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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  2002 xlt 4wd explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rbreeden - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall good vehicle; however, have had some transmission problems. Gas mileage is pretty bad.

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  Shame on Ford! Faulty Throttle- Dangerous! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Alisa - October 2 - 1:29 pm

  I have a 2016 Explorer with about 15,000 miles on it. Last week when I was coming home from the beach driving over the Robert Moses bridge, the car lost power.The wrench light came on with a message to check the manual. Somehow I managed to cross lanes to get into the right lane. However, there was no safe lane to be in. Cars are driving at a speed between 65-75 mph. There was the railing and the ocean below!! I had my son and his two friends in the car. I was terrified we were going to get hit and go into the ocean! I had my hazard lights on but I think it was difficult for drivers to see in the daylight. Cars had to swerve to avoid hitting me or stop short when unable to get in the middle lane. Luckily no one was hurt, but this could have easily turned out differently. When I brought the car in to be serviced the sales department seemed to be aware of the problem. Turns out the throttle needed to be replaced. Ford needs to correct this problem before someone is seriously injured or killed! Now Im afraid it will happen again.

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  Extreme Disappointment - 2006 Ford F-150
  By cafenick - October 1 - 7:16 pm

  The Ford 5.4L is woefully underpowered. It is sluggish and is a total dog in the mountains as well as when towing. I do like the interior fit and finish as well as the functionality of the layout.

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  Great ride, bad on gas - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By American Girl - September 30 - 9:20 pm

  Weve had our X for several months. I do primarily city driving (true city driving stop and go every block for miles on end) and my mpg averages around 12-14. I didnt expect to get the advertised mpg but would like to get at least 17 or 19. Interior fit and finish is so-so. Great for hauling young children and rear-facing car seats fit great in the back seats. This was the main reason we chose a CUV over a traditional car.

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  Ups and Downs - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By FordedR - September 30 - 2:03 pm

  So, I do love my Explorer. Though there are some problems like others have said. The head rest that get in the way, engine takes forever to get up there. I do love the limited. I love the automatic side steps, DVD, navigation, great stereo system.

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  Hate the 2006 Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Connie - September 29 - 12:35 pm

  I bought a used 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer in March 2008. I have had it at the dealership five times. Ive had the shifter replaced and the whole fan assembly for the heat and air. I have had an ongoing problem with a loud noise coming from under the dash when I first take off. Overheard the mechanic telling the service guy that its a vacuum problem and its because of the design. Now it wont start, the road slippery light comes on and stays on even when driving on dry pavement. It also shifts hard and jerks when taking off. This is my third Explorer. I will NEVER buy one again.

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  Lease be gone..yee haw! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By marsan5 - September 28 - 10:08 pm

  We just finished our lease on this SUV. Pros are lots of cargo space, zippy around town and easy to drive. Cons are brakes not designed well for rural use, rotors and brakes non stop getting fixed, AWD got locked on one day on pavement. Bit of a gas pig. We had cloth seats and they stained if you looked at them! Three kids in the back is too crammed up. The door sills are too high, trapping mud and snow in like crazy. Cheap interior. The nerf bars stink in snow as they bottom you out, and when driving AWD when you get stuck, you are stuck!

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  Lemon Lemon - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By LEMON LEMON - September 26 - 2:40 pm

  I purchased Explorer Limited in 3/2006. In the 6 months I have owned it, it has been at the dealer for repairs 6 times (1 1/2 months). First it was the transmission. Then it was the cooling sensors that are supposed to prevent the engine from overheating. I was driving 70 mph on the highway when it just turned off. I lost power steering and almost ran other cars off the road while trying to maintain control. Since then it has been in & out of the dealership with cooling sensor issues. It doesnt turn on if it is cold out. I have been stranded 4 times, missed hours of work, and feel unsafe in the car. Ford doesnt stand behind product, Now must go through lemon law process which takes months. Buyers beware!

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  Strike 2 - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - September 23 - 9:14 pm

  Started with 4 thousand miles with a noise like a dry speedometer cable that took multiple trips to resolve. During year 4 with around 65K miles I had Transmission issues, intake gasket sucking air, plastic arm rest, and the top problem was replacing front drive bearings, rear axle bearings, front drive all in a failed attempt to get rid of a noise so load even the transmission mechanic thought I should be more worried about it. So for the past 50 thousand miles I have be waiting to see wait is going to fail off so I can repair it.

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  You get what you pay for - 2016 Ford Focus
  By J. Griffith - September 20 - 12:38 pm

  Cons: Bought a 2016 Focus S Sedan less than 3 weeks ago. Within the first 400 miles of driving it the passenger side rear wheel cap fell off. This wasnt covered by the warranty. Luckily the parts are so cheaply made that it only costs $36 to replace, although this should not be occurring with a brand new vehicle. Vibrations are also noted in the front seat roof storage panel, possibly from a loose part. Being an S model, the panel is merely for show and has no direct access without taking the entire panel off. An unnecessary feature in my opinion. Acceleration is minimal at best and the rear seats offer little leg room if you are a taller driver. On the manual transmission model the pedals have a cramped feel; the clutch could be offset to the left by 3-4 inches. Pros: Basic model (S trim) still offers Ford Sync and a rear backup system with monitor. Instrument panel is well laid out. Spacious seating in the front if you dont mind compromising for rear seat leg room. Smooth shifting with a manual 5-speed transmission. Fuel efficient for both city and highway driving.