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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  2012 Focus SE A surprise to me - 2012 Ford Focus
  By freelanceshots - November 19 - 6:54 pm

  Dont have a lot of miles on my car just yet but Im digging my focus. Transmission seems more then fine. Ive got the auto 6 speed and from what Ive been told the transmission shifts and does what it does so that it can get better fuel consumption. Im not trying to drag race anymore so it does just great. Its a lot quieter then my Ford Taurus I was driving and I can really appreciate that. Looks pretty good in my opinion. First real time out on the highway I was pulling 45 mpg where it only gets better with the more miles you put on it. Accessories I plan to get include the stick-on keypad entry, rubberized mats, rear trunk mat and some ceramic window tint.

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  In a niche of its own - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jasen S. - November 19 - 8:56 am

  It lacks the ergonomic perfection of the Civic, the driving dynamics of the 3, and the eternity and a half warranty of the Elantra, yet the Focus brings to the compact table a truly unique set of attributes.It has an amazing set of features (bluetooth, usb, sirius etc), great steering, mid-size ride comfort, a vault like chassis, and admirable fuel economy. On the debit side, the taller than average ride height limits its toss-ability through curves, and the interior could use fewer expanses of silver plastic. All told, with the benefit of 3500 in factory incentives, the Focus presents an overall value and feature set unique to the market. Thumbs up Ford.

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  Yamaha SHOs review - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Jason - November 18 - 7:02 am

  The SHO comes with a love/hate relationship. My 95 SHO has been a great car until my stupidity spun a rod bearing. The car is capable of beating supercars with a few modifications. The car takes very well to boost. On a stock motor with a Vortech T-trim supercharger, I produced 460hp. This car is not a great car for someone who does not have the knowledge, willingness to learn nor money to maintain it. Many of these cars have been beaten and show problems because of it (as with the case of my 92 SHO). On the flip- side, it has honed my skills quite well. This is definitely an enthusiasts car. Somehow I got hooked many years ago and I still have my SHOs, but have a Civic now too.

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  40,000 miles and paint chipping off???!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Cathy - November 16 - 4:56 pm

  Ive driven Explorers for 20 years. Ive been thoroughly satisfied with every one....until now. After purchasing a certified 2013 XLT with 39,00 miles, in the perfect colour, I thought I was in for many years and many miles of satisfaction. Wrong! On THE DRIVE HOME a piece of paint came off the hood! Needless to say, I was--and remain--frustrated and angry. After many calls to the dealer, trips to two body shops, and LOTS of research, Im left with the knowledge that dealers, Ford Motor, and body shops are all aware of this long-standing issue. Thats what Im left with....oh, and the news that the wonderful warranty we have is worthless and the repairs (anywhere from $600-$1000) is all on me. 33 days into ownership and I wish I had my 10-year-old vehicle back. Im done with Ford.

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  2005 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By kzmt4me - November 16 - 1:58 pm

  This is a good vehicle. It is reliable and the traction control has helped in the Florida rains. I have never been able to get the navigation system to work properly but thats ok ... we still have maps. The kids love the back seat DVD player but it is inconvenient because it blocks your rearview mirror 100% when it is in use. The back up warning is very effective and saved many a kids bike from being crushed.

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  Built Ford TOUGH - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Jgloss - November 15 - 6:56 pm

  Great truck, especially for the teenagers like me that just want a truck to drive around in. It is everything a guy could want in a small sized truck.

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  EXCELLENT EXPLORER - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Fishin_Fool - November 14 - 7:32 pm

  Bought my Explorer two years old. I am the 2nd owner. Have had all upkeep maintenance done by certified Ford mechanic. Other than tires, oil changes, 1 brake job, and alignment. I have had ZERO problems with this unit. 156,000 miles all over WA, Idaho, and Canada fishing with NO failures to start. Never left me stranded ever. Have used Mobile 1 oil religiously and almost no where on internal engine parts. WHAT A TRUCK. I will drive it till it rusts from beneath me.

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  nice suv - 2003 Ford Escape
  By donald massella - November 14 - 10:00 am

  the limited is loaded,everthing you would want for less money, and we looked at them all, great color, gold ash. nice ride, good brakes, good handleing

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  zoom zoom - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Bobby - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 93 5.0 for a 2003 GT premium.This car is faster,handles a little better,and seems to be better built.The brakes are a much needed improvement.Good concept of evolutionary styling.Hard to beat for the money[18,553]with trade and discounts.

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  Not made for high milage drivers - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Salesman - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Taurus in May of 2001. It would be a great car for someone who dose not drive 40 thousand plus miles a year. Brakes rooters warp too quickly. Had to do major suspension repair at 57000 miles. Windshield started leeking at 82000 miles and caused $747.00 of damage to the electrical system. I travel interstate 90% of the time and feel these are problems that I have never had in a Camry or Galant.