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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  Black Beauty - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Tony - August 22 - 4:16 am

  This is my 5th Explorer and so far Im loving this one. It handles great; the power is awesome in comparison to my last LTD, which was also an V8. Needs to improve gas mileage.

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  ZTW - 2000 Ford Focus
  By HRW - August 22 - 2:00 am

  After 36k mi, only two issue to report. I had a sensor go bad on the engine at 12k. Replaced under warranty. The original right rear tire wore unevenly. Otherwise, this car has been good to me. The wagons cargo space has come in handy many times. The engine power is adequate, although more power would be nice. The advance trac is wonderful in the snow. So far. my ZTW has been a good car.

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  Solid Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By bjman71 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with the car. Other than the recalls, which are fine as long as they fix the problem, the only negative is that the tires and brakes wear out far too quickly (30,000 miles). Car is enjoyable and has had no need for a mechanic other than routine maintenance.

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  Simply The Best - 2004 Ford F-150
  By crcarl1 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic truck. Flawless build quality. Plush interior. Needs to loose some weight as the 5.4 L V8 seems underpowered due to the heft of this truck.

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  awesome - 2004 Ford F-150
  By GONZY - August 22 - 2:00 am

  awesome i love this truck its better than the extreme

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mark - August 21 - 9:30 pm

  Bought our 2008 Escape used with only 8000km on it. No real problems except bad gas mileage. The gas tank is too small and no matter how easy I drive this car I cant even get 500km on a tank. I should be at least getting 600km on a tank. Only had it in to the dealer for regular oil changes and one warranty problem. Has a whining sound now that I have to get checked.

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  Sharp and fun to drive - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Rick - August 21 - 7:33 pm

  I have owned this Escape for almost a month. It is very stylish and fun to drive. We live in a rural area and we average 23 mpg. I think it is also quieter than the 2005 Escape that we owned before. Overall I am very satisified with this vehicle.

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  It was great at first. . . - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Denise M. - August 21 - 7:09 pm

  This is my 8th car, 2nd new car and first American made car. Initially I was elated with my purchase and glad that I decided to buy American. I drive 100 miles round trip 5 days a week. The drive home in my roomy and comfortable Fusion was something I looked forward. And I only have to buy gas twice a week. Fast forward 10 months,I just had to get a new transmission and I am going online later to find a condenser. The condenser issue really could have happened to anyone,(so they say)a little rock bounced into it . It is just annoying that it happened 3 days after the transmission was replaced. Now everyday I dread the ride to and from work, wondering what will go wrong next

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Brian - August 21 - 7:03 pm

  We just bought this new 06 and also have a 2000 Expedition. The gas mileage is awesome (and quite a step up from the Expedition) for a higher performance V6 (29 highway) and it moves well when you gas it. Its very comfortable, very fun to drive, and is very responsive. It also has a nice curb appeal. I would recommend! 2 Thumbs up.

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  Going the distance with it - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Dweeze - August 21 - 4:39 pm

  Bought this SUV new, out of necessity, in 2005 when my 1987 Bronco II died on the highway Xmas night with 140K miles. Nearly 14 years and 164K miles later, I have never once regretted that decision. The original engine is still as powerful and the original transmission is still as smooth as the day I drove it off the lot. It is showing signs of age, however, as some of the interior hardware is beginning to fail and the rust is creeping up underneath the rocker panels. Despite the extremely tempting offer to ditch this SUV in the "cash for clunkers" program, I am sticking with my Explorer until the bitter end. The scrap metal heap would not be a fitting end for such a reliable vehicle.