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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  2002 Ranger Edge 4x4 4 door - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mr. Dirt - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,great power,gets lots of comments on how cool it looks. no problems as of yet. This is my 3rd Ranger. Its a keeper

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  Just a nice car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By 50 Someting old guy - February 21 - 7:36 pm

  All things considered just a nice little car. Its easy on the eyes and on fuel, double what I got in my 1999 F-150.Thats not a big surprise, but the handling is. Its much better then most of the imports in its price range and better equipped. I have not driven a car on a regular basis for more than 15 years, it reminds me of my 6 cylinder Mustang (1965) but with pick- up and way better handling. 30 mpg so far in mix of highway and city driving and no trouble keeping up with traffic or passing at 70 mph. Ya-hoo, fun and furgle. Lets see if its as bullet proof as all my Ford trucks.

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  faulty transmission - 2005 Ford F-150
  By John - February 21 - 12:16 pm

  This is my second F150 Super Cab 4x4 King Ranch. The first one I really liked a lot, but this one has what I consider to be serious transmission problems. There is a very hard downshift at lower speeds accompanied by a very noticeable "clanking" noise. I am being told by Ford that this is "normal" for F150 series for the period 2000 through 2005. I simply refuse to buy that kind of excuse for not wanting to make the necessary repairs. My 2003 same model type NEVER had that problem. Road handing is poor, in my view. The ride is very noisy. The engine is sluggish at times.

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  Not What I Expected - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Logan - February 21 - 6:03 am

  I was looking for a few months for a new car and had been to every dealership I could find and had found a few cars in the 25,000 to 30,000 dollar range. When I found the Focus it had everything I wanted and I only paid 21,000. Ive put 18,000 km on and drive it like I stole it. The only thing I would change is a little more pop on the bottom end of the automatic and rear disc brakes

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  Leaks - 2000 Ford F-150
  By T Courson - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful truck. Satisfied. After 2 years of awful odor, finaly realised rear window leaks. Carpet ruined, mold, mildew everywhere. Out of warranty. Ford told me to see dealer. Problem is design and I have photos of fasteners going through seals causing leaks. Love the truck, but after $30,000 purchase maybe its time to look at Chevy. Or a Toyota?

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  great car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Schmidty - February 21 - 2:00 am

  overall its a fun and great car. the only thing is that there is no space for four people which is fine with me for now because i have no family and i drive. they need to start making this type of car again.

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  great car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By schmidty - February 21 - 2:00 am

  overall its a fun and great car. the only thing is that there is no space for four people which is fine with me for now because i have no family and i drive. they need to start making this type of car again.

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  There you go! - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By acesin - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Compared to the BMW 3-series and other cars of this category, taking into account cost etc. this car wins hands down. Look at this way...would you rather buy a car that looks like a Honda or Vega from the rear or this babe. Come on now...really! Also, she purrs like a cat!!

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  2000 Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Fracman99 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The 5.4 liter engine has a knock that Ford ford calls a cold engine knock. Funny it knocks when you pull off of the interstate after driveing 180 miles. I would hate to see what they call a warm engine. The problem will keep me from buying another Ford. There is an obvious problem with the 5.4 engine that they are not willing to admit. I would say it was liftr rattle if it had lifters.

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  Excelle for a car thats 9 years old!!!! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By MeteoraX25 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I have just purchased a used 1994 Ford STD Mustang Coupe. And man Ill tell you it is a great car! I did own a 1993 Hyundai Sonata prior to this vehicle. I have had the best time of my driving life in this car, I am only 18. All of my friends want rides in it, its red so Im constantly warned about Cops by my friends and family. It has over 80,000 miles on it and runs like it is new. The seats in the car are the most comfortable ever. Great speed and good pickup, Ill keep this car in top shape and hopefully one day be able to sell it for more than I bought it for.