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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  More fun for the money! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By bjmbjm1998 - February 20 - 2:36 pm

  I did way more research than average person being a gearhead. I knew the strengths and weekness of the SUV before i bought a used one. I knew because of the way Ford designs their 4 valve engines, it would eat more gas. The secret to good gas mileage is an easy foot. One thing the Escape has is the ability to pull 3,500 lbs towing. This engine gives it that ability when you need it. The problem most people will have is that it can scoot quick if you nail the gas pedal. Thus your mileage will drop fast by pushing hard. I waited to buy the top of the line till it was 2 years old. Much better price! Paid $16,900 for a loaded Limited with sunroof and tow package and 18,000 miles. Youll love it!

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  worst car in the history of cars - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jessica - February 20 - 12:20 pm

  This car is the worst car Ive ever had. I bought it used in 2013 with 60k miles on it and I thought I was getting a good deal. But EVERYTHING has gone wrong with this car! It could have partially been because it was possibly poorly maintained by the previous owner, but it has been an absolute nightmare! The radio stopped working after about a month, the fuel pump went out within 2 months, the timing belt, serpentine belt, motor mounts, spark plugs, radiator hose, thermostat, and alternator all went out within a year and now the cooling fans are out. When I replaced the alternator it then went out again a little over a year later too. This car has left me stranded 3 times!!! I have done all necessary maintenance on time since owning it, but there is always a new problem to be had. The electrical issues have been the worst problem, it took several mechanics and 2 alternators, pigtail connectors, and a new battery cable harness just to keep it from dying and yet it still has electrical issues. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! I cant stress it enough!

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  First Time Ford Owner. - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By The Five Farrells - February 20 - 5:19 am

  Main reason I wanted to purchase this was its stylish body look, and the feel I got when I was sitting behind the wheel.Totally feel at ease when the wife and kids are doing their thing (school, sports, errands, etc.). I am confident in their safety, and confident that the vehicle will perform as directed in the brochures we read. Ford did a quality job with the redesign because we are going to stay in the Ford Family of Freestar. Look for the five Farrells in 2006 when we will be ready to trade up to a newer version.I am impatient to wait...and confident you will continue to compete with the foreign vehicles on the market.

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  Cant kill this --except the tranny : ) - 1992 Ford Escort
  By David Pasette - February 20 - 2:46 am

  Religious 3,000 mi oil changes & front brakes every 30,000. Thats all this reliable vehicle required. I never liked the transmission, and its clear that many Fords suffer the same fate as mine... it went before anything else did. Since I had 144k miles on it, I felt the car didnt owe me anything. Before I donated it, the wiper relay went ($140 to replace by special order from the dealer) so I gave up the good fight. When the final tow removed the vehicle from my possession, I was sad. I sincerely believe a $1,000 investment in the car would have bought another 144k miles. Averaged over 30 mpg throughout its lifespan, & took me from my 1st job out of college (92) to my 2nd child (05).

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  First 4WD SUV - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Ann Johnston - February 20 - 2:31 am

  Very pleased so far (1 month). Determined to buy a Ford this time for their good history; no bail out and American.

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  Best T-bird ever! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By MacLeod - February 19 - 5:01 pm

  Ive had four Thunderbirds before this an old 57 I bought used, an 84 Elan, an 88 Turbo Coupe, a 90 Super Coupe. I liked them all a lot, but the 05 is the best ever.

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  Still discovering - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Marie - February 19 - 4:23 pm

  I just bought the car in July, so I have some things to discover. But my overall first impression is great. I sold my 1997 Explorer to buy this 2005 Freestyle. The Freestyle takes a little getting used to how it drives. My Explorer would coast down in speed rather quickly. The Freestyle will coast forever and lose very little momentum, thus in the beginning I was having to brake hard quite a bit. The brakes work great, and the ABS is not super sensitive. I have checked out the 7 passenger seating filling it to capacity with adult men. All fit comfortably. The ride is quiet. However when the auto AC is set, the blower can be quite loud.

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  Love My Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bil Keane - February 19 - 12:59 pm

  I remember well the original T-Bird. At the time, I couldnt afford one, and by the time I could, it was upsized, downsized and removed from the market altogether. While not a true sports car, it is sporty enough for most conservative adults. It handles well on the road and is much quieter than you would expect from a convertible. On the downside, its not the best car for folks over 6 with the soft top. There is however plenty of headroom with the optional hard top. Definitely a head turner. If you dont like people constantly asking you about your car, you better not get one.

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  Would do it again! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Christie - February 19 - 12:24 pm

  Have had three of these vehicles and loved them all. Would purchase this vehicle again.

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  A Pretty Good SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Wildbill - February 18 - 11:23 pm

  I bought the Explorer used. At first I had to replace the head gaskets due to oil and antifreeze leaks. That took about $1000 which really bumed me out on it. Since then it has been a good vehicle.