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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  Big Guy, Little Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sparkman7x7 - June 20 - 4:50 pm

  I drive 500 miles each week to work, with high gas prices I needed to get a more mielage friendly vehicle. I looked at; sat in and drove VWs, Honda, Hundai, KIA, Toyotas, Chevy, Dodge, Nissan. Im not a little person 300 lbs. 6 ft. (maybe a little round; 61 dont bend like I used to) I dont fit in many small cars, thats why I had an Explorer. We stopped to check out the Focus wow! I had no Idea! Its roomy, very classy, leather, has power, great price, lots of extras, and looks great! It has cut my gas bill in half! Mileage around town 31.5MPG! 35 to 37MPG on the hiway! Hooks up to my cell for hands free phone use; 4 weeks now fantastic

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  F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By PHILIP - June 20 - 4:12 pm

  Good drive, the vehicle performs like a truck should. A little more shudder over small bumps than I would like to see in a $35000+ vehicle. Pulls great, 5.4L has plenty of power when all 8 cylinders are pumping.

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  1 year of good time - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Alex - June 20 - 3:50 pm

  I bought this car brand new for $12000 ,3 door hatch, SE with sport package (fog lights, leather steering wheel, aluminum wheels, arm rest). I wanted to buy quick, so I took the best hatch they had that time. Unfortunately my car doesnt have tilt wheel and cruise control. I survive without both but still want them. The only thing which calms me down - Focus steering wheel tilt isnt enough anyway. Oh yes, and the cruise control could be dangerous.:) I had one problem over the year - my car started to move while in Park. It was fixed under the warranty but took 2 weeks to complete. I had a loaner for these 2 weeks. I made several long trips in any weather conditions. Noise level is low, seats are ok, power is adequate.

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  Great Driving Experience - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 380svt - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Fun and exciting vehicle to drive. Prefer Charcoal Grey over prevoius 01 Red. Good move by Ford to up payload capacity. Have had problems with Ford Tonneau cover on 03 model. In my opinion, will always be better looking than the Dodge or Chevrolet, based on what I have seen.

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  i always wanted one - 2001 Ford F-150
  By deerman - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Great truck! Great on trips, what a cruiser. I love all the comments I get from other guys and even a few women about this truck. Sturdy ride and comfortable seating. Really a pleasure to drive around town and on long trips. Gas mileage hasnt been too bad.

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  Dissatisfied repeat customer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By clista0204 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is a V8 XLT. It has been a thorn in my side since it was leased and I cant wait to get rid of it. All of its problems have been repetative. Compass has been replace 4times. Sway bar bushings have been replaced 4 times. Vehicle had stalling problem which went undiagnosed by the dealers that I dealt with for 2 years until it left me stranded. Trans needed work from day one, and has been adjusted two times. I do a lot of highway driving and I need a reliable vehicle. This one is not. Also sloping roof always causes a lot of water to constantly travel down the front windshield. This can be very inconvenient

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  Still Ticking - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Lisa N - June 20 - 6:05 am

  My Taurus has 198k and it is still running strong. I only have minor problems with it. The engine is still strong, though I do need to replace the transmission gasket soon. I think with the amount of miles on the engine it should not be running this smoothly. The only things Ive bought since I got it were the average things that you always have to fix on any car.

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  Good Value - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By mike erickson - June 19 - 11:02 pm

  This car has given great value. It was purchased and used initially as a sales car but soon became the family car due to a job change that supplied a business car. The Duratech engine [24 valve] is an excellent power plant but the transmission lacks some responsiveness to the power. The new 2006 cars with this motor have a 6 speed available which may have helped. I would not hesitate to recommend the car to anyone even with its minor faults. I have performed maintenance as directed in the manual and kept good tires on the car and havent had to replace any suspension components including brakes in 125,000 miles of 4 season driving in the upper Midwest.

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  Transmission problems - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Shelly - June 19 - 9:55 pm

  I bought my Escape new, but unfortunately I didnt buy the extended warranty. Even thought it was well maintained, at 54,000 miles the transmission failed. I had it towed to a Ford dealer, and then had to get a rental car to get home, since I was out of town. It cost me over $3000 to get the transmission replaced, plus rental car expenses, with no help from Ford customer service. I cant recommend this car for reliability, since Ive since heard of others with similar problems.

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  Bad Transmission - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By lou - June 19 - 10:26 am

  This is our first minivan and we loved it.We bought it new as I hoped that fact would keep us out of the shop and trouble free. The automatic transmission failed at 36,095 miles. The dealer says its out of warranty, but good news... it will only cost me $200.00 plus the cost of the tow. Well I thought that was a break, and I am thankful but, this is a major problem that should not happen at all yet this soon. Ive owned five Fords in all. Im not sure about the next.