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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  well satisfied in wisconsin - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By lee - February 17 - 9:31 am

  having had the van for 2 months,to this point i am very satisfied. it handles well & gets decent gas mileage (24gpm) has been the best on the open road.driving it in the winter i am pleased with the heater & the relatively short time to heat the space.overall i think its fine vehicle.

• 

  2001 Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By KFrost - February 17 - 6:20 am

  Fun to drive but too many problems. Timing chain rattle at 43K, steering wheel vibration in parking maneuvers, faulty rear window wiper, and premature rust of rear bumper and side bars. Mechanical problems are covered under certified vehicle and another extended warranty, but Im on my own with exterior surface rusting on a 3 year old vehicle.

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  Not bad so far - 2003 Ford Focus
  By BadAndy - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The Good: Spacious Front/Trunk. Premium Sound with mp3/cd player. Thoughtful moveable driver hand rest/item bin. Power everything AND Cruise control. 6 speed int. wiper. 24/27 mpg w AC, 30/33 mpg w/o AC. Low/Mid highway road noise. The Bad: Gear change hangs/jerks from zero to low-very annoying, thoughtful hand rest not so thoughtful for bigger people (gets in way of seatbelt buckle when down). Trunk lid doesnÂ’t pop all the way up, gets very uncomfortable after long period of driving. The Ugly: The gear change ratio makes an otherwise very peppy, sprightly car feel grossly underpowered.

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  SVT Plays No Games - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Guy McFadden - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I work in a body shop and there we had an SVT Ford Focus ZX3 and it in the shop for repairs. Looking at the car on the lift, I was amazed at the transformation of the suspension of the vehicle MAN! I was impressed. To expand my curiosity I opened the hood and as soon as I saw the prim and propper set up of the engine and the sound I said im diffinitly going to buy this car and I did.

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By G-Mans 02 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Fun,Enjoyable,Sleek Ride.Being able to turn on a dime is an emotional high.

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  No doubt an awesome car.... - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mr. Stang - February 17 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Mustang, everything else is just a car. Get the V8 for more power and also for that nice throaty engine sound...you wont be disappointed. The leather seats are really comfortable and the Mach 460 audio system is sick. All in all I love it everytime I am behind the wheel of this car.

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  Awesome car! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Carolynann - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! It is a fun, smooth, fast car with the roof down you can feel the wind and get the sun at the same time. I have the hottest car in GA. by far!

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  Just what I was looking for - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tom H. - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle yesterday. Love the new design. Much more room overall inside. Comfortalbe seating all the way around. *I read one of the reviews about the rear window exploding. Thats my only concern.

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  2005 FORD ESCAPE - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kd890 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I like everything on my new escape, the thing i most Like is the interior design, easy to drive and so soft.

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  King of the Ranch - 2001 Ford F-150
  By UTDAD - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Love this truck! Yeah, I know. Its a truck not made for real workers. However, I can assure you that this truck can handle any workload. The 5.4 liter engine gives it plenty of pick up and towing capacity. I have towed thousands of pounds with the vehicle without a hiccup. I have even taken it to the city dump to unload construction trash. The roads were horrible and the truck seemed to relish every minute. Great thing is after all of the work, I wash it, maybe wax it, and I am ready to be one of the most stylish in town.