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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  Really Great Truck - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - September 6 - 10:42 pm

  My wife and I purchased the fully loaded Limited in Jan 2008. We have almost 50k on the truck now and I have to say its one of my favorite cars Ive ever owned. For the most part there have been no problems until recently. If you know Ford - you know they have electrical issues. My GPS system broke, but I had the extended warranty so it cost me $100 deductible. Also had problems with the gears on the windows (they would move up/down really slow or not at all in extreme heat/cold. Overall though its been an amazing truck and when compared to the Tahoe it was an easy decision. Especially with the auto fold flat seats in the 3rd row. I would highly recommend this truck.

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  My first sports car - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By jimmy G. - September 6 - 3:56 am

  Well I just had this car for couple of days at the time of writing this review. But my initial impressions were pretty good. My out the door price was 25K even(after adding auto trans, security package, rear spoiler, and side stripes). Think I got a good deal from the dealer and Im happy. One thing I dont understand is the fact that the max speed for V6 is wimpy 113 mph. 113 mph for a 305 horse car? Come on, even VW Jetta can go that fast. Other than that, everything seems to be good so far.

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  06 SEL Freestar 44,000 mile update - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By RW - September 3 - 12:12 pm

  Purchased 06 Freestar van new in October 06. Loved the interior seating arrangements, shoulder and leg room for first and second rows. Third row bench folds flat and is a bit too low when in use. Lots of cargo room when stored though. Engine has lots of torque but has been detuned (4.2 L should give far more then 200 hp).

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  Great Car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Ramsey - September 2 - 9:22 pm

  I am surprised on some of the negative reviews on the Fusion. Purchased my Fusion in March of 07 and now with close to 80,000 miles, have not had a single issue with the car. Change oil and go. Very roomy interior, not claustrophobic back seats like the Audi A4 and the VW Jetta. I like the car for what it is, a reliable transportation to work and for long haul trips with the family. Not an exciting car to drive, but has performed great so far. Thank you Ford for this excellent engineering and design.

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  Awesome Little Truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Pbennett - September 2 - 7:11 pm

  After looking at new trucks and suffering sticker shock, I started looking at used trucks and I was still shocked! The prices they wanted for Toyotas and Nissan trucks was outrageous. I knew I was just buying a name, since my research shows that the Ford trucks were either better or on par with any Japanese truck. I bought my 2006 Ranger XLT SuperCab for $10,000. It had 43,000 miles on it and came with the reliable, Vulcan 3.0 V6. Yes, the Ranger is dated but Ford has worked 99% of the Bugs out of this truck line. I dont need a Godzilla Truck with a Godzilla price tag, to haul brush, furniture, my dead deer and me to work everyday! This is a super truck no matter how you look at it!

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  No problems - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By bill - September 2 - 2:19 pm

  Have had the vehicle almost 5 years. During that time it has been trouble free, other than brake and battery replacement. Based on my driving experience I would buy another Ford product.

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  All American Sedan - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By fordguy4ever - September 1 - 11:00 pm

  This car has plenty of power and features in the class. The design is very American with the garish chrome grill and the plastic on the dash looks like walrus hide but is sturdy. Sync is simply amazing. The seats are well bolstered and supportive. This is a very good reliable American sedan that is fun to drive and nifty.

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  Three weeks and having 2nd thoughts. - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Finler - September 1 - 9:17 pm

  Well first let me start by saying I really like the F150 XLT line. My XLT came with the 5.4 L V8 Flex Fuel Engine. Which was not a selectable option for this review. The quiet ride is great. Sync tech is really cool and a treat to use. I traded in a 2007 Ford F150 XLT 4x4 with approx 25,000 miles. At first I didnt realize that this newer model wasnt as capable. I was whisked away by the look, creature comforts and rhetoric of the salesman. Shame on me for not investigating further. My old truck would tow approx 9200+ lbs while this one will only tow approx 8100+ lbs. The problem isnt the engine, its the axle ratio. Why did they marry a 5.4 v8 to a 3.31 axle? Reduced performance? NOT GOOD.

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  Needs more power - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By edgeowner - September 1 - 3:18 pm

  Purchased this vehicle as a way to get around logging roads for camping and fishing and to haul kayaks. Interior is appealing -- very clean and low maintenance. Exterior is very appealing. Paint lacks quality (black). My model EDGE is a 2x4 with 4x4 torsion bar suspension. This makes for some very difficult situations off-road. I have been stuck in situations where a 1 ton Buick could have got its way out -- but not this thing. Drives very nice on twisty mountain highways. The only major concern I have is the amount of engine vibration in the 3.0 L it is very very unstable past 2k and doesnt feel/sound healthy after 3.5k. Fuel mileage is okay if your driving like you are retired.

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  door locks - 2007 Ford Focus
  By George Duranleau - September 1 - 2:53 pm

  Its too easy to lock door with electronic door locks when keys are in ignition.