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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  Heads Up - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By John - May 24 - 3:39 pm

  Ive had a lot of fun with this truck. But heads up on a few of the things listed below. I have owned it for 5 years and now have 120 thousand miles on it. I guess I cant be too hard on it.

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  F-150 Review, 2006 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Larry Dunlevy - May 23 - 5:46 am

  I have owned 5 F150 over the last 15 years and this is the best driving of them all. However I paid extra for the captain chairs and in my opinion they are the hardest and most uncomfortable seats that I have ever had.

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  Gas Problem - 2006 Ford Focus
  By tomw - May 22 - 11:56 am

  I really like my new 06 Ford Focus ZX5 SE. Ive only got about 600 miles on it however, and when filling up with gas, both times the gas backs up and shoots back out of the filler tube within seconds and splashes all over me! I have to barely squeeze the pump handle in order to get the gas into the car - a real hassle and Im awaiting Fords answer to this problem.

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  most comfortable car for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
  By josh - May 20 - 11:32 pm

  I started out looking at the Fit and the Yaris, but after rebates and a little price negotiation, I just couldnt pass up the Focus. Sure it might have a lower trade in value, but I also paid a lot less than a comparably equipped import, and the Focus has more options making it more comfortable to drive while I own it. Focus also has a longer power train warranty that is transferable. I was looking at entry level cars, and for the price I dont think the Focus can be beat. Nothing else has as many comfort and convenience features for less than $14,000. Plus I got the dealership to throw in window tint. )

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  Mechanic owned - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Randy111333 - May 20 - 5:31 pm

  I like the truck a lot. I did have a problem with a vibration in the steering wheel at 55mph and up. They fixed that with new tires. The steering wheel is sensitive to bumps when at highway speed. It does not idle as smooth as I think it should when the engine is cold and some times in traffic. I need to take it in for this. Other than that I like it.

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  Comfortable and Dependable - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Central VA - May 19 - 12:01 pm

  Bought my Taurus used 2 years ago, have had no problems or expenses other than routine maintenance. Leather seats, sunroof, 24V V6, alloy wheels, a nice looking, comfortable package. Have averaged over 28 MPG over the last 30K miles, get better than 30 on the highway. Seats could be a little more comfortable, and interior trim is kinda cheap looking, but so far I have no complaints. Doesnt hold value well since there are 60 gazillion of them on the road. Very smooth on the highway, a little more wind noise than some sedans.

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  Where does the gas go?? - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By YIKES!! - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck with the exception of the gas mileage.... Sitting in traffic is a no go on gas....I think that you get about 2 miles to the gallon?? Also, the rear wiper.... Not a good feature if it does not work.

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  Midnight Edition - 2002 Ford Escape
  By GoBlue - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Its fun to drive and its great looking. Ford, though, really skimped on some features, especially interior lighting. For example, there is no light for the ignition keyhole and many of the operating controls are painted on in white with no backlighting for dark roads. A compass and outside temp gauage would have been nice as well as a little less plastic inside.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Ford Owner - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned several small Fords and this one seems to be the best one yet. The Zetec engine is very nice. I would avoid the standard engine. The only problem Ive encountered is the squeaky rear brakes. No engine problems at all.

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  Ford Taurus - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Con law - May 18 - 10:00 pm

  I think my Ford Taurus handles the road really well. Its a very smooth driving vehicle.