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 Pleased - 2007 Ford Escape
  By robocop - April 10 - 10:57 pm

  Purchased for 19,500 with 6 CD, Sunroof and Tow. With 700 miles Im getting 20 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy. 4WD on snow packed country roads (a lot of hills) is great. Handling on the hwy in snow, rain or dry pavement is excellent. Fold flat rear seats and rear cargo size allow me to take my 2 Dobermans on long trips with everyone being comfortable. I shopped and test drove many other SUVs in this size and I made the right choice with the Escape. No rattles, shakes or shimys.

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  Watch Those Brakes - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By OmarV - April 10 - 10:36 pm

  I have a 2000 E350 Superduty van with v10. Performance is great - gas mileage ... well you dont buy a v10 for the mileage, you buy it for the POWER. The problem is I have 4 wheel disc brakes and after 45,000 miles I needed a brake job. What I discovered is that Ford uses cheap discs which rusted and required all four replaced. The cost was out of sight! My suggestion is watch out when buying used; check the discs.

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  07 Eddie Bauer - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Dave - April 10 - 8:25 pm

  SUV is a fine vehicle except for the fact that I have to drive a mile or two before it will upshift into the higest gear. This contributes to excessive noise and kills gas mileage

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  Zero To Hero - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Paul - April 10 - 1:03 pm

  I traded in my manuel Protege for this so my wife could drive also and hated it from the start because it was boring and I didnt have trust in Ford cars. Now its my work car and after driving it more I have learned to love it and trust it. Its had zero problems so its my hero. Just wish it was a manual with a cd player and power windows, but its the base. Overall this is the best vehicle to have for a work car. I hope it stays this good for the next 50k since its got 50k on it now.

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  01 Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Jerry S - April 10 - 12:06 pm

  Power and handling are about what Id expect from this V6. My wife started driving it as a company car with about 6K. We bought it from her company at 36K. Goodyear did all maintanance to there. I have done all maintanence since, Mobil 1 oil. Trans service regularly. The EGR went out at 36K and again at 100K. Three sensors are out now with 107K showing. I had to take it to a shop to replace the serp. belt as there is not enough clearance to put my wrenches on it. Then the belt adjuster blew up at about 60K. Back to the shop. To replace plugs is major surgery. Brakes and suspension have lasted as expected. Locks quit at about 100K. My daughter drives it now so all bets are off.

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  An Unsung Gem - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By shotsy - April 10 - 10:13 am

  Press had lower reviews for power and styling of this car, but I like it. The Limited version looks very nice from all angles. Body is solid. You can tell the door and panel structure is well engineered (doesnt have that paper thin feeling). The power is fine for me as I dont view it as a sports car. Interior is very clean looking (no unnecessary clutter on dash or console). This car is an excellent choice for taller people like myself. This is the first car I have owned where my knees are not hitting the dash even with the seat all the way back. Plenty of headroom as well.

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  2006 Ford Freestar - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Jim - April 10 - 8:01 am

  This van has plenty of power and is very comfortable and versatile. Fuel economy is fair, but build quality so far has been good. Our family finds the second row bucket seats to be convenient. We strongly recommend the Freestar.

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  Well Done - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Bernie - April 10 - 4:51 am

  Solid truck. Surprised by price vs quality. Went to get a Dodge Ram. Upset at first. Fuel economy is great. Plenty of get up. Would not put a plow on it.

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  Fun and Practical - 2004 Ford Escape
  By abswheeler - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Perfect for a mom on the go! The V6 is powerful, the size is perfect, and tows a trailor wonderfully. I highly reccomend this vehicle. The interior has gotten more comfortable since the last model.

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  f-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By my04cobra - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Best truck ever. awesome for going off road!!! lots of power. very cofortible. this is y itz been the #1 selling vehicle for 26 years stragiht!