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 little of everything - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Karen - September 30 - 3:06 pm

  Have driven this vehicle since September after moving to a mountain town with high roads that my car couldnt handle. Survived the winter great with the four by four. This truck loved the snow and clambered through it without difficulty. Had to replace the brakes at 42,000 miles after the previous owner had to replace at 20,000. From what I have read this is a consistent problem. The car creaks and makes weird noises that no vehicle with 50,000 miles should make. I love the back, and have the full cover. My dog travels back there happy as can be and I dont have to worry about his safety (completely enclosed) or dog hair. If he wants to visit all we have to do is lower window.

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  222,460 miles, and runs and looks new. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By john Damps - September 30 - 1:04 pm

  this truck just looks awesome,i keep it because its unusual ,ext cab 4x4 5,4 3 valve, 300 hp,365 tourq,i have a 2012 chevy 1500 4x4 z71 with 5,3, gets better milage than the ford, power is just as good and rides great, and a 2012 chevy 2500 4x4 with 6.0 gas motor,tows my 22 ft skeeter bass boat and my heavy equipment, I have towed 16,500 lbs,my john deere 50 excavator and 3500lbs trailor with no problem and have a 9,3 ft boss v-plow,i keep the ford because its paid for and its mint, not 1 spot of rust, the fram -springs undercarage is like new,i love the Wedgwood blue and tan 2 tone,and the flair side is rair and I love it,somehow ford makes it feel and drive big,i love the captian chairs and big tow mirrors,with signal lights,its a little hard on gas in town ,not bad on highway,but the 5,3 chevy is better on feul,but there is a million of them,their not many flair side fords,so ill keep driving it, its the sharpest truck they made, and I had a 07 Lincoln mark lt , the chevy 2500 has its place in my company its a work horse,but I want to see if I can get 500,000 miles out of my o4 f 150,[fords best truck in a half ton] the new turbo v6 I dont trust,i think there a gimmick,lets see them at 220k,than talk to me,long live the v-8

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Goldsboro, NC - September 30 - 12:06 pm

  A very comfortable vehicle with plenty of acceleration, yet excellent gas mileage for a vehicle of this size and capability. It has easy to use multiple configurations that make it truly versatile. I have yet to find a use/configuration that did not exceed my expectations.

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  Hate to park it - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Fla Driver - September 30 - 8:53 am

  From engine start up to engine shut down it is an experience I have not had since I was 19 in a new SS 396 Chevelle. Pure unadulterated fun and enjoyment.

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  Good Car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Cobraguy - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Great power, very fun car, exotic performance and blue collar price

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  gotta love my Mach1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By pony6271 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mach 1 3 weeks ago, and I love it. The best ride I have ever had, fun to drive is off the charts on this car.

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  Terrific Rocky Mountain Vehicle - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By wyomingoil - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my 2001 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4WD. We live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the weather can get pretty nasty. I have never felt unsafe driving on any road condition incuding deep snow over thick ice. I love the way it looks and drives. It has all the bells and whistles (except the back-up warning sensor, which I will get next time). It is very roomy for kids, grandkids, and dogs...all at once! I would highly recommend an Expedition as a much better-looking alternative to a minivan.

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  A Real Truck - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By e350v10 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  After towing a 6,000 lb travel trailer for 3,000 miles with a Lincoln Aviator, I decided it was time for a real truck. The Powerstroke (Intl) diesel is getting 22MPG highway, 14.5 with the trailer - as compared to 14 and 7.5 with the Aviator. A HUGE difference - plus diesel is cheaper than premium. The 44 gallon tank gives us an 800 mile range, while the Aviator had a 180 mile range. The Limited has the same options as the Aviator, except for the cooled seats and navigation. The space is fabulous and although the size takes getting used to, it isnt that big if a deal. I put an $1800 Banks Six Gun PowerPack on it that boosts the HP to 500 and torque to 800 - amazing power

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  Ford Has A Big Hit With This One - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By parched - September 29 - 11:03 pm

  What I like best about this car is the feeling of total satisfaction I get. I never write reviews but this car has made me want to brag about it. Nothing but tens in all categories for it. Great handling and steering, fantastic sound system, quick response, great braking, great viewability and the backup warning system has proved to be a valuable asset. While the car was a little more expensive than a regular Escape, Im satisfied that the fuel savings will make up for it in less than 2 years. Oh wait! There is that nice little tax *credit* too! That chops payback to about 14 months. Topping it off, my 12 year old thinks Im kewl for going green. What is that worth?

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  You dont Know what your missing - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Daniel17 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car ever built with 260hp, this car was made to fly.