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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  A Good Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By gxs - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about a year now and I have no complaints. I bought it with about 39000 miles with the zetec engine. The only problem Ive had is a couple of brake cleanings and regular maintenace. (Oil changes, Tune up) The engine is quite once warmed up. Exterior is nothing to brag about, but there are some aftermarket parts than can be purchased to make it look better. Also interior seems a little cheap. And the Zetec engine is not gas friendly But I cant complain.

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  A great Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cleggsan - April 22 - 10:00 am

  First rate small car.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Ford Focus
  By brianwheelies - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for a month and a half and put 9,000 miles on already. Installed a k&n cold air intake and a cat back exhaust, sounds great and has more top end rip. Drag raced my brothers miata and smoked him. The driver side mirror and rear view mirror vibrate and the driver side door is beginning to rattle, the only things I dislike about the car.

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  exellent car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Lou Y - April 22 - 10:00 am

  my only problem with this car is the speeding tickets. other than that I love this car.

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  2002 V6 Mustang is awesome - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By 01slashstang - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2002 AODE V6 premium coupe. I love the styling and appearance of the car. It has pretty good pep for being a auto. I love the "beefier" sound of the V6. Its a real eye catcher and people are always looking!

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  Good Value for the Money - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Dr. Gill - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 25, 708 miles on it in Oct. 2000. It now has over 69,000 miles and the only things that were replaced were the serpentine belt (@ 30,000 miles), the front brakes and both radiator hoses (@60,000 miles), and a new set of tires (@47,000 miles). All other items consist of fluid changes at the manufacturers recommendations, with the exception of the engine oil which I change every 3000 miles. Each oil chnage I buy a complete fuel system cleaner ($5), which eliminates the need to have your fuel injectors cleaned.

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  PIECE OF JUNK - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By BOOG-BOOG - April 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE HANDLES LIKE A WAGON. IVE HAD IT FOR A VERY SHORT TIME BUT I AM TRADING IT FOR ANOTHER TAHOE

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  Ford Focus, A Good Choice - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Paul - April 22 - 9:43 am

  The engine has lots more power than I expected. The seats are more comfortable than those in my 2005 Explorer. The gas mileage is really nice. I drive daily in the stop and go traffic on Dallas, TX freeways and I am getting close to 30mpg.

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  Not what I expected - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Ford Lover - April 22 - 9:30 am

  Bought this car for a little over msrp. I have been lucky enough to own several true sports cars in my life from all the major brands. This car is a blast from 0 to 60. But when the new wears off, the interior looks just like Mustang GT and the build quality is not what it should be. I think the Shelby team should have spent a little more time on the interior and fit and finish to make this a 10 out of 10. Also Ford dealers are trying to charge way to much over msrp for this car.

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  runs good so far - 2014 Ford Focus
  By leo - April 21 - 2:33 am

  The engine is great and the dual clutch transmission is fun to use but you cannot drive like a grandma in low gears, just give it extra gas and it should be ok. I also start off in L gear and then shift it to drive at around 15mph. I was watching a ford tech on youtube saying you should also go from zero to 60 quickly 4 or 5 times and that will help your shudder and clutch problems in the lower gears. I really have only had one shudder but that was when I was light on the gas pedal at a very low speed....I also know someone who had trouble with a 2012 but it is now fine after stealer ship worked on it, cAR has 70k. Her son is a ford tech btw...hopefully I am one of the lucky ones. Anyways, I have a 64 mile round trip to work and my 2014 focus and 2007 5 speed focus that I sold never failed me. The 07 is still running with 165k on odometer...ford extended the transmission warranty to 100k on the dct. I use synthetic oil and engine is outstanding