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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  Ford Focus Rocks - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ALwaysfr20 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my Ford Focus. I was sceptical at first about buying it but I am so glad that I did. It is so much fun to drive and is so easy to control. I think the seats are absolutly comftable. My next car. Ford Focus ZX5. Never liked ford before, but I love this line and will buy it again. Its so good on gas, and it rides like a dream. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Love my excape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Y.R. McNamar - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have no complaints about the Ford Escape. I love it.

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  Love my little Focus! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tsarina007 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car on a whim, and fell in love. It handles like a dream, has great pick-up, and a nice quiet ride. It has a great sound system, and bunch of little, thoughtful features (like a glow-in-the-dark trunk release inside the trunk). Plus, its really really cute!

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  I own a dealership... so I may be biased - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Amberizme - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I love driving it, looking at it, and selling it!

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  Awsome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Amelia Hasbrouck - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Best thing that has ever happened to me. I luv to feel the wind in my hair with the radio blastin

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  2013 C-Max Energi SEL with all the goodies. - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By dathomir - July 23 - 12:10 am

  Purchased last month (May), one of the last 2013s on the dealers lot and purchased for well below invoice and 0% for 72. Originally was going to purchase a Focus Electric, but with range anxiety and needing more room, the C-Max Energi was the smarter choice. Even with a battery pack in the trunk, can fit a stroller out back, will swallow groceries with ease, and with the rear seats down, a wheelchair will fit. Car sees 80% city driving and 20% freeway, achieving 120 mpge (EV mode) and 53 mpg (hybrid mode). On a 120v charge, range is 26 miles and havent been to the gas station in over a month! Made the right choice with this car, love it!

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  Its a good small truck. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - July 22 - 11:30 pm

  My Ranger is an awesome truck, except for the gas mileage (its a truck, what do you expect). I have the 4 door (2dr with two rear hinged drs), its also a 5-speed manual and has the 4L V6 engine (heard that the 4L was the better of the two engines), 4x4 off road pkg and tears through the snow. I bought it at 46500 miles and put 20500 miles on it so far, and also halled a 630 lb load of scrap steel with now problems what so ever in the bed. With the truck being 8 years old now, the only prblems are the power locks are going out and the cd and cassette player is also going out. Thats great for an 8 year old truck with 67000 miles. Have no regets here!

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  Fun little car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Irina - July 22 - 9:23 pm

  This has been a wonderful little car for me. I commute to school 125 miles round-trip every day, and it has been reliable every time. The only thing that I would improve would be the brake pads (they were not easy for the dealership to replace).

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  Love it! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By 2008 Ford Fusion 5A - July 22 - 8:27 pm

  Traded my 2007 Explorer, have owned this car about 2 weeks and everything has gone OK. The oil filter protector (under the car) got broken in the first 5 days of having it! I dont know how it happened but some how it got snagged by something and broke! Gas mileage is alright, Im only getting 20.6 MPG but being new and mostly stop and go traffic its to be expected. Other than that its fun to drive (love taking those curves at higher speeds) good build quality, though the black interior needs special care or it will dry out and look dry/sun bleached. Have the sport package and the bigger wheels and suspension makes everyday driving a little harder but its great for the value! Overall I love the car!

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  Perfect EXP - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By D.ARN - July 22 - 3:12 pm

  I love this vehicle! Its 10 years old now and I only have 84000 miles on it! I drove it from MN to CA towing a trailer and it was fine! I never want to give it up! When the rest of my family all has new cars I just want to keep mine. The only thing was the airconditioning needed to be recharged. Its a forever keeper even in this fuel shortage economy.