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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  My Red Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By higman97 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was supplied to me brand new as a company vehicle. I drove the vehicle brand new and purchased it from the company in 2000. The vehicle has been one of the best vehicles that Ive owned. It is extremely reliable and has been a nice vehicle to own and drive.

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  GR8STAR - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By MARK R. - January 9 - 2:00 am

  VEHICLE HAS BEEN GREAT. REPLACE INTAKE GASKET AT 75,000 FOR $190 AT AN ASE CERTIFIED SHOP. NOT $500 OR $1000 SOME PEOPLE DONT SHOP AROUND. FRONT BRAKES AT 60K MILES. NO OTHER PROBLEMS AT ALL. WE BOUGHT IT WITH 20K MILES AND HAVE LOVED IT. WOULD BUY AND REC. IT TO ANYONE.

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  Bye Bye Car! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bye Bye Car! - January 8 - 11:00 am

  I replaced my 1995 Honda Civic with the 2008 Escape Hybrid. I thought I liked my car, but driving the Escape, I dont think I will ever go back to a car! The Escape Hybrid has more get- up-and-go than a regular 4 cylinder. The added oomph from the battery really helps acceleration! I am getting about 31 mpg freeway/city driving. The transition was seamless, but the more I drive the Escape, I can tell when it switches, although I sometimes think I am more in tune with a vehicle than other. The Escape fits my 64" husband comfortably (unlike the Honda), and the two kids have plenty of room in the back.

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  The Mustand - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By will sulten - January 8 - 10:00 am

  As a single, affluient American male of the Babyboomergeneration, I choose to reward myself with an occasional gift. The gift that I gave myself was the Ford Mustang, with all of the bells and whistles available. Monday through friday, I will break out the S Jag, the last word in motoring but on weekends, when fun is the goal, it is the Mustang that I choose. The car is a joy to drive.

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  Cobra is a real treat! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By bill0754 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  What a great job SVT did when they rethought the 2003-2004 Cobra. They car is smooth and FAST! The pickup is unbelievable, and the handling is fantastic....hard to believe the chassis dates back to the lowly Fairmont! I cant wait to see what they do with the new Cobra in 2007

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  Livin it and LOVIN it! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MaQuade - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive always been a Mustang lover so this car was a MUST HAVE. The interior comfort was striking to me when I test drove it. The interior embraces rather than hugs. The car feels great!

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  Very Good - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Trev Connelly - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I like the Focus! It looks great, especially in white. Super price.Good gas milage-38 highway 31 city. It has a great feel to it. Just drive something else after driving it and you really will notice....even a WRX. Massive trunk! Comfy seats...they go up and down..it helps when you are 6ft 3ins.Finally a good european car sold by ford in the US.

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  Great value. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joseph Bergevin - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the 2005 ZX3, having previously bought a 99 ZX2, and Im impressed with the refinement. I really liked my ZX2 (still do, actually), so I was surprised how much more advanced the Focus felt when I got behind the wheel. It rides smoothly, quietly, and relatively sprightly. You sit much higher. The steering wheel feels and looks nice and the stick feels much more "short throw" and precise. The clutch is effortless. Its easily the nicest car Ive owned, out of 4 used and 2 new cars. Its roomy. Its solid. Above all, its very reasonably priced. Ford is finally meeting the Japanese in quality, and (slightly) beating them in price. Kudos!

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  Third one - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By jasonj - January 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Explorer and they just keep getting better! The Advancetrac system is wonderful in the snow, and the reverse sensing system help me from running over my sons friends bike that he left directly behind my car. I have not had any problems with it, no have I had problems with my past ones. Power from the V8 is great, and tows our 3500lb trailer with ease. The interior is every nice, and squeak free.

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  to many repairs - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bigpaul - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Just like all expeditions, the brakes last no more than 23,000. Ford denies it, but they used the explorer brakes on the expedition, and they are to small for this larger vehicle. We had to replace the starter, after being stranded several times, when it would not start when warm. Face it, Toyota you will never be!