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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  Over 100,000, Still happy. - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Lou44 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  My over all experience with this vehicle has been a good one. Experienced a slight hesitation when traveling between 50 - 60 mph during 33,000 - 55,000 miles (right after warranty). Two dealers, two evaluations, perfomed one repair and problem went away by itself after 55,000 miles.

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  Buy It As a Great Car Not Just a Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Hero26 - August 12 - 8:30 pm

  Driven the car 10,000 miles in 7 months without a single hitch. Mileage averages almost exactly 40 MPG in largely city driving, but varies wildly from a low of 25 on cold, very hilly trips to a high of 70.0 on a flat to downhill trip on a warm day. The thing we did not expect about this car was the genius of its design and the fact that it just does everything very well to exceptionally well. Let people whine about having no gas cap. You really do have to search to find something not to like other than our rather lame dealer with his staff that "doesnt really believe in global warming." Just buy one already for the car itself even if you are a silly "non-believer" like the service guy.

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  Do Not Buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DoNotBuy - August 12 - 10:30 am

  I love/Hate this vehicle. It drives great it handles very well and it looks good. But I am sick of things going wrong. The AC lasted a month. the back glass dam near fell off. The child locks would trap people in the back seat. An engine sensor died. the passenger window whistles. An idler pulley bearing went out and threw the belt. The drivers seat is loose and the dam black panels between the side windows are fading out. If I would have know this I would not have purchased this vehicle.

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  ready to run - 2006 Ford Focus
  By kmt - August 12 - 8:10 am

  Traded in a 2003 Focus SE sedan for an 06 Focus (infra-red) ST sedan. Loved the 03 but the ST trim level takes the car in a whole new direction. Very sporty and powerful off the line. Handles like a champ with responsive steering. Feels solid and safe. Engine is louder than the 03, has a buzzy sound.

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  200000 and Going Strong...... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By bmmeup - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought Car from dealership with 16000 on it and put 184000 miles on the highway with it. Hasnt given any problems. Keep the oil changed every 3000 miles and put tires every 40000 or so and go skiing and everywhere else.

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JoshStud - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great handle! Awesome Car!

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  Perfect commutor car! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By SDK - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1999, have over 100K on it now with only 2 repairs, A/c condedensor and a tie-rod. Last tank of returned 35MPG. No squeeks, no rattles Faster than the Focus SVT, in fact faster than almost anything in its class. You need to go with the something like the Tubo Subaru or the new SRT Neon to go quicker, of course you will spend thousands more.

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  Best Truck Made - 1992 Ford F-350
  By Wilm Auto Transport - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have to say this was the best truck I ever owned. I was involved in a head on with this truck and it held up to the impact of a full size Chevy van at 70mph. I walked away unhurt but with a truck that took an impact holding up to the engine wasnt even touched from other parts. I can say I will buy another F350 Dually Diesel. The fuel ecomomy was great, i was getting like 19-23 on the highway empty and like 12- 15 with a loaded 4 car trailer. As i have told others, this is the only truck to buy. Mark

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  best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By go go balls - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This mini van is the best thing on the road. I am so happy to own this car and I tell everyone I thats in the market. the quality is second to none.

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  ford windstar out of this world - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By tommy .b - August 12 - 2:00 am

  nothing to say about it . its the perfect vecheial to have.i guarantee you will never have any problems.