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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  review - 2001 Ford Focus
  By puil - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been quite happy with the vehicle. It is fun to drive, very comfortable on long stretches, and not too noticible when I happen to speed a bit. Stealthy. No problems keeping with traffic at any speed, but would always love more power. For the money, I cannot complain. I have had no issues and I hope that continues. I plan on driving it another 200,000 miles.

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  Powered by Ford - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By chris d - July 26 - 5:56 am

  I traded in my 03 GT for this one. Man let me tell you something, good call! Its black, fast, manual tranny, 18 inch rims stock. The cockpit is truly a thing of beauty. The old late 60s look is a real head turner. I get looks and comments all the time, from the young and old. This car blows my 03 GT out of the water. The power throws you back into the seat!

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  Great Expectations - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Davie L - July 26 - 2:00 am

  are met by this little SVT Focus. I havent had it long, but cant resist reviewing it with a rave. I have been looking at it and others for months. I was going to wait for the new mustang, but just had to have this little silver 3-door svt. The last one in my area and a good deal did the trick. The SVT embodies just the type car I have always loved: small, high revving, great handling little rockets [vw scirocco, fiat 124 spyder, 131 brava, 128 4 dr., new beetle - well the last 2 werent rockets]. It has not disappointed. Its fun to drive. The styling is just fine. Car and Driver magazine is right about the 10 best this one sure belongs.

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  Love my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By GregTT - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Explorer new in late 95 and its been very reliable ever since. Just basic maintenance, brakes, tires. O2 sensor replaced a while back but that was pretty cheap. 86000 miles now and still going strong.

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  Fantastic - 2005 Ford GT
  By Brandon Hills - July 26 - 2:00 am

  it rides so smoothly whats not to ask

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  2001 Excursion - Best ever - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By WellyC - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love it. Hauls my horses around no problem and provides room for everyone with plenty of comfort. My X has the diesel engine with a 44 gallon tank and on a long road trip you can go forever without having to stop. Even around town it gets great mileage, only need to fill up once a month. The only thing is I wish they still made them. Would recommend an X to anyone.

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  Never owned a vehicle I liked so well - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By OwnerInOhio - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have four teenage sons and sometimes tow a 5000lb boat. I bought the diesel for fuel economy -- getting 16-22mph. It took a short while to get used driving this large vehicle, but now I LOVE driving this car. Trips are a joy with the entertainment package. NO new car "little problems" (yet, at 3500 miles). I tend to buy new cars and keep them for 10 years. I believe I made a very good choice for the next 10. Also very impressed with how solidly this vehicle seems to be built, inside and out. Paid a LOT, for this kind of comfort/utility for next 10 years I dont regret a cent. 4 wheel drive gets me up/down drive I havent used in years.

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  Horse Whipped - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jim Elsasser - July 25 - 4:43 pm

  This is my 8th Mustang since 1972. Its the best one yet. A thrill to drive and I love the sound of the exhaust. I bought an 05 V6 Mustang automatic and just couldnt stop thinking about the GT. Decided to trade in the 05 and havent looked back since.

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  terrible transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Traylor - July 25 - 4:27 am

  Do not fall for Fords claim about an extended warranty. This thing shudders all over the road but unless it meets certain transmission slippage rates (set of course by ford ) the warranty does not cover it. This car makes a drive to the corner grocery store a beating and takes any joy out of driving. Youve been warned- dont buy any Ford, but especially not this one.

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  This is one of my best! - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By dog1 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  No major problems since bought. Great quality. Only had to replace normal stuff- tires,battery etc. Would recommend this to anyone. Ford makes a great car!!