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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  holy moly! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Zanzibar - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Is it true? Fun to drive? YES!! This is gonna be the weirdest thing ever, but with the way this car handles and the 5-speed control and the awesome design... I actually enjoy sending those car payments out!

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  Great Hybrid - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Hook686 - August 26 - 8:00 pm

  In this volatile economic world, I find it a real plus to have a motor vehicle that yields me 30-44 mpg of gasoline. This 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited does that for me thus far, and is just plan fun to drive Im still on my first tank of gas and getting to know the SYNC & NAV systems, but thus far I am really pleased. An SUV that gets me 42 mpg around town. I really like that. I will update this as my time with the SUV increases, but for now I could not be happier with my choice

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  03 Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By aharris - August 26 - 12:02 pm

  Car drives great. Very comfortable for the driver and passengers. Have taken in from coast to coast and distant places in between. For a family of 5, road trips go by quickly and comfortably.

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  I love my car, but be careful - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jolee - August 26 - 10:41 am

  My mom had a Focus, and when my Escort died I needed something safe for our new baby, so we go the Focus. Its a good size, I feel safe in it, and its fun to drive.

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  Focus On This! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By I-Man - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Ford Focus on or around the 5th of August (2002) at around 30,000 miles. Later that week, I drove it up to Vermont for a vacation, and the car had problems accelerating. This happened on the way back too. The car also started slowing down for no reason, until it was going about 10 mph. We let it sit for a while, then drove it home with no problems.

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  Fast, Fun And Praticle - 2002 Ford Focus
  By King Scottie - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Focus as my first new car back in Feburary 2002. After two cross country road trips, and a 50 mile a day commute, I must say that this car has performed like a champ. My gas mileage is typically between 30 and 34, and on the longer highway only trips can hit 38. The handling of this car is amazing, and corners better than any sports car Ive driven before. The comfort is above average, but you can get a bit sore after more than 5 or 6 hours in the car. All in all, if I had to do it all over, Id still choose the Focus.

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  Affordable Family Luxury! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Es - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my SEL Premium Taurus in June. It is one of my smarter choices of car purchases that Ive made. I had a 97 Camry that has been very reliable but was too small for my family. The Taurus is far more spacious with a smooth quiet ride and good handling. The Duratec engine is also superb, it has been decently quiet and has proved to have good pasing power. In black with a rear spoiler I feel like the king of the road.

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  Ranger Edge plus 4.0 4x4 - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mark Palmer - August 26 - 10:00 am

  The Ranger Edge plus 4x4 is my first new vehicle in ten years. I was attracted by its looks, features, and price. Thus far I am very happy with just about everything on this truck. It is a good value and financing through Ford was 0%. I have not been back to the dealer with any troubles yet and it seems to be built quite solidly.

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  Ive converted - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By cbh - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven foreign made vehicles. Id researched and test drove new vehicles the likes of the Toyota Highlander, Honda Odessy, and Nissan Xterra. For the heck of it, my wife and I went to test drive the new Ford Explorers (I liked the new body style). We were sold. We traded in our 98 Honda CR-V for the bigger Explorer. The 4.0 liter V6 pulls hard at the low end and the ride is awesome thanks to the independent rear suspension. We simply wanted a larger vehicle and it has been overly impressive. I am very pleased with the overall quality.

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  Very Impressed! Really like it! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Grant - August 26 - 2:17 am

  I have had this car two days, and Im so impressed. It has solid power through all gears, good exhaust tone, and has a great overall feel. Filled up after burning a 1/4 tank just to see what my mpg was, and was impressed with 26 mpg for city driving. Seats have good side bolster, trunk is quite big for car. Wish the cup holders were arranged differently, but dont let that discourage you from buying. You can get a fully loaded Focus ST, way cheaper than a loaded Civic. I have caught a lot of heck for getting a Focus, but after most people see the car they are quite impressed, and say "not bad"