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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  Great SUV Crappy Cup holders! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By cctexashoney - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. It got an amazing 18 mpg on highway driving. Totally caught me by surprise. Storage is limited when u have the 3rd row seating. Sometimes it thinks before it goes. But overall it meets all my needs and has not let me down.

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  New Ford Owner - 2004 Ford F-150
  By nutz1017 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I used to drive a Maxima, but found it to be less than practical. I needed a truck so I got the F-150, and its pretty sweet. The power is sufficient for me, lots of cargo capacity, exterior styling is the best and the interior is deluxe. I had always thought Chevy had Fisher Price interior styling. I did consider the Titan but wasnt happy with my last Nissan expeince, so I went with Ford. I do notice some vibration/shaking when driving at 65MPH. Maybe its poorly balanced tires or just a tight suspension. Ill have it checked out.

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  Good bang for the bucks - 2005 Ford Focus
  By ThePassenger - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Focus couple weeks ago. I was debating between Sentra SE-R or ZX3. Although SE-R has more power I liked the ZX3 styling more. I was very suprised how responsive Focus was. 2005 version has few more horses under the hood compared to the previous years. I only have few hundred miles so far, but so far so good.

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  Ford Hit a home run - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Lee - January 5 - 9:26 am

  Im an old Hot rodder. Used to run 100 mph everywhere but it seemed it took so long to get there & youd better have two hands on the wheel. This thing will go to 150 mph easily with one hand on the wheel. The handling is incredible. The sync is great and the weather radar has kept the hail off it more than once. Cant see how to make it better.

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  There are better minivans - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JimBeam - January 5 - 7:17 am

  I inherited this vehicle from my father-in-law, who purchased this as a former "dealer car" in 2003. Its a good people mover, but was dated when new and is even worse now. We have had no major issues, but lots of minor ones. We have had all sorts of problems with electrical sensors going bad, each of which cost several hundred dollars to fix. We had the mysterious flickering interior lights problem (its a bad door sensor, if you are wondering) a tire pressure light that comes on for no reason, and a very expensive check engine light. I think Ford cut every corner they could think of when building this van and it shows.

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  Just Turned Four - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Kevin - January 5 - 2:30 am

  Have posted here previously. Like others, was looking to do right thing for the environment, have some carrying capacity and seeking better mileage. About 38K mi.on the vehicle. 4WD Hybrid w/o navigation or moonroof. Has been very reliable and - depending on time of year and driving habits. . . currently about 70/30 hwy./city, it averages around 29 mpg. Better mileage in warmer months here in Pacific NW. Was quite helpful having undercarriage clearance when snow blasted Seattle for a week in 12/08. Very utilitarian since its built on Ford Ranger frame and has continued to perform as advertised. My wife was rear-ended at about 20-25 mph a year and a half ago. Vehicle held its own.

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  I hate this car! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By adamsracingbaby - January 4 - 8:32 pm

  i have had this car almost two years and have had nothing but problems with it. Within 5 months new brakes and rotors. Dash panel lights have gone out three times. Now battery and alternator problems. Not only that in the last year I have had to replace the tires and rims! And they need to be done again. I will never own a Focus again. Not good for car seats or tall people.

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  2 Fusions Both Great - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Tom - January 4 - 7:38 pm

  This is my second Fusion first was an 06 SEL I4 5m, now I lease 08 SEL I4 5m with sport package. Both cars are excellent vehicles ride and drive is great, excellent room and storage. I also got the Audiophile stereo and it sounds great. My new car has Sync, this is a great option that I highly recommend. I am a mechanic and I can tell you that this is hands down the best car Ford as built in the 22 years I have been working on them.

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  A great vehicle for what it is - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jim C - January 4 - 11:04 am

  I sought out this vehicle mainly because reading about all of the problems with the V8/6spd auto combo problems. I bought this for my wife and I drive a BMW 3-series. If you need a utility that is a little of everything, this is your vehicle. I read reviews criticizing this vehicle because it is no hot rod. It is a box on wheels! The acceleration with the V6 is more than adequate, unless you are towing (which will do not). The limited trim as all the goodies and a ton of cargo space. The main reason we bought this vehicle is that it has adjustable pedals, adjustable seat belts, a tilt wheel and power seat, which is wonderful for my wife who is 5 feet tall. This vehicle is terrific!

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  Absolutely Great Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Keith - January 4 - 4:30 am

  I have owned my 2002 Lightning since I bought it new in July, 2002. I would highly recommend this vehicle. It is powerful, tight, handles like a dream. Used 2002s are selling for $15,000 to $20,000. If you can find one in good shape, buy it! Its a terrific value. This is the fastest pick up on the road. After 6 1/2 years, Im still in love with it and will never sell it.