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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  freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By sstmfadwn - July 11 - 2:00 am

  it is the best van you would ever drive

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  Great little car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Brian Kirton - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best handling Ive ever had and the acceleration has long legs. The idle has a problem which the dealer cant repeat. Apart from the horn failing and the cruise control quitting, (loose wire) The dealer has been superb. This car offers a rental car if it needs to be in the shop.

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  Better than dodge by a mile. - 2004 Ford Focus
  By bigtex - July 11 - 2:00 am

  A fun car to drive great performance 1/4 mile numbers for it have been so different but my personal experiance with my car and im a avid drag racer legally of course know that the three door which no one seems to test for god knows why is way better than a five door counterpart in performance issues anyway i havent even seen a five on the streets only three so write about it instead as far as the neon goes if i slapped a turbo on my focus which by the way has a smaller motor and is naturally aspirated and still keeps up with the dodge the focus would smoke the neon srt-4.

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  SPORT CAR IN WAGON BODY - 2004 Ford Focus
  By CARSDUDE@AOL.COM - July 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING, IT IS THE WIFES CAR, HOWEVER IT IS A BLAST TO DRIVE. GOOD LOOKING WITHOUT TOO MUCH RACE CAR LOOK.

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  excellent value - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By judgeshell - July 11 - 2:00 am

  tinterior spacehis is fun car to drive.not a vette or lexus but can do what they do.only problem is not reasonable trunk space,nor extra interior space.

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  Piece o junk - 2000 Ford Focus
  By BadFocus - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Heres a partial list in order of importance: cruise control (3 times), Horn (twice), water pump exploding ($350), on-board computer system ($750), engine lights consistently staying on keeping me from passing emissions ($1000) and the worst of them all: the engine mounts breaking and my engine falling out! This ran me another $1,000. Also, I had two minor wrecks at less than 15 MPH. The damage due to those was amazing as the shoddy workmanship really showed. I couldnt have made a worse choice than the Focus.

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  Take care of it and itll take care of u - 2004 Ford F-150
  By GYPSY BOY - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The truck has tons of torque and a more than a respectable amount of horsepower. I bought the truck in july of 2002 and had a few problems with it but that was due to some tuff driving. If you take care of the truck itll take care of you. the truck gets complements from everyone old and young,and when I say old I mean senior citizen. Bottom line, I love the truck and it gave me a lot of respect for ford, except for the service and warranty department.

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  Still Going Strong! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By SportDriver1 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Expo Sport (new) in July of 2003. With only 6500 or so miles on the odomoeter, the truck is still running like a champ. Overall, I find my SUV to be stylish, powerful and comfortable with a few notable, though perhaps obvious drawbacks. Foremost, the truck guzzles fuel! I currently average around 11-14 mpg! Further, my expo rattles and creaks like a piece of farming equipment. Positives? there are many. A smooth and powerful motor, great visibility, comfortable seats and a generally refined drving experience overall (minus the creaks & moans of course).

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  Great 1st car! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Christine - July 10 - 10:01 pm

  Bought this as my very first car. My stepdad fixed it up for me and it runs like a charm! The inside is pretty comfy and it hasnt given me any problems yet. I definitely would purchase another ford in the future :)

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2009 Ford Escape
  By lisa - July 10 - 8:53 pm

  I went from driving a Ford 500 Sedan to my new Ford Escape. I absolutely loveeeee this vehicle. I purchased the 3.OL V6 engine, Audiophile Sound System, the 17" Chrome-Clad Aluminum Wheels, and Sunroof. It is very fun to drive, handles like a dream, sharp to look at! I will never go back to driving a car. Cant wait until winter to feel safe and secure in my area driving my new 4 Wheel Drive. Oh! and I love the color, Torch Red !! WOOOO HOOO! 48 years old and lovinn life.