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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  Bad brakes - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sif2b - October 28 - 8:06 pm

  I love my 2005 Ford 500 and have had nothing but great things to say about it until now. I take it in to the shop every 3,000 miles or so for servicing to include tire rotation, brake check, etc. I took it in at 20,227 miles only to be informed that my rear brakes and rotors were shot and needed to be replaced. Another 2005 Ford 500 was in the shop the same day and that owner was told the same thing about their car. 3000 miles ago my brakes were good. From what Ive been able to find out, this brake problem seems to be a not-so-uncommon story with the 2005 Ford 500. Anyone who has had this problem should contact Ford Motor Company.

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  Lemon?? - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Lizard - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car at first. THEN into the dealership it went. Again and again for repairs. First the break pads AND rotors had to be replaced at only 25k miles! All normal they said. Break dust on the wheels is horrible and now at 37k miles my breaks are squealing and grinding. Outside parts are loose, falling off. I have an oil leak. The ignition switch broke and had to be towed and was in the shop for a week. Seat belt in the back is jammed. Gas guage does not always work. Not to mention the recalls. In all defense, I was rear ended very hard and the bumper held up fantastically.

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  Too much gas for a new car. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Lord - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Good Car, elegant, beautiful,confort,but consuption of fuel is more than the expect on a new car.

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  it is not reliable! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By deryne - October 28 - 10:00 am

  the expedition is an ok car. it is real hard to find a spot because it is so big and there is not alot of room in the back row

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  retry American - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By tomx15 - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a 96 Honda Odyssey (a totally reliable auto!). Build quality improving but not on par with Honda. Int layout and seating fabrics vg. Drivers seat is like an ironing board. (99 Accords more comfortable). Gas mileage is awful - 16mpg on daily commute of 70mi. 1mpg better on the highway. Rack an pinion steering very good and ride very improved over 2002. Dealer VG. This truck is not as versatile as Odyssey. Noticed that seat belt shoulder strap is wearing on plastic trim and cutting it as well (hope not a safety issue).

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  I love The 1997 Ford Crown Victoria - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By James Ross - October 28 - 10:00 am

  good cars they ride great and the got good gas milage they are the bast in my book i dont really lik the 1998- 2002 crown vics ford did good when they made these cars thank you ford

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  Base Ranger, Great Value - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By CA Ranger - October 28 - 10:00 am

  2002 base Ranger a GREAT value. $8,988 sale price at Hayward Ford, Hayward CA ($13,175 sticker - 1,600 dealer discount -2,500 Ford rebate) $10,150 out the door. If its reliable, should be a good deal.

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  2002 sport trac...awesome!!! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SUZUKIJOHN - October 28 - 10:00 am

  We love this truck...my wife almost bought one for herself...easy to drive, drives like a car...smooooth...

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  2005 V6 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Daniel - October 27 - 8:16 pm

  I love my car; I think the power is wonderful considering it is only a V6 and its great fun to drive. Turns heads all the time. Reliability has been fine so far, no problems besides a few small things Ford was still working out. Just a little sensor that needed to be replaced. The look is what I went for. We all know that Ford and Chevy can not compare to Honda or Toyota on overall reliability and the Mustang is still not as refined as the Accord or Camry, but neither of those cars would make me nearly as happy or put that smile on my face to drive every day.

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  the beast - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bryan - October 27 - 4:20 am

  Over all I love this car. ItÂ’s faster than I thought great on gas. DonÂ’t know about more than 2 people as I always drive alone.