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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  Family cruiser - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By kouptheman - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Great sized sedan with all the bells and whistles. Tremendous value, under 25,000 with the free leather and sunroof package! I really enjoy its room, ride, and comfort. People cant beleive it is a Taurus and think it is a true sports car. We have almost 30,000 on the odometer and it has been trouble free. Averaging 24+ mpg on regular fuel.

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  i love it !!! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By neuticles - June 12 - 2:00 am

  iT DRIVES WELL AND HAS MANY QUALITY FEATURES. ABOVE ALL ITS A GOOD VALUE. IM HAPPY AS CAN BE WITH MY NEW TAURAS.

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  red pony - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By jim ward - June 12 - 2:00 am

  car runs great. one problem though, drivers side window leaks slightly when run through car wash. repair needed

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  Luv It - 2000 Ford Focus
  By rong33 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Its a 5 speed manual. I think it is really fun to drive.

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  Fun little car, with a kick - 2002 Ford Focus
  By silvermach2002 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my focus for about 8 months and I have to say that it is the best car I have ever owned. It may not be a $35,000 turbo all-wheel drive Audi or Subaru but for $10,000 it is a great car. Mine is the limited edition MACH audio, and the sound system is awesome! It has HID headlights and the interior is very comfortable, even for a 63" person. I have had very little go wrong in 20,000 miles with this car. The biggest thing was.....O ya, nothing!! It does need new tires, but I am hard on them and they do have 32,000 miles on them. So if you want a reliable, well built car that wonÂ’t cause you to file bankruptcy, the Focus if for you!

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  SHO Alternative - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ncb - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Always liked the Tauras SHOs...This is a smaller version. Since my kids are now driving I could justify this car. Lots of fun to drive.

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  surprised - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By notavanman - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Shopped toyota and nissan, but the freestar had superior features, safety and price. suprised how much i like this van. this is my first ford but not my last.

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  It is what it is - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By DanDan - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have a 120,000 miles on this guy and I have to say Im pretty happy. I had the gasket thing [but they fixed it for free]. I spend probably on average about 400 in extra repairs each year - which I include stuff like breaks and windshield wipers. I got my transmission fixed at 27,000 [while under warenty], and I havent had anything major since. The car works fine 51 weeks out of the year, but recently the A/C is causing my car to overheat and I need new struts so things are starting to catch up. I love my car though and I think well make it to 200,000 miles. Still has great pickup and lots of fun as long as youre not in the back seat.

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  been very good so far... - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By gillyman32 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Has been very reliable people mover so far. Only had to replace one tie rod under warranty, probably from hitting big potholes. Transmission has been fine. To avoid problems I recommend changing trans fluid every 36,000 miles or so just to be safe. Great van for trips and hauling stuff.

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  F-150 Rocks! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By alex8735 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Worth every penny! Simply the BEST out there!