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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  Well worth the money. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By New Jersey - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my Focus. The car has been very reliable and a pleasure to drive. It feels safe and confident and is tight and feels larger than it is.

• 

  love it - 2003 Ford Focus
  By dave gilmore - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought one of the first SVT Focus cars produced (number 455) and I am completely satisfied with my purchase. Zero problems and major grins everytime I twist the key. No one makes a car offering this kind of quality and performance for under $25,000. I love the subdued styling and Euro flair. Car performs as well on the track as it does on the street. Sweet exhaust note that really wails at 7,000 rpm. Dont order the traction control since it will slow the cars 0-60 acceleration by about a half second. Without it the SVT will clip 60 in 6.9 to 7 seconds.

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  2001 Ford Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By sue miklajcyk - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a good experience with the car. I took my time in buying since I work in a hospital with steep hills and NY winters I needed a car that had excellent safety ratings and handle well. I have owned 2 tauruses and never had any problems, also the dealerships are wonderful.

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  Excellent value, loaded with features - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Hauler - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Well, with this rediculously small amount of space, All I can really say is: "Test the Sport Track agains all other cross overs, and it will dawn on you that the others are not even in the same class".

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  Love this Explorer! Breaking system? Meh. - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Jennifer - June 17 - 10:55 pm

  I love my Explorer. Almost everything about it! The only thing I was somewhat disappointed in was the traction in a small amount of snow/ice. There was just a little bit and it was more towards the front end of the car when I was breaking. I could hear the breaking system engaging but I was still sliding out into the busier street. I did not have it in 4 WD at the time. I figured AWD would have been sufficient for such a small amount of snow/ice. This actually happened twice.

• 

  Reminds me of my 68 - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By jetmyke - June 17 - 11:33 am

  It was time for my wife to get a new car. She selected the V6 Mustang. It has been a good choice! We were looking at the GT, but it only gets about 17 mpg around town (real world, I work with someone who has one) and the insurance was a bit high. Our Mustang is getting 21 mpg around town, which isnt too bad for a car this size. We have the pony package, so this car has TCS, anti-lock brakes, 17" wheels and GT suspension. Well worth the money. On the open road it rides quite well and has plenty of passing power. I plan on putting a cold air induction system and a Banks free flow exhaust on the car, should bump the HP up to 245. That will be plenty of juice!

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  My "comfort room" on wheels. - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mstraub - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love to drive my 2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition... unfortunately, so does my wife so you know who spends most of the tiem behind the wheel.

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  FORD SHOULD HAVE KEPT THIS RELABLE CAR - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By John in Mass - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This review is a bit late considering I have not owned my 1994 Tbird for 6 years. It was one of the best vehicles Ive owned. Totally reliable with NO problems and EXTREMELY SAFE. I would have another now, if still made. I was driving on the highway one day at 60 mph, when a car cut me off, I overcorrected the wheel to avoid cars, but hit 2 in the rear end, rolled over several times, went into the gulley, hit 2 trees. The air bags came out and I walked away without a scratch. It didnt even look that bad, very little crushing of sheet metal. Naturally it was totalled. I now drive a 1998 Ford Eddie Bauer Explorer, another great SAFE vehicle from Ford.

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  2004 Ford F150 Super Crew Lariat 4WD - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Michael - June 16 - 2:03 am

  This is a working fool. I towed a 20 foot U-haul trailer overloaded and got 14.5 mpg at 70 mph. It get about the same mileage working as not. This truck is great for camping and highway. We got 31" snow first year that I had the truck. As a Safety Manager and Accident Investigator, I can safely say this; with its long wheel base, wide stance and 4WD it is probably the safest winter vehicle on the road. Handles icy conditions when every other vehicle is spinning 180 degrees. Plus, it has a Five Star front crash rating.

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  F-150 Stepside--AWESOME - 1998 Ford F-150
  By NebraskaFordFan - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck, only thing I have done is put on dynaflow dual exhaust. Great truck..absolutely gorgeous. Never have ha any problems.