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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  Love - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ciq - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV!!!!

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  never again!!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By statchick - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the styling a year and a half ago too bad it has never run right. Replaced the brakes at 25,000, needed new tires just to keep on the road without sliding off. Transmission needs replacing at 50,000. I am dumping this one asap and never buying Ford again.

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  Very Satisfied - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By sdgrant - October 6 - 10:00 am

  After owning a True Blue / Graphite interior convertible for 6 months, we havent had any problems or trips to the dealer for repairs. Performance could be better, especially since other brands are getting over 250HP from smaller V6 motors (my 11-year-old Accord is faster). However, since this is a relatively economical model, we dont expect as much. We just drove 800 miles on a recent trip, and it ran smooth and strong on the freeway. It was really great winding through wine country in central CA with the top down, warm sun, beautiful ride.

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  2 Escapes - 2001, and now 2002 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By DLV1 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This is our 2nd Escape - we had a 2001 2WD 6cyl XLT, and now have a 2002 4WD with leather, moonroof, all the options. Not sure if they made significant improvements from 2001 to 2002, or if its the 2WD to 4WD but this newer one is much tighter, more solid, more enjoyable. Seems quieter too. This has been a great vehicle for a multitude of purposes, from family vacations to business appointments to hauling.

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  Topless Stang - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By JDerek - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Although this car did need a new transmission just before the warranty expired, it has been trouble-free since.

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  I LOVE my Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By turtle750111 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my Focus. Ive had it about 2 years. It drives great, looks good, gets great gas milage and never slows down. Im even thinking of getting another one on my next car purchase!

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  First New Car Owned - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Scooby31172 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I love the feel of the ride. It rides smooth and handles with ease. Takes turns easy. I love the safety rating it has a five star rating. Nice comfortable seats, runs quiet. The ease of getting child car seats in and out and being able to hook them at the top and the bottom is very important to me. I like the shoulder seat belts in the back seat. I am extremely impressed by the Ford Taurus. I have always been a Ford fan. I have driven vehicles by General Motors, Plymouth, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Ford. My opinion is that Ford is the best vehicle I have driven. I liked the others, but they did not

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  Good - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Jaeurjnr - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Its good but the only problem is that there isnt to much room in the back seats and that causes a problem sometimes. The trunk has a small opening to it also

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By maddbinky74 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my first sports car and I love it! My Mustang and I get the attention of everyone around us. The ride is a bit rough, but its worth it. Thank you Ford for keeping the Mustang around for me and my family to enjoy.

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  LOVES IT - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Ontario - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I loved my Probe since the day I bought it. No real problems except the trunk does not stay up when popped and the CV joints always needs replaced. I have the best looking color which is black.