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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  More luxury features than my Benz C-Clas - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Colorado Dave - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I just traded a 2001 F-150 SuperCrew XLT for a 2004 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, both with the 4.4L Triton V8. There is no comparrison between the two. The 04 feels like a much bigger truck, and the Lariat has so many luxury appointments that it puts my 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-320 to shame. This is truly an amazing ride!

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  One Good Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Bahamaroot - March 4 - 9:37 am

  Have had the truck for two years and plan to drive it to its grave. Love the comfort and the design. Rides and handles better than most cars Ive driven. Buy far the best truck I have ever owned.

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  2001 Ford Focus hatchback - 2000 Ford Focus
  By BT - March 4 - 9:15 am

  Roomy interior, high off the ground, easy to maneuver, lots of pickup. Good gas mileage.

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  Great car! - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By areldthomp - March 4 - 9:11 am

  I drove this car for over 325,000 miles. Yes, you read that right over 300,000 miles. I bought it in 1993 with 74,000 miles. It spent 4 years in Alaska without a block heater and no problems. I had the transmission rebuilt once, head gasket replaced, and radiator replaced. With regular maintenance it ran beautifully for additional 6 years. It still runs great. I would buy another one if they still made them in this body style. Have had it since 1993.

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  I Love my 05 Ford Mustang Premium Coupe - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Premium Coupe - March 2 - 2:53 pm

  My title says it all. I wasnt in the market to buy when I did. The retro styling, six cylinder gutsy engine and tough automatic transmission did it for me. It has way better performance and gas mileage than the 1996 Mustang GT I owned previously. Getting into the car is a little tough sometimes in the winter with a winter jacket on, but once in the cockpit its wonderful. The sound system is killer and much better than in the house. The frontward curved head rests are a pain. I have driven only about 4500 miles in it since purchasing, but I want to keep low miles because of the investment potential for this car. Of all the cars and trucks I have owned, this one is the most fun.

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  Escape (FUN) - 2003 Ford Escape
  By fusion4you - March 2 - 10:00 am

  The escape is the perfect "SUV" for a family of 5. My personal vehicle is a F150 Harley-Davidson...so I take this thing out for fun. The 3.0 V6 and its small size make it fun to drive.

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  Ford Explorer Sport - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Emerson - March 2 - 10:00 am

  High performance vehicle--looks great! This vehicle has real power and acceleration--it does not hold back. Fords have always provided me with outstanding reliability and quality. This is the best SUV you will find for your money!

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  Great truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By leafsfan - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Great style, great power, great overall truck.

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  Decent Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Use It - March 1 - 7:32 pm

  Have 85K miles with no significant anomalies. Yeah, the usual CD sticking, wait till it cools down or use a credit card and itll come out fine. Still virtually all original parts including tires with decent tread still if you can believe that. This has been used off road a fair bit in serious snow and dirt, along with dogs/skis/bikes/canoes/kayaks/kids/lumber/rocks/bricks/etc. Have changed the tranny fluid every 40K or so and tranny is fine. Great vehicle so far. Good job Ford.

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  Focusing on Fuel Mileage - 2008 Ford Focus
  By HD4me - March 1 - 6:16 pm

  Like 90% of you out there, I bought this car for fuel economy. I also own a 2005 Tahoe. I love my Tahoe but it was costing me approx. $90 a week to fill up. $360 a month. so I elected to get the no thrill S model. I test drove the Cobalt and was not impressed. The Focus, on the other hand, was a real surprise. The smoothness of the powertrain and comfort are amazing. I got the bare bones version, so I cant comment on its other attributes. i.e. synk, bluetooth etc. Handling and braking is very good, style is OK and interior design is very good. The most important feature is the 34+ mpgs I get over all. It bothers me that it hasnt gotten a better press review. It deserves much better.