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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  A Great Value & Confident Decision - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim - July 6 - 4:43 am

  Purchased a few weeks ago after test driving just about every SUV out there. Our choice was a Limted AWD, Black on Black. We have received numerous compliments from friends and family. Other vehicle is a Acura MDX, and the Freestyle is equal in equipment (if not more) and ride. Average 17+mpg city. I am 63" and there is plenty of room both rear seating areas. Handling is extremely responsive and the 18" wheels really stand out. Freestyle is much cheaper than comparable X-SUVs with same equipment and it doesnt ride like a truck!

• 

  A Great Value & Confident Decision - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim - July 6 - 4:43 am

  Purchased a few weeks ago after test driving just about every SUV out there. Our choice was a Limted AWD, Black on Black. We have received numerous compliments from friends and family. Other vehicle is a Acura MDX, and the Freestyle is equal in equipment (if not more) and ride. Average 17+ mpg city. I am 63" and there is plenty of room both rear seating areas. Handling is extremely responsive and the 18" wheels really stand out. Freestyle is much cheaper than comparable crossover SUVs with same equipment and it doesnt ride like a truck!

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  Nice Care with some design flaws - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Dave - July 6 - 1:23 am

  Beautiful Car! I love to drive it. Chose it over a Z-4. Large doors for easy access but become problems when parked in garage or parking lot. Interior plastic could be much better quality. Bottle holders on arm rest really get in the way. Performance is exceptional and will leave everything on the road behind. Golf clubs fit in trunk. Sound system is outstanding. Dealership was excellent, especially pricing. Options needed include day/night automatic mirrors and heated outside mirrors. If I had to do it over, would probably buy the BMW 3 Series convertible.

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  Great Truck, Tons of Room - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Big Mech - July 5 - 11:49 pm

  After having a 1994 Ranger STX, Im hooked on having a pickup, but needed something I could fit the expanding family in. The Super Crew fit the bill perfectly. Im 66" and this a very comfortable for me. Its great for the snow here in New England, and is easy to drive considering how big it is. The 5.4L has more than enough power to get this truck around. We have had it for 2 years with no problems, and the gas mileage is better than expected, as its no worse than my Ranger which had the 4.0L V6

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  Impressive - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By lawfin - July 5 - 1:46 pm

  So impressed with this car. Numerous times on the drive back from the dealer I would say, "This is so much fun to drive, I cannot believe this is a Ford." Mine has the voice-nav, and I love the huge 8 display. Sync is wonderful, and it is just a treat to drive. I enjoy getting in a car again and driving. My MPG is up to 17.5, but the oomph from the 3.5L duratec is phenom. The sport suspension takes turns like no other. So happy. Sirius Sat radio is another plus.

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  Mighty Mouse - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Ed - July 5 - 3:27 am

  I love my Ford Ranger. I think that a Ford Ranger is the best vehicle that a teenager can own. It has all the get up and go that I need, never lets me down, and is easy to beef up, performance-wise.

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  So far, so good - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By mom of 2 - July 4 - 8:58 pm

  I dreaded moving from my Subaru to a minivan, but I love my Freestar! Bought it used (it was a corporate lease) and saved about $15,000 off new price. The 4.2 liter engines gives me plenty of power and considering the size of the vehicle, Im not unhappy with the fuel economy. Ive gotten about 18 mph so far. I like the feeling that Im driving the vehicle, its not driving me, like with the Caravan and Sienna I tested. I will buy an extended warranty just in case. Time will tell.

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  I wont do this again! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Bruce Heckman - July 4 - 3:36 pm

  Car has been an expensive nightmare -- head gasket repair, transmission repair, bad electrical system, swallowed a valve. We were initially pleased with this van, but it has been a non-stop money pit. The service at the Ford dealers has been the worst automotive experience of my life. Never again.

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  Very smooth ride - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By David E. Johnson - July 4 - 2:30 pm

  I was in the market for a reliable used car and I test drove several. The comfort and road handling features of my Taurus Wagon were hard to duplicate in other vehicles. I have put a lot of miles on the car and it has held up very well. Lots of room too.

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  STEP AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Marty - July 4 - 1:23 pm

  My Ford Escape is self-destructing as I write - the CD player wont eject without help from my license, the rear wiper doesnt work, the right inside door panel is coming off, the shift indicator light works once in a while, the alternator had to be replaced at 24K, the right rear door doesnt shut without being slammed (this was supposedly fixed by the dealer), the doors are hard to open - feels like the door handle is going to break off (probably will soon), the left running board is separating from itself and its difficult to shift out of park when parked on a hill. The defrost only works with the visors down, the a/c is inadequate. Could go on and on, but am out of room.