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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  Incredible for the money! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Joseph Kissel - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I got my Focus when a fireman returned from the wreckage of the World Trade Center and decided life was too short to be driving a Focus hatchback -- even one with the Euro-tuned suspension and ALL the goodies. So he traded it in for a Mustang. Ive driven both, and the Focus ZX3 is much more fun, functional and funky. Two years later I still sneak into the garage to admire it. Save for one bad start, its been as reliable as a gas stove. Inside, its roomy without being a hog on the road, in parking spots or at the gas station. In short, theres a reason its the only "cheap" car on Car and Drivers 10 Best List four years running.

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  So Far, So Good ! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By bc01cls - April 23 - 10:00 am

  With all the troubles concerning Focus quality, I was a bit hesitant to purchase the SVT. After driving it, I loved it and bought it! Reasonably quick, smooth drivetrain, excellent handling, comfortable, decent mileage, great stereo, leather, moonroof, ABS and exclusivity too. Nothing else this much fun for $16K. Steering wheel audio controls are even included, helping keep my focus on what this car does best; drive! 10 months, 7900 miles and no issues. Minor tailgate creak I cured by adjusting the screw in rubber hatch stops. Owned a 99 Civic Si, but the SVT simply shines on long trips whereas the Honda would "buzz you to death" after 400 miles or so.

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  TIght car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By JATT - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Very good car and a very fast car that i love

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  its fun to drive - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ger99allen - April 23 - 10:00 am

  its every thing they add it was on tv. quiet fast smooth powerful great looking and an attention getter, every where i go people ask to look in it this makes me feel great. passing is NO problem with this truck its like driving a mustang at times

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  I like it. - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By John - April 23 - 7:57 am

  Had a hard time deciding but finally went with the v6 Fusion SE. I have to say so far I am very pleased. The car handles particularly well and the braking is excellent. It is roomy inside even though it appears to be a smaller car from the outside. The 3.0 v6 has plenty of power although I can notice the difference coming down from a 3.8L. Ford appears to understand how to compete with the Toyotas and Hondas. I would rate this car with either of them.

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  My blue-collar Bentley - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Heroic Oaf - April 23 - 3:06 am

  Weve had this car for almost a year as of this writing and are very, very satisfied with its performance and comfort. Large, yet modest. Doesnt leak a drop of nothin, except a/c condensation. Yes, we did have to replace a rear axle shaft a few months in, but flawless otherwise. Though it gets a lousy 12 mpg in the city, it gets 28 to 30 on the highway - incredible! And thats with three adult-sized people with luggage. Smooth as honey on the interstate.

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  Best truck ive had - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ryguy - April 23 - 2:17 am

  Bought at 70K miles from Ford dealer in Boston. Drove home to find out rear window was stuck up. Local Ford dear fixed for free! Currently at 140K and all Ive had to do was rear brakes at 136K, alternator and battery at 105K and going to do front brakes next month probably. I see all these issues and wonder why mine hasnt had these issues. Maybe it did, but not with me. I really should replace spark plugs and wires but waiting for the extra money. Handles AWESOME in snow. Gas is decent with V6 getting an average of 16 city and town- would be better if i drove a little nicer :) Love the truck and will be getting another one. Everyone compliments me on it whether they drive it ir drive in it

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  4X4 Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Crashboxx - April 22 - 5:36 pm

  Very nice functional vehicle. I use it for work everyday; it is very dependable and you hardly notice the transfer from electric to gas while in motion. I get a lot of looks and questions which are also fun to field. May people want to see under the hood. When the truck shuts down in traffic and runs on electric only - took a little getting used too.

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  California Special Package - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Kimba - April 22 - 4:53 pm

  I own 2009 GT Premium 5 speed manual with the California Special package (it gives it the 1969/70 look) I couldnt believe the handling and stability of the drive! With the split axle option there is allot of get up and go!!! We have been able to maintain 25.8 mpg average. I am still re-learning the stick!

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  My First Car!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Huntship - April 22 - 4:46 pm

  I love my Focus!!!!!! This is my first car and I cant say enough good things about it. The fule econ Is great, and the sound system rocks!! I was wondering if I should get a Ford, due to past bad experenses but once I saw the focus I lust had to have it, I got a good deal due to the current rebates.