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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  Air conditioned seats have won my heart - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mostly Pleased - May 1 - 10:08 pm

  I just traded my 2003 Eddie Bauer for an 2005 Limited with the navigation system. So far the nav system is not very acurate. The power of the new engine is a plus. The front seats come with both heat and cooling my favorite option here in South Florida. Getting the limited with all the options is not the easiest. I would have liked the moon roof as well. Over all very nice SUV.

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  No Problems - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By DoubleL - May 1 - 6:26 pm

  I have just hit 150k in my Windstar and have had very few problems. A starter and my interior lights stayed on once (sensor problem) always drive sanely and take good care of it. Still looks and drives beautifully.

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  I finally own a Thunderbitd! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Cuban medio tiempo - May 1 - 3:21 pm

  Love its look and handling. Fun to drive and own. A sports car and yet affordable.

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  My First Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam Mayle - May 1 - 3:10 pm

  I find this to be a very pleasurable and comfortable auto. From its quick response when you step on the gas to the take charge of road cockpit which gives you a sense of being above the road instead of down on it. If something were to happen to my Five Hundred I would replace it tomorrow with the same car. This time Ford definitely did their homework.

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  Why I like my Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By BILL WAECHTER - May 1 - 10:40 am

  First and most importantly, I have had no complaints from my wife about this vehicle. It is great to have a seven passenger vehicle with plenty of cargo room and seating versatility that will get close to 30 mpg on the highway with out being some Japanese car.

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  Good car if it wasnt for... - 2011 Ford Edge
  By jeff - May 1 - 8:59 am

  My particular Edge gave me problems in acceleration (an annoying delay), and if I slowed down and then accelerated it would slam into gear.

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  love it - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By ny driver - May 1 - 4:04 am

  Love everything about this vehicle. The only con is the plastic interior compared to the upholstered Windstar. Great driving and solid. Wish the DVD player did not block the rear window.

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  Church Van driver - 2005 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By blaine9199 - May 1 - 2:50 am

  This is the church van used 4-6x week. Great van gets the members to/from safely. ride is very comfortable for such a big van, ours is 15 passenger. Smooth on hwy, not bad on side streets with LOTS of Michigan potholes. No repairs so far @245,000. Sounds like brand new. No noises. Plastic interior is a little cheap. Triangle piece on door comes off if lightly pulled. Doors close tight no rattles. Seats are easy enough to get in/out. Simple lever system. I love driving it, but hate backing it up. It is huge! Good views all around, no real blind spots except in back when people walk to close to bumper, scary. I dont bounce like in trucks thats nice. No complaints really

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  Fords Surprise Winner - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By BenS - May 1 - 12:00 am

  The Ford Freestyle is our first-ever American car. My wife chose it over the Pilot, Outback and Freelander. This car is the 21st century vehicle that fills the gap in the market left by Volvo years ago when they discontinued the 240DL wagon and moved upmarket. The Freestyle is well-built, sensible, spacious, stylish but not flashy, and yes, boxy. Despite the unassuming profile, strangers check it out and friends ask *lots* of questions. We love this car so far. Gas mileage is good. 3rd row seat is spacious and comfortable. The ride is great-good stability, nice brakes, smooth transmission. Even the dog appreciates the low trunk after jumping in & out of an SUV for years.

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  F150 STX - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By royc62 - April 30 - 6:16 pm

  My truck is an 2004 F-150 STX version 4.2 and 5 speed. It is a lot of fun to drive. Can pull pop up trailer with no problem. I was afraid that the 4.2 would not be able to handle the things I do, but was I ever wrong. The STX is the sport truck version. I mostly got this truck because of the price. At $14,350 it was less than a lot of used trucks.