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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  2003 ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Patricia Smith - August 14 - 4:04 pm

  I actually love this car because it is my size. If you have people sitting in the back seat its not so comfortable. I like to think of it as more of a two seater with some storage space. It does Idle high and is very loud, passengers usually complain. I have taken in back to ford to have them fix the Idle but it actually seems to have gotten worse. But I really love this car, it hasnt left me stranded yet!!!

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  Good, but not Great. - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By norbert - August 14 - 2:52 pm

  It is Great looking, and it is fun to drive. Still, Ford could have made it a more solid car - lots of rattles after only two weeks.

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  My 03 Excursion is great towing vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By RV Guy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Excursion with the optional diesel engine and it pulls my 35 travel trailer like theres nothing behind it! The gas mileage with the diesel engine is better than I got with the 2002 Chevy Suburban (Gas engine) I traded in on it. One complaint is that there is not an optional power sunroof available and an aftermarket one is out of the question since the back A/C and heater vents are located towards the middle of the vehicle making the installation of a power sunroof not possible. The "back-up" warning signals are wonderful as are the pull out trailer towing mirrors.

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  Needs More ...Still - 2004 Ford F-150
  By TOD404 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  After owning a GM for the past 3 years, this truck does not handle as well. It may be the hieght of the truck or it may be the chassis/suspension. All I know is I cannot corner as well as my old truck. Power wise, even though I have the 5.4L, it just doesnt seem to have the response I am looking for. I seem to be pushing the accelerator more than I am used to. I hope with more break in miles, this will improve.

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  Move over Civic, Focus is here to stay!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By focusracer1 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Today it is 10/11/03 and my focus turned 80,000 miles today. I have babied it and at the same time trashed it and it is still running as if were brand new. My friend who owns a 2001 Honda Civic, has gone thru a blown transmission and some bad shocks. The whole thing about Japanese cars being better than American cars has been thrown out the window thanks to the innovation of the Ford Focus. Anyone who is looking for an economical car with some real go, then look no further than the Ford Focus.

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  mustangs - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By mdw - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for only 9 months and it has been in the shop 4 times within a month for the rear end going out! Now, It is going back for the 5th time for the same thing! I can take it in and then get it back and within a week it is going back! The rear end continues to pour oil out and it has a very bad burning odor!!!!! I will say that I have bought a LEMON and the dealeship is NO help!!!!!

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  Ford Focus Rocks - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tonya byrum - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I was scepticle about buying my new Focus wagon. I worried that I would tire of it quickly and worried that I might not find it sporty enough. But, I absolutely love it. I have never been happier with an auto purchase.

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  Cruisin in a Crown Vic - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By The Shield - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Flyin down the highway with little or no worries.... A very dependable full size sedan!

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  My favorite things - 2004 Ford Escape
  By sonismith - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It handles like a car, parks so easily (and we live in the city),it has great pickup on the open road and feels like a solid luxury vehicle. The back seats lay completely flat and I have the space and utility of a good truck. My daughter is a new driver and I believe this 2004 Escape is the safest SUV on the road today.

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  Reliable, Comfortable, and Family Van - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By madmax-ooohhh - August 14 - 3:45 am

  Test drove the New Toyota, Chrysler, and Honda Minivans, but did not feel the additional 4000-8000 premium over a similarly equipped Freestar was worth it. I was pleasantly surprised with the overall fit and finish of the van, and build quality. Only thing it lacks is a AWD option.