 2006 Ford Focus
  By gedeon40 - November 17 - 10:42 pm

  Owning Toyotas, I wasnt sure about this Ford, but this one comes from the European Ford lineage. Decent acceleration and above average gas mileage, about 27-28 mpg combined driving. Interior is comfortable, but still too much plastic. The engine is a bit noisy compared to a Corolla, but Im really surprised how reliable it has been after 30k miles. Id wish all Ford products would be like this Focus.

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  Underrated - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Happy Freestyle owne - November 17 - 8:33 pm

  Had doubts about first year of new vehicle. Issues in reseach were power and brakes. Ive found power is more than adequate for 2 people in vehicle with luggage. Brakes were replaced (pads) at 30k. Gas mileage is as advertised 24 mpg highway. Miss no satellite radio. The storage space is more than adequate. Ford needed to push this vehicle more, would consider the new Taurus X version at trade in time.

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  Powerful little car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By KcoonZX2 - November 17 - 7:38 pm

  I bought my ZX2 about a year ago. It had damage when I bought it and the previous owner was careless about maintaining the vehicle so I had to put some money into it. After putting in a new transmission and new clutch at 130,000 miles I have not had a single problem with the Ford Escort. I deliver pizza and put about 300-400 miles a week on my Escort.(The big trunk helps!) I havent had to do anything mechanical after fixing the previous owners problems.

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  Nice SUV, Cheesy Interior Changes - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Petersdraggon - November 17 - 7:24 pm

  Previously owned a 2005. This one has the cheesy chromed instrument cluster/tunnel?),chromed round air vents. I liked the retangular ones better, not gimmicky, but kept with the truck-like theme and feel of the rest of the SUV. I also liked the column mounted shift lever, now in the console it takes up space lever so huge-looks out of place and gets in the way of the controls especially when in park-that was another gimmicky move, form over function, I hate that. New door handles are bulbous. Engine roars-needs insulation but bulletproof. U-Haul still wont rent a trailer to Explorer owners, what a shame. It pulls them great. With that said, it is solid, boxed framed and spacious. Buy it!

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  Cheapening of the Crown - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mike - November 17 - 6:20 pm

  I am greatly disappointed on how this vehicle was cheapened. I owned the same vehicle seven years ago and it was a better vehicle.

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  Used Car Shopping? Keep looking! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Northern Mom - November 17 - 10:42 am

  With finances in disarray, we hoped we would get something reliable and reasonable. Purchased with 87,000 miles, this van is neither. Repairs are constant, steering is off, engine repairs non-stop, ABS brake lights come on everytime we hit a pothole and fifteen brake codes up at the dealership. Weve had problems like the transmission blew in the first week, leaking manifold, broken clip,a hose about to go? If you have 2k to add in, might make it a few years more but you can do better than this dog. Way too much money to spend on a sinking ship..Weird second row seat - not easy with kids and pets. Stinky exhaust, very expensive every time I go in with it.

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  2016 Ford Explorer Sport 401A - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Mo - November 17 - 10:03 am

  I purchased my Ford Explorer Sport in June 2016 because I travel a lot and needed more space and reliability. As of now, almost Sept Ive put in over 9,000 miles by myself! So I definitely have some input with long hours spent in the vehicle & I LOVE my Explorer. First Id like to start with a couple cons that are high on my list. I hate the pedals! The brake is significantly higher than the gas pedal which makes it very uncomfortable when transitioning to the brake, especially when traveling long distances. The pedals are adjustable but they move simultaneously. My suggestion for future models is that each pedal have separate adjustment capabilities for better comfort. While the leather seats are very stylish they arent the most comfortable. What I do love about the seats is that they offer adjustable lumbar support and after hours spent in the vehicle, the heated seats really comes in handy for any back pain! Youre also able to adjust the height of the seats, which I often have fully extended to compensate for the high brake pedal. The GPS often gives last minute signals which has occasionally caused me to miss turns & exits. Ive noticed with the 2017 model they have changed theyre GPS, offering zoom capabilities which the 2016 does not offer. It would also be great if the vehicle offered different route options such as Google maps, so that you could see the different options on the map prior to choosing. I find myself using both google map from my phone and the vehicles GPS simultaneously to avoid errors or unnecessary routes. Enough with cons... At the end of the day, I couldnt be happier about my purchase! If I had the option to do it again, even if offered the 2017 model at the same price, Id choose the 2016 model I have today. Though the SUV appears smaller than some SUVs on the outside, the inside feels very spacious & overall comfortable. When driving, I literally feel like Im driving a sports car. I handle tight turns and u-turn in this SUV better that I did with my previous sedan car! The ride is very smooth & the blind spot detection is remarkable! Not even after having my Explorer for a full month, I was rear ended... No body damage! The tow package cover took most of the damage and the only thing that needed to be replaced was the lower black portion and exhausted cover due to a few scratches. Im constantly complimented on this vehicle, it really stands out. In my personal opinion the gas mileage is great & it takes me no more to fill the tank than it did my previous car, about $40 total give or take. I almost forgot to mention, the clarity of the front & rear cameras are amazing, better even than some more expensive vehicles Ive been in. I hoped this review helps. I tried to touch on some of the things that I havent seen mentioned quite as much.

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  A Solid Built Vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Steve in Houston - November 16 - 11:46 pm

  This is our first SUV after a series of three mini-vans. The Explorer is very well built with no rattles or squeaks. Since it is built on a truck frame, the ride can be a little rough on certain terrain. I really wanted a Tahoe, but the Eddie Bauer Explorer comparably equipped was 10K less. It is a little smaller vehicle, but for 10K it was worth the difference.

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  242,000 miles and still going strong - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Bennett - November 16 - 8:24 pm

  Bought this truck with over 110,000 miles on the 5.4 Liter engine for $6,000 5 years ago. The guy that owned it before me towed flat bed trailers loaded with steel across country for a living. I was scared as heck to buy it, but Ive always been a Ford man so went by faith. Well Ive got 242,000 miles on the engine and all is great. Not near as snappy off the block or as tight, but I can still press the gas in congested driving situations and blow the doors off anyone. I love this truck so much. Im about to buy my next used Ford F150 Lariat with a 100,000 miles on it. Embarrassed to say, but Ive let the engine run out of oil at least 3 times (dry as a bone). Oe tough engine!