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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  Buy this car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Great car to buy - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I think this is an awesome car. Great fuel economy (35+MPG). No problems so far. Stock stereo system is the bomb :-)!!! Never had a better car.

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  Ford Lightning SVT - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Dorman - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing. Anyone who likes trucks and lots of speed will enjoy this beast. I just cant wait untill the 2004 concept comes out with a huge 500 horespower. The intior on the 2004 is AWESOME and yes it has an option of being MANUAL! When that beast comes out it will own everything and then i will come back and give that a perfect 10 rating - Derek

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  Great car with some tech issues - 2012 Ford Focus
  By hipoldlady - July 14 - 8:51 am

  I have owned my Focus HB Titanium for 10 months now, and have for the most part enjoyed it. The controls are difficult to read in direct sunlight, and there are LOTS of reflections from the shiny interior trimwork, but the most frustrating thing is that the Sync system does not seem to understand a word I say. Asking for directions is a big reason I wanted Sync, but I wish I had never gotten it. In the beginning, the car was slow to move from 1st to second, and nearly stalled several times in the middle of busy intersections! After an update, though, this problem seems to be corrected. The handling is great!

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  Fun car, worth the money. - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Black96GT - July 14 - 5:00 am

  I love my 96 GT. I dont understand all the bad reviews, its mostly people who dont even know how to maintain a car anyway. If you take care of it, it should be a good car. I keep up all regular maintenance mine is great. Only thing I really have to complain about is that piece of junk plastic intake crossover. I broke it 2 weeks after getting the car and it cost me $700 to replace the manifold. If you buy one of these things, try to get one that already has the aluminum replacement. Other than that, great car. Not that fast for a v8 but not slow either, and definitely not bad for its time. Handles MUCH better than expected also. I love my pony.

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  ARRRRGGGHHHHH! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By NoMoreFords!!!! - July 14 - 2:41 am

  Another gremlin in the electrical system is blowing the resistor that controls the A/C & blower. Other gremlins have been blowing out tail lamp bulbs every 3-5 months. The dealers are useless. The car is on its 3rd set of brake pads & rotors in the front. The car arrived with the power lock controls not plugged in. The wheel bearings have been replaced. The air bypass control valve has been replaced. The dealers collision center took a month & many return trips to fix minor rear end damage. The dealer closed the hood with the prop up & tried to return the car the corner of the hood sticking up ... other minor problems. Gee, only 40 months old & 57k miles. Better buy that Honda or Toyota soon.

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  Great truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Carlos - July 14 - 1:34 am

  I bought the truck in 1998 with 50k miles on it and it is still running great. Its kind of rough on bumpy roads. Ive only had to replace the battery, brakes, and electrical components at 100k miles. Im not a big Ford fan, but it has gotten me through the years without any major problems. And of course I had to put 30 inch all terrain tires on it.

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  Never again! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Colleen - July 13 - 4:08 pm

  After driving my first brand new car is was immediately plagued with problems. When we purchased the van we were assured that we would be able to tow a tent trailer (<3,000 lbs). Initially the check engine light came on. Nothing wrong at the dealer. Dont know what the computer has been trying to tell us over the past 9 years but now Ive placed a sticker over the light and just ignore it! Right after the warranty ran out 40k miles, the transmission went out! Took to a transmission shop who said you cant haul with a front wheel drive auto! This is my 3rd transmission in 9 years and I poke along the road with my kids! Never, ever buying another Ford even if they give it to me!

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  Great truck thus far - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By MALCOLMCARTER - July 13 - 2:24 am

  I had a 97 Expedition which I just sold to a friend it had 180k and runs great! So, I just purchased 01 Eddie Bauer at an auction for $12.7 with 87k on it. Everything ok thus far, but it does make that loud murmur sound when the suspension adjustment is made when you start the truck. I love everything else but I spent a half a day at the dealership explaining that sound before the Ford representative told me about the suspension.

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  perfection - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By bulldawson - July 13 - 2:00 am

  wow what a car. bang for the buck you cant beat it..........loving my ford svt

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  fun sedan - 2003 Ford Focus
  By chili dawg - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Just got a 03 se sedan, automatic. This is a solid little sedan with lots of features and a smooth ride. Trunk is roomy as is the interior. 6 disc player in dash is just off the hook, stock speakers sound good too. I love the trunk release button on the keyless unit.