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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  spirited driver - 1993 Ford F-150
  By fireball9m - April 16 - 5:41 pm

  i go every where with my truck like soft sand, huge hills, mud, around town, towing and on the highway. This is the best thing that Ive ever bought.

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  2003 GT Convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ruby - April 16 - 10:12 am

  I ordered this car from the dealer in Redfire Metallic with a white top and white leather interior, and a 5-speed transmission. It has the chrome Cobra type spoke wheels that really shine. It is a joy to drive and really turns heads.

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  Love My Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Stuart B - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in my 2000 Focus ZTS when I purchased the 2004. My wife has a 2001 LX also. The Focus represents probably the best overall value in a car today. My experience has been excellent with this model. Prior to my Focus, I only purchased Toyotas. I routinely average 31 mpg with about 65% highway. I suffer from lower back problems and the Focus seats are comfortable for me. I have found these cars to be very relable and definitely fun to drive. I highly recomend the Ford Focus.

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  Sport model - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By JIM - April 15 - 9:36 pm

  Very nice car. I bought it for myself but my wife took it. i never got it back. Good on all trips. fun to drive. Would buy again.

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  Best ford car yet - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By dannyboy - April 15 - 6:23 am

  A very fine inexpensive car, well built, excellent handling and fun to drive. Engine is smooth and powerful, wish it got better mpg, oh well. Sync is fantastic, luxury cars should consider adopting the system. Steering wheel controls are very handy, particularly the volume control, my hands never leave the steering wheel -- safe and secure. Heated seats are a must now as well, climate control works perfectly.

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  Great car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By QuickGT - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I think this is a grreat car. It is nice to be much quicker than the earlier 96-98 GTs. With some modifications I am annihilating most everything on the road. And it looks great. First On Race Day!

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  Ford Zx2 is a good practical car. - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Yanno - April 14 - 10:00 am

  If given the choice between this and a Focus or Honda again I would still choose the Zx2. The car is very fun to drive, work on, its very quick and outruns most cars on the road including some V8s yet still if babied I can get 37 miles the gallon and carry a lot of cargo. Its always been reliable and multi-functional. I went from an SUV to this and will never go back. Truly can not get a car this fast, this practical for this amount of money. Quite possibly one of Fords best cars. If this was in Europe or the UK the raving would never cease.

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  Low mileage driver review - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By ron - April 13 - 7:48 pm

  We bought the car because all our friends had new cars. The first thing we noticed was the effectiveness of the air conditioning, the smoothness of the ride and how well it cornered. We kept it in the garage mostly and we never had a hard time starting it. In fact, it would start without even pushing on the gas pedal. Compared to our 1983 Mustang, it was like driving a Cadillac. We always had problems with the Mustang trying to get it started. Not the Thunderbird. Well miss it, but its no longer appropriate for us to drive anymore. The interior looks the same as it did in 1992. No ones ever smoked in the car either.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By jdfds9 - April 13 - 6:01 pm

  I love this car. First off, the look of it is what first attracted me. Its dark grey, with a great looking spoiler on the trunk lid and alloy wheels. Overall a great looking vehicle. It has a nice smooth ride, and great handling. Comfortable bucket seats, roomy back seat, sporty floor shifter. Quick, smooth acceleration and shifting. A strong runner, holds its own on the road and good mileage to boot!

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  The Best Car on The Road - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By aw - April 13 - 2:03 pm

  I purchased this car from my father this last year and I love it. It has been taken care of and drives and looks just like it did when it was new. If you are looking for the most bang for your buck the Taurus is the right car for you.