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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  2K5 ZX5 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By RBARKC - April 30 - 6:30 pm

  I love the styling of the ZX5. It has a Euro flare to it and is a lot of fun to drive. After driving a sedan for several years a smaller car is a joy to drive. The Focus is a great car.

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  American Quality - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By mdokell - April 29 - 1:12 am

  I have always loved the Broncos. When the opportunity came to purchase one I jumped. This thing is great! I can park it anywhere, even for its size. It is equally at home on the road as off. Ford should do more research on this type of vechile to promote sales.

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  Excellent work truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Dave F - April 27 - 10:50 pm

  Bought this vehicle to replace my old work truck, a 2000 f-150 XLT SuperCab with 400,000 km. So Far, this vehicle has considerably more power, tighter ride, though the visibility is somewhat less. the deeper box is handy, but do miss the 8ft box. Handles back roads and work trails better than most of the competition. Overall, a comfortable, tough work truck.

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  So Far, So Good, Knock on Wood - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By blue58 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 in 00 with 13k miles on it. It now has 75k miles and we just redid the front breaks, pads on the back and gave it a tune up. Otherwise we have not put a penny into it. The exterior is still holding up and we have the cloth interior with two little children and that has done fine also. Its paid off so I plan to run it til it dies. I hope to get at least another 75K out of it.

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  Surprisingly Great Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Dawn Marie - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Focus out of necessity and have grown to absolutely love the car. First and for most the car is incredibly comfortable. I am 59" tall and I have plenty of room to stretch out. The speakers are excellent. It is the best sound system in its class! My focus gets wonderful gas milage (300 miles between fill ups). I have had no repair issues with the car and my miles are fast approching 36,000. Although I am still 4x4 lover at heart I would recommend the Ford Focus to any one looking for a new car.

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  2000 Windstar SEL - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By nystockpicker - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle overall...Poor gas mileage.

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  MPG is for real. You just have to know how to drive it - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By eddiebones - April 26 - 1:35 am

  Just got my new Hybrid Titanium yesterday, and on my commute to work (45 miles one way) I averaged 46.4 MPG. With more practice, Im shooting to top 50. Ive read all the complaints about how this car doesnt get the advertised 47 MPG, and what it comes down to is this: The folks who arent getting the proper MPG are just not driving it correctly. They are heavy footed on the gas and brake - GUARANTEED. you have to ease on/off brake and gas with this thing, use cruise as much as possible, and work to maximize that EV mode. Other than the stellar mileage right off the bat, the car is quiet, smooth and incredibly comfortable.

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  Ford cant find fixes for their problems - 2007 Ford F-150
  By CP - April 25 - 9:44 pm

  Great looking truck and fun to drive. I have had a horrible experience with Ford about the F 150s air conditioning system, cd changer, and rear window. The air conditioning system hisses and gurgles while driving. I am in the ultra high line automobile business and I know tricks of the trade. Ford refuses to admit that their is a problem, rather they state that the sound is normal.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By slugger156 - April 24 - 6:37 pm

  Really pleased with this car. Can take it anywhere I need to go, on or off road. Excellent cargo space. Easy to take care of....love the NBX package, seats, rack, rubber mats.

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  Ford Let Us Down. - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Martha - April 23 - 6:24 pm

  I love the body of this minivan. It is comfortable and has plenty of room! It is a great car to drive. Now that said mechanically it stinks. Ford knows all about this vehicles problems, O ring failure, transmission failure, O2 sensors failure, door sensor failure, driver side door lock failure and on and on. If we knew then what we know now we would never have bought this car. Fortunately we bought it used and still have not spent up to the new price. We put over $5,000 in repairs into this car over 6 years. I will think twice before I risk another Ford purchase.