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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  2003 Ford ZX2 Deluxe - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Aaron43 - March 29 - 1:16 am

  I love my zx2. Its a great running car. Its comfortable, reliable, and it looks good too.

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  Could ask for more! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Doug M. - March 29 - 12:25 am

  I purchased my F-150 about 2 and 1/2 months ago. It was a replaemnet for my 08.5 Nissan Titan-which was totaled- it collapsed like a tin can! Bought the Ford instead of getting another Titan and definately made the right choice! It Looks better, better gas mileage, more comfortable and roomy. My family and I have taken numerous trips to see my family out of state in this short time and the family loves it! Average about 20mpg on the trip when I set the cruise at 75 very pleased with that. Just a great buy and great truck. My first ruck was a Ford and have owned a Dakota, Ram, Frontier, Titan , Ranger and will only buy an F-150 from now own! Love it. Over 500 miles a tank! 5500 miles so far..

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  A car that makes style statement! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By OFiroz - March 28 - 4:32 pm

  I imported my 2008 Black Mustang Convertible pony package from US to UAE (United Arab Emirates) being a sports car lover for years, it was my dream come true, but from the first day itself I was disappointed as far as comfy, quality and power are concerned. I thought Dodge Charger is more refined and comfortable, mustang behaved like my 1997 Ford Explorer though I thought Explorer is better in comfortability. But the moment I drop down the top it became totally different species all together. I became the center attraction, and it was fun to drive around in neighbor hood with loud music on. Better than my 1999 Camaro Convertible. All complaints are vanished!

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  Not worth the money! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By michelle n - March 28 - 4:00 pm

  I purchased this vehicle three years ago, with only 30,000 miles. I had to replace the brakes/rotors all around, shortly after purchasing, all four wheel July, and I just found out that I needed all of these items replaced again. This thing had 17" wheels, and I had to replace them every 10 months. The transmission had a whine in it, there was a clicking noise and a really loud roaring sound in the front, drivers side. The cruise control didnt work. It would frequently take spells of not starting. It would grind really fast, like it had been flooded, and I would just have to sit and wait for it to start. It was quite roomy, but it was hard on gas and tires, and very expensive to fix.

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  Great family vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By jbanks - March 28 - 3:09 pm

  test

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  Hopefully a new direction for Ford - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By kfnavitas - March 28 - 11:20 am

  So I am writing this as a new buyer and plan to add to...as I progress with the car. So far the vehicle has performed well and gets very good gas mileage for its size. Build quality is quite good for Ford seeing am used to my families Volvos and Audis. The only bothersome thing with this car is it has seemingly NO torque... I have to push the car to at least past 1500 to get it to move...anyway the car is nice on the highway and easily the best part is the quality of the ride and almost non-existent body roll, steering is quick and responsive...as I said I plan to keep adding as the miles add on...good job Ford US (uk models are much better)I never thought i would be saying that...

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  1998 Ford Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 1998 Ford Escort - March 28 - 3:34 am

  Very Reliable vehicle. Great gas mileage 40 HWY miles. This vehicle was subjected to a MN winter- 30 days in a row of zero degrees. The car started EVERY morning without a problem. Vehicle is just now starting to show a little rust. Dependable, great gas mileage. feels solid when driving during a MN winter...

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  Former Honda Fan....Love My New Ford!!! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Marky - March 28 - 2:14 am

  I have been a Honda owner for over 20 years! No problems and nothing bad to say about my rides over the years, but my 1999 CRV was getting a bit tired after 150G of miles and love. But time to move on. My choices are 2009-Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Pontiac Vibe and the Elantra (I saw all at the Detroit Auto Show) They were all great, with wonderful reviews but I wanted to get the best bang for my buck. I ended up checking out the Ford Focus SES Coupe and so glad I did! With Fords incentives and my local dealer working with me, I bought a beautiful car, loaded, thousands below the sticker. Will I miss my Honda? Not Sure , but Oh so happy with my new ride!!

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  Love this Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Asherly - March 28 - 2:00 am

  As a 61 not so small person, I find the focus extremely comfortable and easy to drive. Ford definitaly has a winner with this car. Solid interior components and doors make you feel safe, accelerates well even without the zetec engine and the gas mileage is great. The high seat backs are nice because i dont feel like im going to get a whiplash if something happens like i do in my old 93 thunderbird with lower seat backs. Only con is that the seat doesnt really tilt up so long legs may fatuige if the seat isnt perfectly positioned. Mirrors are positioned well and stereo is well positioned buttons- wise.

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  Its Cold Back Here - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Webslingah - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I recently took a 1400-mile trip and the second row seat is incredibly uncomfortable after about 500miles. Second, climate control, the driver sweats while the second row passengers freeze. I cant see the digital compass when driving. After about 5000miles the floor compartment handles are very flimsy, Ive already broken one. Its roomy, and comfy for the regular about town drive. The buying experience was horrible. There was a mistake in the incentives and I actually received an extra $500 off the price. When the finance guy realized it, he called me up,insulted me, and threatened to sue me if I didnt write him a check. Jerk!