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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  Very Happy with Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Great Car - July 15 - 8:13 am

  I replaced a 96 Ford Explorer that I got 200K miles on. I wanted same amount of room but better gas mileage. After looking at a lot of different cars, the Freestyle seemed the best fit. I have the SE model with 2wd and have found that even on the basic model, Ford has included a lot of features. I have had it for a couple of months and love it. I get ~25 mpg and find it very comfortable (I drive it about 2-3 hours per day). I think the mileage is great for such a big car. I would definitely recommend this car for people who like an SUV style but want better gas mileage and do not drive off road.

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  Love my Pony! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Red Pony - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for a year & still love driving it every chance I get. I wouldnt trade it for any other ragtop out there. The ride is a little choppy at times, but that adds to the sports car feel. It gets great gas mileage on the highway for a V8 (23-24), much better than around town (16-18) so of course I take it out on the highway any chance I get. It looks great & draws attention everywhere it goes. Who cant resist a bright red Mustang ragtop?

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  Ford Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Alex Lang - July 15 - 2:00 am

  It drives very smooth you cant feel many bumps in the road. It also has been very dependable and doesnt have that bad of gas milege.

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  Best car Ive ever had for real - 2012 Ford Flex
  By JW - July 14 - 4:24 pm

  I have a fam of 5, we live at 9000 ft on top of a mountain in Colorado with switchbacks an heavy winters, I commute 30 min each way to work and live on a very tight budget. I have had over a dozen vehicles in the last 15 years, as I seem to have the devils luck in cars. This Flex has been my lifesaver. Regular maintenance, the occasional windshield replacement (living in The Rockies does that), and switching 20"rain tires for 18" snow tires has been my only costs in 2 years, purchased used at 98k, now has almost 150k (we road trip a lot too). Plus we have the EcoBoost which has saved our lives countless times living on the hwy and gas mileage is pretty dang decent.

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  Fun-tastic T-Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By william mills - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Stunning turquoise w/ black top,perfection in every way and a babe magnet to boot. Turns heads everywhere, w/ a V-8 that kicks it. Soft top great. Will be a Collectors dream as time goes by.

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  Great smaller SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Average Joe2 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV overall. Had no problems through 3+ years of ownership. Has great pickup speed and better fuel efficiency than many SUVs. Comfortable ride and fun/sporty to drive. 4x4 is just as good if not better than my previous full size SUV.

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  MY fun - 2004 Ford Escape
  By brandi6004 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle to drive... good gas mileage..comfortable... fun to drive... useful to haul..great in snow...awesome sound system...great for family... safe...great looking

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  awesome - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ramirez - July 13 - 6:40 pm

  i think the car is awesome in pretty much every way. i think you should make it just like the older cars (mustangs) because there is nothing like a classic car

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  One Fun Ride - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By RR - July 13 - 6:30 am

  I have a 2007 Vette CV to compare and the new GT 500 CV. The GT 500 is more fun to drive because it seems faster regardless of Road and Track articles. I am not into racing or burning tires but if you hold the GT 500 down very long you better have no distractions and a pretty long straight ahead of you because the pavement will go by like you are leaving the airport in a jet. The Vette has more options and obviously more finess. Compare a Vette to the Honda Goldwing and this new GT 500 to the Harley Vrod Screaming Eagle all of which I have owned. They are very different cars. I started off driving a Roush CV and moved to the 500 due to the subdued exhaust and better resale in my opinion

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  I like my truck. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By C L Pater - July 13 - 2:06 am

  Excellent for towing and just hard work. The truck is a very attractive unit.