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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  2005 Mustang Coupe - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By M.T.C. - May 6 - 5:40 pm

  Lots of get up and go. Excellent handling with a smooth ride. Fairly quiet, but with just enough rumble to remind you its a Mustang.

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  Never again - 2007 Ford Focus
  By SC - May 6 - 2:24 pm

  On the good side, this car is still running at 190,000 mi., but not without a ton of repairs. Parts are expensive. Most costly repairs so far was a bad steering column and air bag. Also noticed some design issues that make me wonder if the engineers intentionally made it difficult to work on. I used to be a believer in Ford, but not any more.

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  After 1 week - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By hoppfam56 - May 6 - 8:20 am

  We purchased this vehicle "off the lot" a little more than a week ago and have been quite pleased thus far. The ride is exceptional. This car is fun to drive. This is an excellent 2nd vehicle for getting back and forth to work. After one week, the vehicle got 32 MPG in a suburban commuter setting.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Lover - May 6 - 8:03 am

  I am 42 years old and have owned many cars. I have never had a car that I like as much as this Mustang GT. I actually enjoy driving again. The car is beautiful and powerful at 300 horsepower. It is a bargain starting at under $25,000 with many standard features.

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  Very surprised - 2003 Ford Focus
  By moog - May 6 - 4:30 am

  I have seen a lot of these around and figured they were lackluster. I was wrong. From the first few miles of my test drive I knew I was hooked. While it is not an exceptionally dynamic sport sedan, the 03 ZTS is a fine compromise between daily driving, luxury, and performance. With leather, 2.3l Duratech, and 27 mpg, I am fully satisfied for my $10k. It drives a lot like Jettas little sister, not quite as powerful but still sassy! I am sure this vehicle will last longer than I care to keep it.

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  More fun to drive than my Prius! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By JuggerBot - May 6 - 4:30 am

  We have a 2004 Prius and now a 2006 Hybrid Escape. Our daily mileage is low 30s, but I can easily nurse that up to mid 30s and above with Prius-style tactics. The Escape is more fun to drive and does a better job of moving two adults, a dog, and a baby with equipment than the Prius could. The Prius is still king for mileage, but its now a commuter only.

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  2008 Vermillion Ford Focus SE Automatic - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Lloyd - May 6 - 2:13 am

  Love the new style, solidness, room, ease for my elderly parents to enter and exit. I traded a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am Se 4 door with almost 128,000 on it. Things were starting to go so I thought I would follow my younger sisters footsteps and get a Focus. I am very pleased with it and look forward to driving it. I average between 30 and 34 mpg combined driving. This is the first Ford I have ever had. At least go check one out.

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  for the money, not a bad choice - 1999 Ford Contour
  By dee par - May 6 - 2:00 am

  First of all, there is this annoying "moosing" noise that the car makes which supposedly comes from the air intake. Its a horrible sound which causes the car to stall out at times. Also, my dash has warped to the point where its peeled back so far that it almost touches the windshield. Lastly, when you try to accelerate hard with this car, it sort of "bogs down" before it catches and goes. When it does catch though, it goes like gang busters. Other than that, the car is great. It handles very well and I do find the car appealing to the eye. Oh, I almost forgot....... its quite rough on the pavement.

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  GM AGAIN - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By GM AGAIN - May 6 - 2:00 am

  First and last FORD"Found On Road Dead" term has come true. Constant engine problems, mostly head gaskets, on second engine and second rebuild. In shop now again for lack of power. Transmission rebuilt at 65,000, going bad again, AC worked on several times...I get hot about this marvel from FORD. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE because the dealer / FORD does not want to fix it, they try to get me to buy another...no thanks, they dont get it!

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  Ford Ranger - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By billybobjoe - May 6 - 2:00 am

  A great truck for a great price.