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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  Heck of a truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By rvcbiomed - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Best truck on the market

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Buckeye - November 8 - 6:35 pm

  Got a excellent deal on a great vehicle. Test drove many brands, but came back to the Fusion. This car rides beautifully and the interior with Black Leather is gorgeous. Thought about waiting until the 2010 model came out, but the deal was too good to pass. Car is still brand new so hopefully Ill feel good about my choice a year from now. The bonus is that CR rated 6 family sedans as reliable and 2 of them were the Fusion & Milan. Also, stated that Ford as a Brand was on par with the Japanese brands.

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  Run As Fast As You Can! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Angry Dad - November 8 - 12:08 pm

  Bought used in 2003 with 54k on it. I have paid double for this van. In five years I have rebuilt the entire steering system, including springs and struts. The tranny went out at 105K. The intake seals had to be redone. Every time I get my annual inspection it costs me $500-$700. The cost of inspection is only $65. Parts are expensive and do not last. This van has no battery or alternator lamps. Van will just die if you have an electrical problem. Left me stranded on vacation with my 3 kids on the highway. Now at 8 years old, the rocker panels and doors are rusted out. The side of my van looks like swiss cheese. I was advised to just drive it til it dies. Not worth repairing.

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  So far so good - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Yemats - November 8 - 11:10 am

  This car performs better than I expected for the cost. The mileage is somewhat disappointing with the automatic -- only about 25, mostly highway. It has plenty of power and handles great, very smooth and quiet. The only problem I have experienced is a malfunctioning hatch release.

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  Great car for the money. . . a classic! - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By McBane700 - November 7 - 3:26 pm

  This is my 3rd Ford Mustang and my 4th Ford car overall. My original Mustang was a 1966 sky blue AT. It had the V8 289 and Pony Interior. I now own the new, Vista Blue, Pony Premium car with AT and I love it. The retro exterior styling is great, and reminds me of the brands peak in the 1960s. The V6 has great power at 210 HP -- equal to the V8, 289ci I once owned. The interior plastics and finish are much improved from 1990s Ford cars. I love the new Shaker 500 stereo system - - it rocks! So far, I have 2,000 miles on the car and I love it! For any Ford fan this new C5 generation is the one to own -- all the good looks of the older Mustang combined with a modern, 5 Speed AT!

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  1996 Ford Contour 4 dr SE - 1996 Ford Contour
  By JB - November 7 - 1:09 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 10 years now and I really love how it drives. Great styling, power and pretty good mpg. But the build quality and reliability are no so good. Ive replace the catalytic converter, rear strut, brakes 3 times (not too bad), 3 tune ups, radiator, water pump, and now the brakes are going again, clutch is going and there is a small oil leak. The car is worth less than a 1000 bucks so Im sending it to its grave. 145,000 its bad for a Ford but there are a lot of fixes

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  red rocket - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By robert - November 7 - 1:06 pm

  Too good looking to pass up, always wanted a muscle car. A blast to drive and love the burble of the exhaust. Agree with other comments that 1st is too short and 5th too tall. Gas mileage seems to vary wildly for no particular reason. from 11-17 around town. Prehistoric technology that makes me smile.

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  Best car ever owned - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Momasauras44 - November 7 - 9:59 am

  My Contour was bought for 2,500 with 97,000 miles. I really enjoy my car. I drive it all over town for my job. Ive been told its a cute little get around car. I agree. It now has 127,000 and needing some minor repairs. The timing belt, alternator and steering pulley. All in all, a really great little car.

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  Quality is an Issue - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FormerFordLover - November 7 - 7:28 am

  I bought this truck new and get lots of compliments on its looks. Almost 4 years and 37,000 miles, but plenty of issues. After having water leaking around the top of my rear window, and almost having it replaced, the guy who was working on it said, "I used to work at a Ford Dealer, and it isnt the window, it is the cargo lamp gasket". I then called a dealer to find out that you cant buy a gasket, only the complete unit for $54. I also have a problem with the outside mirror remote not working. Turns out the fuse box has a break in it somewhere and needs to be replaced, another $278 for the part. A few months ago, the drivers side window stopped working..$450 more.

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  God I Just Love It! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mr. Lincoln - November 6 - 7:43 pm

  I knew exactly what I wanted when I ordered mine. After a brief comparison of similar vehicles on the web, I found that there are no other vehicles in its class or price range that can be equipped with so many options. I have an SE with about every option you can put on it, this means it is nicer and cheaper than an SES. I didnt buy the car for its looks, but now that I have tinted the window and added molded mud flaps, it is a darn good looking car. Gray of course makes the car, especially when considering that color is not available for an SES. Basically, anyone who wants a nice focus, dont go for the SES because the same features standard on that model are more expensive. I am so happy!