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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  Amazing little car! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Ganymede - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I thought the Focus would be a piece of junk after reading the reviews some people posted. However, I decided to take a chance and buy one. WOW! This car rides well, has great handling and feels more like a sport coupe than a sedan! Very impressive.

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  Cute, Peppy, Sporty, Fun!!! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ChrissyC - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck about a week ago and I cant stop driving it around! Its my first SUV and so far my experience with it has been wonderful! I love just about everything about it. Its comfortable, its peppy, and its a powerful truck in a compact size. I highly reccommend this vehicle to anyone looking to buy a small SUV with the power of a big truck.

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  Fast & Fun! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jack198 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  It is fast & fun, a great deal. Great freeway driving, takes the turns well.

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  2003 Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Supergrl - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have driven! I wanted it very badly and it was definatly worth it!

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By acarlos - April 29 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Exoedition for 9 months now and we are extremely overjoyed with it, we have gone to Vegas, Reno, L.A. and other places. We have not had one rough or uncomfortable ride. We added some after market TVs (4) with a DVD player to make the trip more enjoyable for our kids. They also love their truck and would not trade it for anything at all.

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  Mustang#1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Anel - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Well, the experience that I have with this vehicle is exiting. This is my favorite car, so you can imagine the exitment that it is to drive downtown in the evening and get that cool air.

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  My Review - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By VVSS - April 29 - 10:00 am

  If I had to choose one sports car, this would be what I would choose. Im glad I own a Mustang because as a little girl, I wanted a sporty car but one that was fun to drive. With the Mustang, you get both.

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  I dunno - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Alix Trimmer - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love it! The car is awesome and is so comfortable to drive.

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  Cobra 03 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jerry Hammes - April 29 - 10:00 am

  It will do well until the GT arrives

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  Amazing - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By kekaimalu8889 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this Car it Has everything you could ask for in a Car. From the performance to the Thrill its an all over Win