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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  4 Seater Race Car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By cartright - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is simply the most satisfying car Ive ever driven. Its hard to believe how much performance for the dollar you get with this car and I can take my family out to enjoy a cruise with the top down. There isnt another car that can do what this car does for less than twice the cost.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ron Willinger - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent all around run around car and was fun to drive on long vacation.

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  Not missin the mini-van! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ridgerider - November 21 - 9:52 am

  Ive run up 62,000 trouble free miles on our 05. This is a good "trip car", with flexible seating/cargo options and highway fuel economy in the mid to upper 20s. Comfortable and quiet. The Freestyle is a bit sluggish from a dead stop, but acceleration is decent after that. Weve taken vacations and moved kids to college handily with this vehicle. The disappearing third row seats are easy to use and are not too bad to sit in. The roof rack is pretty stout, a solid platform for a bike rack or rooftop carrier.

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  Love it! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By skosola - November 21 - 9:30 am

  Driving this vehicle is a dream! Very comfortable, wonderful fit/finish on interior, leather is very rich looking (not pleather), great storage, and easy to get a child in and out of back seat. The Vista Roof is amazing! Its November in the Mid-West so I havent had it open yet but Im looking forward to Spring! I cannot say enough things about this car that I love. Everyone should get one!

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  Love my Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Guillermo - November 20 - 9:29 pm

  I use this truck only for roads trips and as family car. It has a very smooth drive comparing to other SUVs it also has one of the biggest V6 engines of its class the space for passengers and cargo is more than enough aven if you are on the last rear seat. Just to make shorter, great performance, comfortable interior, nice looking desing, built to last, all that you can expect from a Ford truck.

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  Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By AJIowa - November 20 - 5:16 pm

  This car has excellent handling. I am not a car person so my primary reason for purchasing was price and gas mileage. The inside of the car is a little small. Passengers in the back seat have to scrunch up and it would not be good for long car rides with four people. This car needs new tires constantly. I am lucky to get 15k out of a tire. I mean they are completely bald. I have had alignment checked no problems. I rotate the tires but barely can do it twice before I need new ones. I been through 7 full sets of tires in 5 years. The tires are supposed to get 50-75K and it isnt even close. I also had to have the struts front and back all replaced by 50K.

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  Not happy - 2005 Ford Escape
  By highlander - November 20 - 8:47 am

  Bought this vehicle new in 2004. No major problems for the first 40k miles other than the "fragile" paint. It is covered with pain chips that form rust almost immediately. Next I had brake problems that were repaired free due to a service bulletin on the rotors. The spare tire release rusted out and was replaced. The seat cloth is easy to stain/hard to clean. Headlight has developed condensation problem - will be replaced shortly. The engine is now drinking antifreeze. Cant find any leaking so it must be a more severe problem. Driver side door seal torn apart due to a poorly placed screw in the door trim. Overall Im not happy with my Ford Escape and will not be a repeat customer.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Sue Ray - November 20 - 5:43 am

  I couldnt wait to get my hands on the new Ford Edge. I had been calling local dealers and it was hard to locate one. I finally bought one and couldnt be happier. The ride is great with little noise from the outside. It handles great and at 55 I finally feel like a kid again.

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  Perfect for small business operator - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Gary Stewart - November 20 - 12:40 am

  We bought this for our gourmet bakery distributorship business. We have put 25,000 miles on so far. It has been everything we hoped it would be. We get a huge amount of product in it, all the doors are easy to work from with the low floor, very comfortable to drive with great gas mileage. This was a key for us averaging almost a thousand miles a week. People constantly come up and ask about it. Were thinking about buying a second one. Why has no one else come out with this type of vehicle for a business operator?

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  2004 Ford Screaming Mustang Convertible - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By R.Kelsesky - November 20 - 12:20 am

  Im a 49 year young man who used to be a Pontiac Trans am man but once I drove this baby I was hooked! I love my Mustang. I have a 2004 40th anniversary edition that Im restoring to look like she was just rolled off the show room floor with some of my own classified modifications that will put the GT to shame LOL