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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  Best Ford Ever! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By toothfairy - October 19 - 10:17 am

  We purchased a dealer demo and a great price and we couldnt be happier! This car drives and rides better than BMW or Lexus! I drove to NC (over mountains) and got over 25mpg! Have owned Ford for over 14 years and this is the best one yet! My parents drove it when we got it and went out 2 days later and bought one, and someone my husband works with test drove it and went out the next day and bought his wife one! This CUV is quiet and has no trouble with pick-up or speed. A real family vehicle and you feel like you are driving a sports car! Test drive one...you wont be sorry!

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  DONT BUY A MUSTANG! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By stnghot - October 19 - 12:41 am

  I made the mistake of buying one of these 2006 lemons. It is sitting in the shop w 46000 miles on it..the bill? $3000. Entire rear diff has to be replaced including the axles are shot. Theres a service bulletin so get yours checked! Ford offered to pay 750..I drive it like a baby and a rear diff should not go out that early. Research and you will find Im not the only one. Im not fixing this lemon. Its going to its grave and Im buying a foreign car. Called Ford..they said thanks for calling...they dont stand behind their cars so why would I put myself in one? Perfect personalized plate would be FORDLMN if I was gonna keep it. Save yourself the hassle and heartache....dont buy one.

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  Solid, fun drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By pakman6 - October 19 - 12:40 am

  My 6 cyl. Contour replaced an 88 Subaru that quit at 150K (so you know how hard I am on a car). I purchased the Contour with 60K and now have 117. We have been everywhere from North Dakota to New Jersey, up to the top of the Black Hills on a dirt road and down plenty of country gravel roads as well as cities and interstates. Aside from the mediocre mileage (20-30), it has been a joy to drive, easy on the eye, and much less costly to maintain than the Subaru, though I fear those days are numbered. Only one minor oil leak (compared to the Subaru that must have had a sieve for a gasket) and various this and thats. A nice car, not the most durable out there, but still solid.

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  New owner pleased - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By C. J. Gianakaris - October 19 - 12:00 am

  As a brand new owner of a 06 Ford Freestyle (Limited AWD), I can verify that the vehicle possesses numerous highly desirable attributes, i.e., seating that can accommodate grandkids, abundant comfort in its seat, sufficient get-up-and-go, splendid handling, and welcome elevated driver-seat height. Except for carping about need for more horsepower, everything most auto magazine critics write has proven accurate. Those claiming the Freestyle is not acceptable without more horses must be speed freaks. There is enough available power for most "regular" drivers.

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  Who said not to buy American? - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By jared - October 18 - 8:45 pm

  I absolutely love my Mustang. Although it isnt the V8 it still has decent power. The best oart about it is the styling inside and especially out, it makes the car so fun to drive. Ford did something right with this car too becuase I havent had to fix it once. All my friends and family love it.

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  Good yet anoying - 1997 Ford Contour
  By kurenai07 - October 18 - 8:31 pm

  A decent car. Nothing too special about it. Drives and handles well. And the fronts seats are pretty comfy.

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  Excellent choice - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Indiania - October 18 - 8:13 pm

  When decided to purchase a crossover knew we did not like a Pilot, experience with my father in laws pilot, test drove several different model came down to Highlander and Edge. Went on a trip and rented a Highlander for a week came home and purchased an Edge. Returned last night from a 900 mile trip and have nothing but good to say about the Ford. Good mile comfortable ride, lots of power, goes good in the snow.

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  My Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By hutsonb - October 18 - 6:53 pm

  I bought an Escape after owning a 1992 and a 2000 Explorer. Since Explorer increased its size, I didnt need anything that big so I settled for the Escape. I did not know if I would like the front wheel drive but it was easy to get used to. As far as the ride, Interior size and comfort, and the engine performance, I am very satisfied.

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  2007 Ford Edge Review - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Ford Edge Owner - October 18 - 2:42 pm

  We have had the vehicle for four months and have been very impressed. We traded a 2002 Ford Explorer and have had no regrets. I am 62" and am very pleased with the leg room, both front and back. Leg room and shoulder room is better than our old Explorer. It drives very smoothly and acceleration is more than adequate. The panoramic vista moonroof is wonderful and the reclining rear seats are very inviting. Road handling is is authoritative and minor bumps go relatively unfelt. The only thing we lost was rear cargo space, as our Explorer had significantly more room in the rear cargo area. However, this was not one of our criteria. We wholeheartedly recommend the Ford Edge.

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  2006 Ford Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Haig - October 18 - 9:24 am

  Very nice car which I am replacing with a TaurusX. We have had no problems with this vehicle since leasing it in 2005. It is comfortable, well designed and gets very good gas mileage for such a large vehicle. It has plenty of pep once it gets going but a little slow when accelerating from a stop.