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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  Awesome. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dansee - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Awesome. Plenty of power and plenty of room for the family. Even has the cupholders. A mini-van on steroids.

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  The best truck ever!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By what the heck - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the new f-150 over the weekend. The one I test drove had the 3 valve 5.4 liter V8. It was a black fx4 with almost every option. This had to be the best truck ever bulit.

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  Bad Performance over 2 years - 2001 Ford Focus
  By MAEH - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The Good things -Exellente Handling -Confortable -Great Sound -Very Good Space in front, im 6.6 tall The Bad things -Regular Quality on interiors -Engine is not so good, very good power at the start (Brand New), but the car lost a lot of power with the A/C on, especially if you live in places with very high temperatures (115-120 F), -Fuel Cosumption, Regular -a litle bit noisy on the high ways The Ugly thing -just 2 years and a half with the car and i dont whant it any more

• 

  Good but not great - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mack - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I am happy with my purchase overall, The 260 Horsepower is a bit over- rated, I was dusted by a BMW330 6 cyl ! supposedly only 225 HP ??. I would like to see Ford go back to the 5.0.

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  Awsome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Benny Boy - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is an amazing muscle machine. I have an 03 vette z06 but it doesnt really come close to the sound that my cobra makes. I can do a huge burn out in my cobra my vette cant, i feel its the best car you can but for around 33500, its an amazing vehicle

• 

  2003 Mustang Convertible STD - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mike5 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the 2nd Mustang I have owned, the first being a 01 Mustang Conv. Its simply the best 4 seater convertible for the money. The car looks great with the top down and the auto top is easy to use and opens quickly. It has enough power to be fun but not dangerous. Its a solid smooth ride which is exceptional for convertibles.

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  FANTASTIC CAR,LUV IT!!! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By veronica taylor - March 3 - 5:40 am

  This is my first luxury vehicle,my mother absolutely loves to ride in my car, even though she owns a NEW TOYOTA. THE RIDE IS SMOOTH, when I drive my car I feel like I am driving an SUV.

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  Bad brakes - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By cskline34 - March 2 - 9:11 pm

  I have owned this for two years, was looking for something reliable for the family. Had to replace the rear pad at 45,000 and I cant get the rear calipers to compress, even with the tool to turn the piston. In short they are cheap crap. I have the 4.2 engine which has plenty of power and makes it fun to drive. The interior is very low cost feeling though. My biggest complaint is the brakes on this van. They are just unacceptable and will have me selling it as soon as I replace the calipers.

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  Look at another manufacturer - 2004 Ford F-150
  By der9765 - March 2 - 4:37 pm

  I have owed 3 Ford trucks. I will not own a 4th. Ford failed miserably with this redesign. Problems I have are: Water leak on passenger side, replaced IWE solenoid and both ruined wheel ends $750, Rebuild rear due to loud whine $800, fix cam phasers (makes the 5.4 engine sound like a diesel) for $1300. These bills does not include the rotors that need repaired and the calipers that need replaced. Check the Ford TSBs. They are aware of these major problems but offer no assistance with repairs. They must be major issues because on 2 of my 3 repairs the parts were backordered. Trust me - Do NOT own an F-150 that is out of warranty. If it is under warranty, be ready to be without your truck - A LOT.

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  Good basic car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Godboldm - March 2 - 2:15 pm

  I got this car after graduating college. Basically because I wanted an economical car that could move stuff. The Escort wagon seemed like the perfect choice. I was really impressed by how well it starts in cold weather conditions. With a new battery, it has started up great, even with a windchill of -30. The cold did take a toll on the interior, one of the rear locks (the thing that sicks up) snapped off. I guess it got really brittle in the cold. So be careful! It is a bit sluggish, but what can you expect from a basic economy car? It has delivered what I expected. So far, I cannot complain.