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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  Worst SUV - 2007 Ford Escape
  By phil - May 6 - 7:26 pm

  I bought my \Escape a year ago. Was happy about it until problems started. First of, there is a noise when I turn my stering which they told me that it was totally normal. Yeah right, like it was built that way. Now the radio, auto volume doesnt work. Change it 4 times and still the same problem so I gave up. Now, a month ago, the OD light started to flash and the transmission start slippering. Went to Ford dealer, they check and change every sensor and still was the same. They didnt know what to do, so they kept the car on their lot for a week before finally decided to open the transmission which it was broken inside. No technician to repair it. Had to order a new one

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  A Mopar Guy likes a Ford - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Eric - May 6 - 2:27 pm

  I was looking forward to an 08 Dodge Challenger, but the dealerships were going to gouge me. I decided to look at a car to drive for a couple of years and decided on the Mustang GT in Vapor w/Foose wheels and Roush exhaust. It is quick,handles great, has comfoprtable seats and the styling is great both inside and out. The 3:55 gears pull the car hard but offer a great compromise for general driving. If the car continues to be this strong and is reliable, I may keep it and forget the Challenger.

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  Fun to drive, missing some key things - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By cedartree84 - May 6 - 1:31 pm

  The 2006 Fusion is a solid car and fun to drive. Furthermore, it is really good on gas (I average 25-26 MPG mostly city driving, 32-33 MPG on the highway). I have yet to have a problem with it. Unlike other Fords I have had, it is built pretty well. The only thing I dont like about the way it drives is sometimes it feels like there is a second delay in when i hit the gas and it starts moving.

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  My Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Douglas Gregor - May 6 - 12:45 pm

  This Explorer w/Sport package is now nearly five years old. We had no need for the 3rd row sea but the step boards were a nesssesity for my wife. The alloy wheels give better appearance as well as being able to clean easier. The grey plastic bumpers and wheel mouldings show no damage as painted ones would have due to minor scrapes. In 36,000 miles I have only had to pay for GOF and wheel rotations and the full 30,000 Ford rec. service.

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  It is a truck, not a car - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By bob - May 6 - 12:36 pm

  If you want a reasonably decent small truck for hauling stuff around, the Ranger is a good choice. If you want a passenger car, buy one of those instead of a truck. BTW, the 3 liter engine is plenty powerful enough.

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  So Far So Good - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Deesan - May 6 - 12:20 am

  I drive 110 miles round trip for work every day, so I needed something that got better gas mileage than my full size Dodge pickup. The price on this car was way too good to pass up so I bought it. Anyway I set the cruise (installed after market) between 75-80 mph and I get 30-32 mpg. I figure that is pretty good for the speed I drive. In the couple of months I have owned the car I have not had any problems (knock on wood). The seats are comfortable and it drives pretty smooth. My only complaints so far are the road noise and the headlights. The noise isnÂ’t too bad but could be quieter. The headlights are terrible, not bright at all.

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  Good First Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Equinox - May 5 - 4:50 pm

  Bought it with 48,000 miles on it. Apart from regular oil changes and one bad heater coil ($100) it has run quite well. Fun to drive in summer but need to be careful in winter.

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  Good Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By SES Owner - May 5 - 2:27 pm

  I purchased my 2003 SES with 13,000 miles in September, 2003. Since then I have only had one repair (a $400 camsynchronizer). The car runs good with over 120,000 miles, I have yet to change the brakes or have any other repairs. As for fuel economy, I can get around 24 to 26 mpg on the interstate and around 18 to 20 mpg in town.

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  The Ambiguous Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Zetec - May 4 - 9:24 pm

  I loved this car from the start and began to modify it. Lowered racing suspension and rims with high qaulity tires made it handle great, best car I ever had, good power but not great, its not really a sports car after all. Replaced front wheel bearings at 60k after some vibration. After that at 72k i turned on the AC and the blower motor caught fire under the dash and burned the interior pretty badly before it was put out, as I was driving it was considered a car accident not a auto fire and I wasnt covered, total loss. I am however getting a new Focus. Ill roll down the windows

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  Comfy but not reliable - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Kelly McDonal - May 4 - 1:31 pm

  All in all i like this car. Its extremly comfertable but not very reliable. I just bought it nine months ago so obviously its old but sometimes i feel like its broken more then its running. On the plus side I enjoy driving it. I feel very safe in it and the visibility when driving is great.