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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  New Ford is Fun! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By AGMG - June 27 - 1:46 pm

  I have nothing to complain about with this car. My wife owned a 95 Ford Taurus for 10 years and 182,000 miles prior to our purchasing this car. When we compared it to the 05 Taurus, Expedition and Explorer, it was obviously the best choice for our needs and dollar. Although the CVT takes a little time to get used to because youre used to hearing the car shift, it doesnt lack in performance as many of the auto magazines writers have claimed. Its not a hot rod sports car, but it will get up and out of its way ... you just have to know how to make it do it. We love it and hope they last for another 10 years ... maybe well buy another one then!

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  Great crossover/SUV! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By MaryTague - June 27 - 9:59 am

  We have enjoyed our Edge very much. Iran haul quite a lot of stuff, like a van but yet is very comfortable for traveling in. We have made several cross country trips in the 2011 edge. We are in the process of buying another Edge now. We bought this Edge in 2011 but your year selector would not work.

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  my first ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Gary Middleton - June 27 - 9:28 am

  i got this at a buy here pay here.... and for the price wasnt bad handles great

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  my first ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Gary Middleton - June 27 - 9:28 am

  i got this at a buy here pay here.... and for the price wasnt bad handles great

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  Another Mustang in the garage - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By d.shaw - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I took delivery on another Mustang on November 4th. 2002 Mineral Gray, 3.8 v6, 5 speed. It sits next to my 1967 in the garage. I love it. For a 6 cylinder, the performance feels pretty good. The manual transmission adds punch. The handling is terrific. We love to drive it. Sound system is fantastic, and the instruments, controls and drivers seat are very comfortable. Id highly recommend it. Like the 1967, my plan is to keep it forever. Ill give you another review in 35 years!

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  Buy American, but not Chevy - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Jonny Mack - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Pick-up that I have ever owned. I have always loved the Ford Motor Company line of cars and trucks, but never really liked or needed a truck. I am in the military and I have a Muscle Car, so, of course you need to have something reliable and is capable of carrying parts to and from the car. In short, it has fulfilled all of my hopes and dreams up untill this point. It is the most comfortable truck I have ever been in, and it is quite a bit of fun to drive. The only complaint I have about it is the lack of a rear window defroster for the non-sliding window on the rear.

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  Im a Believer - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Tanker-one - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Good day, I did volumes of research prior to purchasing my F-150. I opted for overall performance and Im not dissapointed!! This vehicle handles great, cuts the wind well on the Interstate(although long distance trips are not going to be a common occurance) and feels rock solid over uneven terrain. I love it. This truck gives the sensation of being above the landscape without feeling like a Kneworth.

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  I love my Focus!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Tammers35 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Sentra, Civic, Rio, Echo, and Accent before the Focus. The Civic and Sentra were a slightly highter quality, but MUCH higher in price for the same options that ZX5 had standard. The others didnt even offer all the options I wanted (automatic power everything & cruise)at any price. I would have bought this car even without the year end clearance price. Its fun to drive, handles great, has just enough power, and is EASY to park!

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  Leaky Ford - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Brandy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car at 41 actual miles. By the time I got it home I had already called the dealership about one (1) defect that I had found. Within the next two (2) weeks. The car leaked two (2) times, causing puddles, ranging from 1-1/2" to 2", in the passengerside front floorboard. I would NOT recommend this car to ANYONE! This was my first EVER Ford purchase & I am not the least bit happy.

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  In Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Diva - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I had some problems with the original tires, but replaced them @15,000 miles and so far Ive had no more problems. I am concerned with the quality of the vehicle, but it is comfortable and reasonably fun to drive. There is a LOT of road noise/wind.