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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  Horrible Seats - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Gomer - September 17 - 10:04 am

  The F150 for me has the worst seat comfort out of any truck on the market bar none. I cant get comfortable no matter how hard I try and the seats are as hard as a rock. Other than the seats, the engine is severely underpowered (5.4) and the transmission is sluggish. I dont recommend this truck to anyone unless you want to be uncomfortable. The previous generation F150s were much better in my opinion.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Doc - September 17 - 1:16 am

  I traded in my Nissan for the Five Hundred SEL and am so happy. I now get up to 30 mpg (hwy), have great visibility and a huge trunk. Although critics have said the engine is underpowered I disagree. When I want to pass I tap the gas and it takes off. My insurance went down due to the cars safety features. Ford got it right with the Five Hundred and I recommend this car to everyone. Go drive one and see for yourself.

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  Almost too well built - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Bones - September 16 - 9:30 pm

  Ive owned two of these cars, the last one I still own. Its almost as if this car was built way before its time. Now with gas what it is, I hear less and less laughing. Its pretty obvious in cars of this size bueracracy is the only thing standing between fuel economy and cars that boast of 23 MPG. This car gets 40 MPG all day long. My buddy and I collected 7 of these cars way before cas went up. We made topless parade vehicles, drove them and parted them. Now, we always have parts and drive like-new 93s. It was dumb luck, but oh-so-sweet. I drive mine around town, he bounces back and forth to Key west in his. They are a dream at 70, but commute like motorcycles.

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  Best Car Ever!! - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By qaguy1982 - September 16 - 11:39 am

  I purchased the 2001 Econoline with the Traveler package and the 5.4L engine when I was a Boy Scout leader with two kids in college. I had blown the shocks on my previous minivan 3 times hauling boys and heavy scout gear. We wanted something equipped similar to a mini van but not a full conversion van. Found the van on a lot with the Traveler package. As others have mentioned it was much cheaper than the larger SUVs and holds more cargo. Nothing but brake pads and tires to replace for the first 10 years. Mileage could be better but try and move the same amount of gear and people with sedans and you will buy a lot more gas since you will need more cars.

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  Stay Away From 2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By txm - September 16 - 10:07 am

  The 4 cylinder engine in this car is extremely underpowered. Its especially worse in the summer when the air conditioning is on, then it becomes unsafe to drive, because when you need to accelerate, it just doesnt do anything for about 3-4 seconds and trying to accelerate when necessary would probably kill you in this vehicle. Also, the engine is very noisy, sounds like diesel engine. I have 60,000 miles on it. The fuel economy is terrible. I cant get any more than 20 mpg, not matter what I do. Stay away from this car.

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  Best Domestic I Have Owned - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus Owner Indiana - September 16 - 5:28 am

  I purchased a year ago, and 22,000 miles later, this has been one great car. This is a large car, and for the class, the ride and handling are better than expected. It is no barn burner, but acceleration is very good, and the ride is very good. The car is comfortable, quiet and rides well. I almost bought the Avaolon, but I wanted AWD and back up sensors in a large car. The saftey factor and visibility, and the fact that the ride and quietness rival the Avalon won me over. The car has been cheap to own, and trouble free. Coming out of German cars the last 10 years, this is a nice change. I like the bold looks, even with the over the top use of chrome. Mileage on highway is very good, city OK

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  Another Great Mustang - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Bradley Neighbors - September 16 - 5:03 am

  Really nothing but good things to say about the car. Weve enjoyed it very much. Front seats very comfortable and best seat heaters ever for those of us with bad backs. Reality has been about 22.8 mpg. I would think it should do better. With top up you cant even tell its a convertible.

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  Expensive repair bills - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Ed - September 15 - 10:12 pm

  Bought this vehicle used with 46k miles. In four years, drove 65k miles and had some major repair bills. Transmission replaced at 73k after 2-3 shift flare failures. Well known problem to Ford but they did not offer any help with the repair bill. Oil leaks at crankshaft pulley, front and rear differential pinons required seal replacement. Both front stabilizer links broke due to corrosion, known problem in earlier Fords but again no dealer support to replace. Rear end howling developed at 105k miles and required bearing replacements. Pulled a 1000lb utility trailer a few times so no major loads hauled. Overall definitely poor quality vehicle. Never again will I own a Ford.

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  Great Options, Poor Mechanics - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pshaver - September 15 - 8:55 pm

  Ive had my Eddie Bauer Explorer for a few years now, and it definitely has its high points. The features and comfort of the interior are great. There is adequate room for adults in the second row. The V-6 model pulls my 4,200lb boat/trailer combo pretty well (though I had to add a class IV hitch). My only complaint is the reliability. I never buy extended warranties, but I did on this vehicle (luckily). Ive put only 12000 miles on this truck, and replaced the differential, axle seal, transmission cooler, cruise control servo, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal (all between 34000 and 36000 miles). Many of these failed prior to ever towing, so I cant blame that.

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  A sad farwell to a old friend - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Mechaicsville Steve - September 15 - 7:09 pm

  After the years of abuse today I finally retired my old friend the Ranger. (190,000 miles) Bought this truck with 80k on it and never had any major problems, only repairs were basic repairs, leaf springs and a alternator. This truck has been through a lot, multiple deer strikes, a guardrail or 2 and more and still kept on going. Sadly though the list of problems that started to build up on it at 180K have taken its toll and I had to junk it even though it still runs. Amazing is all I can say after the hell I had put it through. Never burned one drop of oil. It was so good on oil that I would only change it every 10,000 miles!