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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  Focus on this - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Puddin - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I just purchase this car ( my second ). I have heard some horror stories about the focus. I love my car. I bought it brand new off showroom floor. The brakes squealed for awhile, but it stopped after two days. It turn heads due to the new color of Light Tundra. It looks grey at night, but its light green( teal looking ). ^he Cd/Mp3 is great to be factory installed.

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  My Baby - 2000 Ford Escort
  By JJEANR3 - January 24 - 1:16 am

  I have had my car for almost 3 years in June and i have had only one thing happen to it and that had something to do with the gear shifter and the warranty covered that. All around it is a great car for anyone. I have put almost 50,000 miles on it and it is still going, like it is new.

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  excellent - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By karen - January 23 - 9:20 pm

  we love our explorer!! we went from a station wagon to an suv and we could not have picked a better vehicle. only negative is the gas mileage. we love the third row seat and the convience of getting in and out of it.

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  My Best Vehicle Ever, Ever, Ever! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Frank Driscoll - January 23 - 8:58 pm

  Its an Eddie Bauer 2H-AWD-4WH-4WL with Advance-Track & Stability Control. So it only gets 14-19 m/g as advertised (and it really does) and what would you expect with that new big engine. Its a lot smoother ride than my previous 2000 Expedition EB (AWD) and I think the 2H feature of this tranny contributes to this as much as the independent suspension on the straight aways when I compare the two.The maneuverability is awesome, so that must be where the roll stability and advance track comes in its like driving a fine automobile at speed. It just doesnt feel like a large SUV.And there is no road shock coming through the steering column, floor board or dashboard on rougher roads. ROCKSOLID I love it!

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  reliable truck - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Matt Lenz - January 23 - 5:39 pm

  This a a good reliable truck. I towed a 4000 lb Trans Am from New York City with the manual transmission. It did quite well. I had 150,000 miles on it at the time. You had to downshift in the mmountains when climing the hills but it did well. I got over 20 miles to the gallon while driving there. It also is a good riding vehicle..

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  Saved my familys life - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Florida Joe - January 23 - 3:03 am

  Ive owned two 2004s. The first one was lost in an accident. The Taurus safety features saved our lives. I was so pleased I replaced it with another Taurus. We love this car. It drives wonderful, great gas mileage. My wife feels safe in this car. No problems with the car.

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  Bird up - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Dan - January 22 - 9:38 pm

  Calm, cool, and collected. Thats the way this car rides. Not loud or proud, just right. I have the all black and when the sun is out, there is nothing more fun than this car.

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  For your Own Sake, Dont do it. - 1999 Ford Contour
  By kobken - January 22 - 4:29 pm

  The V6 engine is good, very powerful. But, for your own sake, please do not purchase this vehicle. We had to replace alternator, check engine shows up all the time, you wont feel safe driving it because there is always a possibility at the back of your head that says, it might break down. The chances are always big for Ford sedans.

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  2 DR SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By crdallas - January 22 - 5:26 am

  Rocking horse ride and uncomfortable mouse fur seats, but its a 2 DR SUV w/ good exterior styling, very good fuel economy for a full size vehicle, and great reliability, plus it fills an important niche (for me) in the SUV market. After driving it around the USA for 110,000 miles it still looks and performs very well. Just wish it were smoother riding and/or had better seats.

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  LIVIN LA VIDA LOCA - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bill Walker - January 21 - 7:40 pm

  I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS CAR. IT IS FUN, FAST AND BEAUTIFUL! EVERYWHERE WE GO PEOPLE STOP AND STARE- IT IS LIKE WE ARE FAMOUS AND OWE IT ALL TO MY CAR. I RACED A Z-28 AND WON. THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS CAR IS THAT IT IS AFFORDABLE ENOUGH TO USE EVERYDAY - BUT LUXURIOUS ENOUGH TO PAINT THE TOWN. FORD HAS WON BIG WITH THIS MODEL- WHAT A HIT!! I AM SO MESMERIZED BY THIS MODEL AND IT DEFINETLY PAYS HOMAGE TO OLD DAYS. WE CHOSE THE LEGEND LIME GREEN AND FEEL LIKE WE ARE THE ONLY CAR ON THE ROAD WHEN WE DRIVE IT. WE ALSO PLAN TO JOIN ONE OF THE LOCAL MUSTANG CLUBS AND NOW LIVIN LA VIDA LOCA.