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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  spoiled - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By tim sturm - December 29 - 4:34 pm

  When Ford said "no" to gov money I decided to buy Ford.period. Traded our Lexus 350 for 2010 EB Explorer. After 35 days or so and 2600 mi Ford is in for engine repair. Wanting our 2005 Lex back: more comfort, more storage space,more convenience in door storage pockets and center console,overhead handles,etc etc. Willing to pay more for better experience.Really wanted to report Ford was better Still waiting on repair...sorry

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  the - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chasephotos - December 29 - 12:16 pm

  from my first shift in this car I have disliked the clutch (alot).This car is not ment for any serious preformance driving but is fun to drive around town.The gas mileage has not been what was listed on the sticker or what I had hoped for.I do receive lots of compliments on the new styling (compared to the old focus) and the front/center mounted antena is very "euro".Should have bought a Honda but i have never seen a civc rally car!

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  Dandy car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Tom B - December 29 - 9:20 am

  Tested the Civic, Mazda 3, Elantra, skipped the Corolla. Was ready to go with Mazda 3 until I drove the Focus. Smooth ride, quietest of the bunch, seamless 5 speed shifter, great visibility, supportive seating, and a lot of pep. Im actually having as much fun driving it as my 06 stang GT 5 speed. The mileage is better than its rated at. 4 aftermarket speakers and additional damping under dash and behind the door panels and the stock head sounds better than my Shaker 1000! Cannot hear tire hiss when driving in rain. Great, scatty little car!

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Donald S. Berland - December 29 - 8:55 am

  This is the 4th Ford small car I have owned. This one purchased brand new, the others used. I can only say it has not disapointed me. It is comfortable and mileage is excellent. The bulk of my driving is on the interstate to work and in summer it averages 36mpg, on long trip it has gotten 41mpg. I would take it on more long trips but there is no cruse control. I then have to use my subaru 2005 STi which has cruse, but is very very uncomfortable, and only gets 25mpg. I plan on keeping the car for 5yrs before trading it but will definately get another focus.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Geigers Konas GT - December 29 - 8:19 am

  After purchasing my GT, i have to say is WOW!!!!!. My wife originally wanted the car but after driving on the Autobahn in Germany. I just have to say WOW. The car is very powerful from what i remembered back in the early 90s and the throaty exhaust sound is earth shattering. Every where we drive in it, the stares and the mouths dropping on the pavements is awesome. Also, i am learning more and more what this car can do everyday as well. My GT is also Kona Blue but has with it a white racing stripe. In my opinion, Ford has done a magnificent job from the days of the 90s when they produced not so good vehicles. My hat is off to the guys in the oval blue company. Job well done.

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  Goooooooooood - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Tick - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This Car rocks so good on its style and the way you can handle it.

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  Love my Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mary E - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car. This is my second one and I plan to buy another next year. Hope the hybrid is as good. Super acceleration, great comfort but a little noisey, especially at high speed. Need to tighten it up a bit.

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  The Great Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mountain man/woman - December 29 - 2:00 am

  So far we have only put 1100 miles on this vehicle, but the whole experience has been great. It has the build of an SUV, with the feeling of a car. The v-6 may use a more than usual amount of gas, but the power is worth it. The inside is very spacious for a small SUV.

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  Love It, but....... - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Gymbodd - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Whoever designed the gear shift on this car never drove their final product. It is maddenly always in the way of the radio and is often difficult to get into the proper gear.

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  a great suv for the money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jim r - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this suv has been one of the best autos we have ever owned great fuel mileage fun to drive