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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  Better than I had expected - 2008 Ford Focus
  By RW - November 6 - 9:23 pm

  Going into my new car search I was almost certain I was going to get a Chevy Cobalt. I decided to test drive the Focus just so that I could get a quote and use that to lower the price of a Cobalt when I visited the Chevy dealer. But as soon as I began to test out the SYNC system I fell in love. That thing works so well I am blown away by it. Not much room in the back for passengers, but thats to be expected. All in all, assuming it stays reliable, Id say this is an incredible car with a great price

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  Brakes that go "pop" - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Jennifer - November 5 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my Escape in June and have 17000 miles on it already. I love the style and all the features outside and in. But.... the brakes make this awful popping noise every time they get hot. I have taken it to the shop 5 times for repairs. The shop had replaced every bit of the back end, yet they still pop. We brought it to the attention of the manufacturer and the engineers said this "was a normal variation of the vehicle and it does not affect braking performance". Funny thing, they cant identify what is making the noise so how they know its not affecting brake performance? .your guess is as good as mine. This is my first and last Ford. Its cute and roomy but I cant trust it will last.

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  Focus 5-door Hatchback - 2002 Ford Focus
  By gklemmer - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Delivers to expectations. Performance is good, fuel economy a bit less than expected. Good on the expressway, more comfortable seating than expected.

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  Weekend Driver Good, Daily Use Bad - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Brooks - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The handling and ride are unparrel for a car in its class and the V8 offers plenty of punch for the price. But I find myself more concerned with its faults than singing its praises.

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  Good Lookin - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mamudo - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We think our truck is a "looker". It is great to have a smaller truck with people space and cargo space. Few things can be improved upon, and that is the brakes go really fast and the door lock pinches if you have your arm resting on the edge when the truck is put in drive and the automatic door lock engages.

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  Ford Review 02 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By dan - November 3 - 3:43 pm

  Comfy on highway. Great in high snow. 210hp is a little weak, high revs, transmission slip, smooth ride, oil turns black faster than normal.

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  2003 ranger edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By oxmill - October 30 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd ranger. i really like the truck. my first was 1999 xlt, the 2nd a 2001 xlt, and my 3rd is an edge 2wd. my only problem with the vehicles has been with the brakes. my first two rangers had to have the brake rotors turned at 25,000 miles which seemed a little early.

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  2003 ranger xl. auto + air - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By algis matas - October 30 - 10:00 am

  no problems at all so far, good value for the money for basic transportation + light hauling duties.

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  Survives a crash well - 2005 Ford Escape
  By RST - October 28 - 9:06 am

  Was broad sided with seats belt on and unit was totaled and only had broken wing bone and some broked ribs. Unit was still running after being dumped on both side with extensive damage - went out and purchased another of same.. Ok, it was a different color.

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  Dashboard reflection - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Roman - October 27 - 2:40 pm

  On sunny days, extremely annoyed with windshield reflection coming from the drivers side instrument gauge dash hump, the dash compartment, and the drivers side airbag all reflect back at you in bright sunny weather. Either the tint needs to be looked at or an anti glare modification is needed. This is a 2006 model and Ford should of found out about this problem already. This is a safety hazard.