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 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By rdarche - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive during the summer...hellish to drive during the winter (snow).

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  Focus, Ford!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By unit-i - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I put about 40k miles per year on my cars, and this one has not held up. It has gone through brakes every 30k miles, the suspension eats through tires, the windows have stopped working on 2 occasions, the fuel gage has never been accurate despite 3 repairs, several interior panels are loose, the drivers side mirror is loose... I have already spent twice as much in repairs on this car than I have on my 96 civic hatchback, which has almost 200k miles now and has again become my daily driver due to the poor build quality of this car.

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  Very Good Small Wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By DJM - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Oct. 2001. So far am very satisfied with it. Huge amount of room for a car this size. Good engine performance, good handling. First time in the small wagon market. Bad dealership experience with Ford. They should learn how to treat the customer.

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  2002 Ford Focus SVT - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Neil Johnson - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful short throw shifter makes for exciting crusing around town in start/stop situations. Winter package matches need for block heater with the need for heated seats (now my equivalant of air conditioning in summer). Great performance on highway, quiet and smooth even well above speed limit, as expected on a car with this background. I added tinting to the rear windows, which sharpens the stock appearance. This car has the versitility of a hatchback, and includes a storage cover for secure storage behind the rear seats. The rear seat bases fold forward, allowing the rear seat to fold flat if additional capacity is required.

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  Nicer than ever - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By osu18 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The new design of the 2003 Expedition goes inside and outside. The big winner is the consumer with a much improved handling. Much Quieter, Roomier and full of confort the 2003 Expedition is the perfect Family getaway car...

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  built ford tough - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By nomoregm - September 20 - 2:00 am

  i owned two explorer sports in 98 then went to a f150 to big for what i need bought a 2002 monte carlo ss what a cheap peice of crap traded in on a 2003 exp sport xlt this is my third one. i love it its a very well built vehicle.i bought the silver birch metallic with medium/dark flint two-tone leather.the 4.0 v6 with 3.73 axle moves this truck with ease and stops with ease with the big 12" brakes. handles very well for what it is. the 101" wheelbase is a little short so ride does suffer a bit. but interior is very comfortable w/heated lumbar seats that slide up easy for back seat passengers. shift on fly 4wd is excellent for bad weather.

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  Repairs, Repairs & More Repairs - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Brucel - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The transmission went out at 30,000. It was then rebuilt. It went out again @ 54,000. Ford will not take full responsibility for this hunk of junk. There have been many other repais as well as numerous recalls. I am unable to get in touch with the District Manager for Northeast Illinois. No one will give me that information,. Who does Ford think they are? This is my first and last Ford. I had bought it for its safety features. The transmission has gone out twice in traffic--really safe!

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  2000 Ford Conversion Van - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By David Rien - September 20 - 1:33 am

  We purchased this "used" vehicle from the dealer in 2000, it was never registered but had 4,000 miles on it as it was used as a model. It has been a great family car/van. It has never given us any trouble in the ten years that we have owned it and it is now fast approaching 100K miles. We have properly maintained it, so no major issues. Great for long trips especially when you have young children and much better to own than a conventional family van. Now though at 10 years and 100K miles, leather interior is starting to peel away. It might require some transmission work soon, but heck havent had any transmission issues in 100K miles. My biggest and only complaint, gas mileage.

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  Bought used at 35k miles, cant tell tho - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Michael Lubawski - September 19 - 6:47 pm

  Purchased this truck used from a dealer. Have had nothing but good luck other than normal wear and tear. The 6-disc player and speakers finally went south (I wonder why?) after 97k miles. Transmission seems to skip a beat at stop signs when brake is pressed hard. Stiff ride, 4x4 typical, fun, looks good with chrome wheels (color is black). Plenty of power and punch. Never been the shop for major repairs.

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  I get too many compliments! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Rob - September 19 - 1:56 pm

  The only real complaint I have is that Im tired of giving that awkward "thank you" when people compliment my car. I got the Sterling Gray SEL with spoiler and 18" Al rims. I absolutely love driving this car. Sync and other features are awesome. Ride is amazingly smooth and quiet that it rivals most luxury sedans. Has a surprisingly powerful I4 engine as well.