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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  I LOVE MY FOCUS! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Gotta get a Focus - October 18 - 7:33 pm

  Ive owned the Focus for a little over 1 month now; I love it. Fun to drive. Doesnt look it but it is quite roomy on the inside and it does rather well for me and my three year old daughter. We are quite pleased. Never thought I would own a Ford but I am so happy I bought this car.

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  I love My Truck!! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By discodave34448 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Boguth it with 25000 miles put 75 on it in about 3.5 years. Just had to put a new alternator on it. Other than that only brakes and general maintenance. Very very well built truck, still drives unbelievably tight.

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  I love it! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By RB Jones - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used with high miles in 2001. Since then, Ive had no major problems except last week I changed the thermostat. The exterior is the best lookin SUV out there, its not funky or bubblely like some other SUVs. Great interior look, dashboard and lots of cargo room. Adequate power and acceleration. Next week I am buying a new Explorer and will continue to own one for a while.

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  My first truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By kevin111 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have about 144000 mi. and its still running strong, it had a few electrical problems, like the wipers would go on whenever it wanted and the oil press. would sometime read high, abs sensors, and the switch for the right door. other than that everything else is orginal, exept for maintance stuff. I love this truck, i treat with care (looks brand new), but i am very hard on it, and it just keep on taking the abuse, even though it is a little four banger (kind of slow).

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  Most comfor vehicle to drive! - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Foster Palmer - October 17 - 11:36 am

  Comfort

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  Just misses the mark - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RDG - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Was a unique vehicle has too many little nagging problems to really enjoy ownership. The A/C fan quit within first week. Has had a noise in powertrain since new never fixed the dealer can never verify. Has recently developed a annoying popping sound while driving dealer has order parts per Ford TSB. Gas door was replaced a year ago because the hinge chipped the gas door opening. The tires were replace by recall.

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  Great Car - Give Ford Credit - 2001 Ford Focus
  By PCL - October 17 - 10:00 am

  After 1 year and 15000 miles I can confidently say the Focus is a fun, dependable, well built car. Lots of trunk room and plenty of passenger space. Not one problem to date.

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  Good Car but Noisy - 2002 Ford Focus
  By JBT - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The car rides very well for a small car. The handling is great. Lots of room for a small car. Fuel econonmy is okay wish it had a little more get up and go at the start...seems a little sluggish at the start sometimes. Overall a good car for the price. The only really bad thing is the road noise, especially over coarse pavement. Its so loud one cant carry a conversation without really speaking loud.

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  much fun... with a bit of add ons - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By kaj - October 17 - 10:00 am

  i havent liked a single mustang since the early 70s until now. the body style and SOUND sold me! ive added new springs, exhaust, intake and a NOS kit (shh!) which gives me close to 400 h.p. theres nothing like leaving a a civic at a stop light in the wake of my V-8s rumble! i looooooooooooove my mustang and have had no problems mechanically or otherwise. also, i got rid of the cheesy spoiler and the car is now beautiful!

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  Stang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By jutang - October 17 - 10:00 am

  good performance, great looks comfortable interior, nice exhaust note. It definatly helps the chica situation.