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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  Nice first car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Paco - May 28 - 8:56 pm

  I love this car. It is good and economical and very reliable when it is well taken care of. Good car for single people or students.

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  Focus Saleen - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Scott - May 28 - 7:24 pm

  This car is so much fun.I am getting decent mileage but had hoped for better. The interior is tops and the exterior gets looks everywhere I go. Bigger drink holders would have been nice but may have lost some of the look. This thing hugs the road and acceleration is amazing.

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  Lovin My Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By liguy631 - May 28 - 6:00 pm

  I have my 2012 Focus SLE Hatchback for about a month and a half now. I absolutely LOVE this car. Having an SUV for the past 11 years, I wanted a change. Originally went down to Ford to look at the Fiesta, then, I saw this Focus. I needed something that got good gas mileage as I was recently transferred with my job, and am now driving 60 miles a day, versus 10! I loved this car from the minute I saw it. I have the Tuxedo Black (Great color) with Black Leather interior. My only regret is getting the Black interior, should have went with the Stone Color Leather , as the Black is very HOT in the summer in this car until the A/C cools it down. I am averaging 31 MPG right now in mixed driving.

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  Not much trouble making my decision. - 2010 Ford F-150
  By gbrk - May 28 - 2:50 pm

  Having driven all brands pickup trucks in the 1/2 ton size it wasnt difficult to decide the F150 provides the best bang for the buck. While the Dodge rides equally as well Im concerned about the reliability and performance of the coil springs used in the rear suspension. Fords bed access tailgate step is so convenient and makes entry to the bed extremely safe and easy. The rear view camera is the best of all trucks. The superimposed lines that help direct you also should be on all cameras. Ford sets the Standard and by not taking Government money I feel Im supporting a company that fends for itself by improving quality and performance. No comparison to the ride over rough ground.

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  EXPLORERS ARE BEST - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ROBJR2057 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST VEHICLE I COULD EVER BUY NEVER A PROBLEM ALWAYS RELIABLE

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  2nd explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By slong - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I put 189000 miles on my 96 explorer my daughter is still driving it.The new one has more interior comfort and more bells and whistles

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  Good for a family on the go! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Miss M - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this because I was, frankly, scared of the size of a F150 extended cab! I like that I have a truck that isnt too big, and isnt too small. It is a good and comfortable vehicle for driving long distances in. I know the bed is small and the towing capacity is less than its big brothers, but still 5300 pounds is still pretty good. For me I am beyond pleased!

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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bl2004 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had the vehicle for two months now. It is roomy, responsive, and fun. Many features optional on other vehicles are standard on Expedition.

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  2005 escape xlt awd - 2005 Ford Escape
  By appleone - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2002 escape xlt fwd loved it. 46,000 miles puton it with no problems traded in for 2005 escape xlt awd. 2005 feels mor solid. This vehichle is a great value for the buck.

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  Alot of car for the money - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By RJTN - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We have been very happy with the purchase of our Cobra. We purchased the our Cobra with the mystichrome paint and we are always getting compliments on it. The performance is exceptional and the care is an incredible valve for the money spent. I would recommend this vehicle to any person looking for a sports car which provides you with the maximum bang for your buck.