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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  Im Lovin It - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Spence - September 28 - 8:40 pm

  Freestyle even better than expected. Mileage really kicking in after about 4000 miles. 19-20 around Town and 26- 27 on highway trips. Love the Nav system. Very comfortable even for over 6 foot person. Cargo room has been great.

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  Wow! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By curio - September 28 - 4:16 pm

  My 2004 FX4 SuperCab has been nothing short of outstanding. The power for a 5.4L was a little weak at first, but I added a new air intake system and now the output is amazing. The engine is only a part of the story, as the design, build, and quality is bar none the best Ive ever encountered. It has the smoothest ride of any pickup Ive owned, as well as the quietest interior. The interior and exterior looks are outstanding too. I wasnt sure if the SuperCab was going to have enough room in the back, but the leg room is just fine. Another fine touch is that the rear side windows roll down. This truck is a keeper for many, many years.

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  100% RELIABLE - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JT - September 28 - 10:56 am

  I bought this Explorer new -- my first Ford. Loved the looks of it. I now have 69,000 absolutely trouble free miles -- some towing light trailers. Got over 50,000 on first set of tires. Other than pads and oil changes its never been in the shop. Best of all, not one squeak or rattle even after 69k miles, and Im paranoid about rattles. Interior design is a bit hokey but everything looks and works like new. In fact, the whole vehicle feels tight like new. I wish mileage was better for a V6 but I can live with it. I usually sell at around 75K miles but Ill keep this till one of us drops. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another. No, my last name is not Ford.

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  Ten months old with 10,000 miles - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By NewLightArt - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle! Subtly stylish, very comfortable, all with superior driving dynamics. Not too big on the outside, with major people/cargo capacity inside. Stable and predictable handling, even when driven very hard- moves very well for its size and weight. Unmatched on- road feel. Everyone who has driven it loves it. The size, safety features and crash test scores make me feel very safe driving it. I live on the coast and it does well off-roading on the beach. So far its holding up just fine, I have some minor issues but they are all covered by TSBs. Switch to full synthetic oil at first change; engine will sound much better during startup and under load.

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  We Love the Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By brucef - September 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car since my 98 Volvo V70 wagon. Design and driving wise it reminds me alot of the V70. It has a great ride quality (but not car like), very very comfortable seating (1st and 2nd row), steering and brakes have excellent feel and the handling is flat and taut. Interior design is clean looking and the exterior is clean and handsome (Ive had a surpising number of comments on it). It is very quiet and the 3.9 liter is quite smooth and quite (no truck-like droning here). The transmission shifting is almost unnoticable...like the V70. Like the base engine in the V70 the 3.9 is adequate, not overpowered but with a flawless character. The upperend stereo sound is quite good.

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  F-150 Still strong after all these years - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BuLL1 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  good truck. bit shabby on internal workmanship but still a strong truck.

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  THIS TRUCK IS AWESOME - 2005 Ford F-150
  By 04XLREGCAB4X4 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I DRIVE TRUCK FOR A LIVING AND WHEN I GET INTO THIS TRUCK, I FEEL THAT I COULD DRIVE 10000 MILES A DAY, AND THATS AFTER 400+ MILES IN A 2 TON TRUCK, SO YOU KNOW IM TIRED.

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  Great truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By TSchneider4x4 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed the car-like ride and the attractiveness of this truck. While the 4.6L lacks a little bit in power, the truck still performs nicely and handles like a dream. I would recommend this truck to any truck buyer who wants a real American truck that looks as great as it performs.

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By ford lover - September 28 - 8:36 am

  This has been the best truck that we have owned. With three kids it really makes it nice for them and they have plenty of leg room.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Stang2007 - September 28 - 12:23 am

  Ive had my car for about 3 months now and I still get excited about driving it anywhere! There is NOTHING in this price range that touches it either especially with the demise of the Camaro and Firebird. I cant tell you how many people have stopped me at the gas station to ask about my car or even at a stop light, commenting on how nice the car looks. I get about 18- 22 MPG driving in about 50% heavy traffic and 50% highway.