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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  Got it new just gets better - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sparkman7x7 - December 12 - 6:40 pm

  I bought a 08 Focus SES all bells and whistles new, Red love it I drive 2000 miles a week to work and home since July 08 I have near 49000 miles on it no complaints second set of tires ran over a 18 wheeler tire carcus on I30 last fall thought it would destroy the front but no you can hardly see were it went under no damage resulted 5/1100 mile trips to Texas to visit our children with our two small dogs no problems plenty of room me 320lbs 61" better half 411" maybe 110lbs wet. Great car....

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  2004 SporTrac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dale Hepworth - December 12 - 6:10 am

  The SporTrac is a pleasure to drive. Literally drives like a car, but still can haul with the bed. However, steering is a bit wobbly, meaning, not as tight as in my old 99 Ford Ranger. Love the increased horsepower and 5 speed auto transmission. Sometimes you really have to put the pedal to the metal in order to shift into a higher gear. Other than the above, I would buy another one

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jeff - December 12 - 3:10 am

  First of all I rated this car with respects to class, and my review is a comparison. My buddy just pick up a fully loaded Mazda 3s for $23+ and I got my Focus SES auto for like $14gs and is there a difference? The car drives the same and my opinion is that it beats his car hands down just because of the price. Yeah, the gauges and some other interior features are better looking and the car offers more options but he can keep it for a $10k difference.

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  Focus owner - 2003 Ford Focus
  By dreed - December 12 - 1:47 am

  I bought this affordable car brand new and put 86k miles on it. It really is a great, efficient vehicle but I started encountering problems around 60k. miles. Great car but not extremely reliable after 80k miles.

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  So close - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Road Warrior - December 11 - 11:27 pm

  59K miles on a‘08, 1000 miles on my ’10 this week. ‘10 Taurus is structurally a ‘08 with lipstick. ‘08Taurus was commodious. 63" & I was comfortable in rear of the 08, no way in the ‘10. The Fusion only has one inch less rear leg room than the new Taurus! Ford chopped the roof for zoom zoom” design. Small outside mirrors and large headrests create a bad visibility problem. Outward vision is akin to a machine gun bunker. If we cut you off on the highway it’s not intentional we just can’t see you. The old Taurus had lots of storage for CDs, GPS, chargers, PC power supply, snacks, etc. Not the ‘10. Why delete the overhead sunglass receptacle?! Nice car, could have been great.

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  Why? - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JB - December 11 - 1:40 pm

  Ok truck, but a bit small. Id be a lot happier if the bed were a foot longer. It drives well enough on the freeway, but leans and lurches about on the twisty stuff. Also, beware the W-I-D-E turning radius which means its not very nimble in parking lots and garages. The stock seats are comfortable. This is a good thing because they have only basic adjustments. The OHC engine performs quite well compared to my old anemic 94 model. Gas mileage is appalling, however, yielding a solid 14.5mpg in pure suburban driving and topping out at 21 for 100% interstate trips. For the gas it burns, I think Id better off with a full sized truck.

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  2009 Ford Fusion SEL v6 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By J - December 11 - 1:16 pm

  First off I love this car! The leather interior is very comfortable and soft. Seat warmers work great and the radio control with and without the sync system are easy to use. The ride of the car is fantastic. Its powerful yet nice and quiet on the inside. The engine can run a bit high on start up so allow some time for the car to warm up and settle down a bit. Gas mileage is ok, but I honestly expected a little more out of the car. The only bad thing I can say about this car is the 18" wheels. The wheels are extremely soft and trust me I have dented them already and not on a memorable pot hole either. The Goodyear tires have a soft sidewall and bubble pretty easily.

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  Great Vehicle for the $$$ - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Andy - December 11 - 11:20 am

  This is our 4th Expedition and about to pick up our 5th this week. They all have a great ride and you cant beat the turning radius. I can almost get a 4x8 sheet of whatever and close the hatch. Cant really complain about the mileage for a 5000lb+ vehicle-14 to 15 city and close to 20 highway (at 70+). No warranty issues until this one which were minor...dirver lumbar, rear A/C control and power lift gate mechanism.

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  2002 Ford Ranger Edge- 2 dr - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Pattie - December 11 - 12:53 am

  Only had this truck 1 week and so far I love it. Its definitely has some get up and go, handles well on the road and is comfortable. Fun to drive. I especially like the height of the truck, its almost like being in a full size truck. The truck handles well on the road but a little touchy when switching lanes at fast speed. You have quite a bit a room in the cab and with the extension. Not sure on the mileage yet as its only been 1 week.

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  98 Ranger XLT 2.5L 5 spd - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By M.E. Meyers - December 10 - 4:49 pm

  Bought truck new in 1998 for $10k. It has been - by far- the best vehicle I have ever owned. Extremely reliable. Power is adequate with the 5spd manual and fuel economy is never below 23 mpg and can be 28 with care. Light rear end means no traction in wet/snow. But it does great donuts in the snow!! A/C still blows cold after 11 years and my original clutch still feels fine with 180k miles. Considering what I paid, I cannot ask for anything more. Great little truck. Last of the "light weights" Its peers have grown to be bloated and thirsty - hope that does not happen to the next-gen Ranger, but it probably will