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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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DallasJack - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our 8th SUV and by far our most satisfying overall. Easy to manuveur despite its size and, though not as fast out of the block as our old Jeep Grand Cherokee, its much larger and handles urban issues (potholes) much better. Overall, we love it

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  built ford tough - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By todd rogers - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The expedition is #1.Their are no other comp. i will always drive an ford expedition!!!

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  another winner by Ford - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Mini - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 Windstars prior to getting the Freestar. Ford has improved on the previous Windstar. This is the best yet.

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  Modern Retro - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Roy - September 13 - 11:16 pm

  It looks good. It handles well. It has the latest engine technology, yet its styling harkens back to the 50s. As a kid I thought the 55-57 T-birds were the best looking cars on the road. Now I have the best looking car on the road. Ford claims that the top can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. They are wrong - It only takes 6.5 seconds to raise or lower the top. And, the single central handle latching mechanism is fantastic.

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  Awesome Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Creoleplay - September 11 - 11:19 pm

  The 03 Ford Harley Davidson is one awesome pickup. Ive always been a Chevrolet man until now. I dont think Ill ever go back. Its the best vehicle purchase Ive ever made hands down.

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  My Second Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By flyboyike - September 11 - 10:23 pm

  This is my second Focus, having previously owned a ZX3 Hatchback that I loved. This car is light years ahead of the old one in every way. It feels like a car costing at least twice as much, very refined, very quiet and comfortable. I bought the car in Minnesota and promptly drove it over 1,400 miles home to Florida, and in over 26 hours of driving my back never bothered me, which is about as big an endorsement for those new seats as I can come up with (I get back pains very easily). The steering is very precise, the shifter is BMW-like without any slop, the brakes (even though I have drums in the back) are excellent.

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  Great New Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By NeatN - September 11 - 10:13 am

  My wife and I have had this car for 2 months now and cant complain. We are both 24. We got black on black with every option available and even added the spoiler. We really like the sporty and luxury look of the car. Had to have the car in the body shop for paint touch-up as there were swirl marks under the clearcoat. Got the car 2 days later and looks great. We would highly recommend this car to anyone!

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  Overall, A Great Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Joe - September 11 - 8:31 am

  I have had this car for 1 year with no problems. My only problem is that after only 1 year and 12,000 miles, the car is not worth anywhere near what I owe on it.

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  van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By gcbrandmeyer - September 11 - 3:56 am

  great for carpooling

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  Parks like a Mini, Hauls like a van - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Guy Noyes - September 10 - 9:00 pm

  This is my second Festiva. They start easily every time. They run and run. Replace the muffler every couple of years and change the oil is about all you have to do. Except buy gas - Ive gotten 35 mpg in city! Although a tiny footprint the front seats are roomy and the rear seats OK (good headroom) and when your fold down the rear seat you can haul amazing things, even a stuffed chair. It handles like a little sports car in the city. As others have said, I wish they made a new version that is as reliable. I think Ford would never have put this jewel out if they knew it would last so long trouble free. Why cant all cars be so hassle-free? I love my Festiva. Its fun, fun, fun!