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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  A Step back in time - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Tennis ace - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Ford Thunderbird is a joy to drive. The leg room in the drivers seat is quite comfortable even for a person over 62. An issue of importance since our last convertible did not have ample leg room. The ride is smooth and quiet. The retro look of the thunderbird makes the car.

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  Dependable, safe and stylish - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Kirk D - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Wifes pick in 1995. I adopted it from her in 98 because she kept running into things (poor front and rear visibility for shorter people). I was hesitant to drive it because Im not into the NASCAR thing. But it turns out it is a great car. I was surprised that the vehicle was so quiet - I cant hear the engine on the highway. A few squeaks after 9 years but nothing major. Interior is stylish. It averages 24 MPG. Transmission is smooth. Some maintenance required but nothing too outrageous yet - water pump, suspension bushings, power antenna, minor oil leak. Has 5-star front crash rating! Traction assist helps in bad weather.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1997 Ford Contour
  By rjs66 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought this and it is been trouble from early on. At 7k miles, the tranny started leaking fluid. 6-7 recalls. Poor acceleration. After about 30-35k miles, it started idling horribly, sounding like it would stall, and it even did several times. At 45k it sucked $250 in repairs, a couple months later, $500, and a couple months later, at 50k miles, it would have been $1200 after it was determined that the O2 sensors, computer and 5 other things were faulty, but I declined to fix it and got rid of it. I will never buy Ford. I would only recommend buying a used one if it is for a high schoolers first beater car.

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  Ford Crown Vic Review - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Ray Lutz - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Crown Vic/Mercury Marquis owner since 1985. 2000 model gives superb mileage (20 in town/26.6 highway), has huge trunk, excellent reliability, low insurance rates. Just may be the best car value for the money, all things considered.

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  focus lx - 2000 Ford Focus
  By senko5 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  i miss my car.i ask my self if it is may car or not.beside fuel pump and other recalls latest problem is any time i press my brakes hard its shot down.whoever sad that is good car i will gladly sell to them.

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  good luck getting in - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jon1sit - March 8 - 2:00 am

  overall the car is fun to drive but has tons of flaws

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  so so suv - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By frdk356 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  the car is ok as far as suvs go but the gas mileage is terrible forget about getting 21mpg like the sticker says unless your driving under 20 mph ive already ahd a driveshaft replaced on it due to being defective and i only ahve 2,ooo miles on it very noisy inside with the wind wrapping around the car can hear everything outside with the windows closed wish i didnt buy it now

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dior - March 8 - 2:00 am

  So far were extremely happy with our Exp. four people went from D.C. to Virginia Beach in it and we were unbelieveably comfortable, it felt more like a run out to lunch than a 300mile trip. We packed so much stuff into this bad boy and we didnt encroach into the 2nd row seat at all. This is our new family workhorse.

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  Only a crash could stop it! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Bryant & Christy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  155,000 miles and it was still going strong until it got t-boned at an intersection. It was driven pretty hard, over 80 miles a day on the highways at 65-75 mph. It had some significant repairs but overall it didnt have $18,000 in it over almost nine years including purchase price. An axle problem early on was covered under the warranty. The only long-term problem was a flaky electrical system. Recommend tires with higher heat rating to prevent wear if driven heavy.

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  owner - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Ramirez Daniel - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is in great performance and runs real good. Its 4x4 And has power.