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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  2001 ZX3 Review - 2001 Ford Focus
  By G. Brown - February 1 - 3:17 pm

  Have had car since new, few problems. Nice roads manners and driveability for compact car. Would not have a problem buying another. Needs a little more horse power, 50 more would be good. :) I thought the ZX3 design was cutting edge in 2001, now all manufacturers have one that looks like the ZX3. Average 21-22 mpg city, 28-29 highway.

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  My Ford - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Blair - February 1 - 2:30 pm

  This was my first car that I bought. I really like it but seem to always have a problem with it. It has always gotten me from here to there.

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  Wheres the Quality and Reliability? - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By UnhappyOwner - February 1 - 12:29 pm

  I traded in my 1997 Expedition for a new 2004 Eddie Bauer Expedition because of all of the improvements. While the new features and styling are great the build quality and reliability are terrible! In 2 years the differential has been rebuilt twice, the battery failed, one window motor failed, comfort seats (heat & a/c) failed, passenger mirror motor failed and has more rattles that a daycare. Now Ive been told that the front brake rotors need to replaced because they are too thin at 20K! I called Ford and they said that they were not under warranty but the replacements had been "redesigned" to resolve this problem. They admitted that this was a design defect but it would not be covered or pro-rated.

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  Love the car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Mike Castegnaro - February 1 - 11:16 am

  I recently purchased my 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 and I really love it. This car has power everything, including a 6 disc player. I have always had Ford cars and trucks and NEVER had any problem with any of them at all. The gas mileage is great and has a lot of pickup. My friend purchased an 06 Toyota Scion. Its also a really nice car, but it does suck up the gas. We both have 4 cylinders. My Focus gets 26 mpg around town and 35 on highway. This is my most expensive car that I have ever purchased, also my newest. Close to $10,000. The dealership was great, however, a little bit of pressure was involved. I did get a good deal though. This car will last me the next 10 years.

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  Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Cindy - February 1 - 9:42 am

  I love my Expedition but shortly after I bought it, gas went sky high. That was a minus but the space and comfort for my family made the purchase very worthwhile.

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  Klauers Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Kathryn Klauer - February 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle in October 2000. It has proven to be a very reliable family vehicle. Great for road trips, hauling large or many items. It has ample leg room for adults in the back seat and is by far the favorite vehicle to ride in or drive in our family. My daughter has said that because of the smooth ride this vehicle has, she does not experience car sickness when riding in the back seat as compared to riding in the back seat of her friends car. This vehicle is a complete dream to own and drive.

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  Loved the First ONe-bought another - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By explorer - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1994 Limited and had absolutely no problems with it....from the top of Pikes Peak to Death Valley and towing two horses through the snow....this car did it all. So why switch? Bought another.

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  Enjoy My ZTS w/2.3 PZEV - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Red Doggy - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Really surprised by the performance and smoothness of the 2003 ZTS with the 2.3 PZEV engine and 5 speed manual transmission. Ive owned it for 2 months and had no problems. It handles like a sporty car. Hope the reliability is better than the earlier 2000-2001 models, which received a lot of recalls.

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  Love My Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ehren - February 1 - 2:00 am

  When my T-Bird was involved in an accident, I was given a Ford Focus to drive by the rental company. I thought I would hate driving a smaller car. After a week I bought one.

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  ford is the best - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By tarid3 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  ford is the best