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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  Not bad - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Charlie - June 4 - 10:19 am

  It is going on 3yrs and about 30,000 miles and no major problems. New brakes as others have mentioned were replaced (covered by Ford). The tires need to be replaced soon. Gas mileage okay (about 18-20 city). Ride is good with plenty of room. Wondering if extended warranty is good idea as with any vehicle.

• 

  Best all around SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Clayton - June 3 - 9:23 pm

  I dont understand why all the bad reviews, I bought this used in Nov 08. My oil cooler lines also went, I was told at the time that its a common problem with the Escapes, but mine was fixed under warranty in a day. Lots of room for 4 people, great gas milage, enough pep for me for an SUV, these are not made to win races. I did add a K&N air filter and got more horsepower and better milage.

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  Love my Stang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By dcstang - June 3 - 5:57 pm

  I have always wanted a convertable for my long commutes home. This is real therapy. I love my car- it has been very reliable. No problems AT ALL from 60-110,000 miles Ive had it. Soon it will need some maintanence, but probably expected. Gas mileage could be better, but its an older car with a TON of power under the hood. Pretty comfortable, but the back seat is impractical for adult use. I think only small kids actually fit. Good sized trunk for the size of the car and it always feels safe. I like the traction control feature and the handling is superb. Its an easy ride, although mine is a little loud which makes it difficult to hear sometimes. Its been a great ride and lots of fun!

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  Ford. Come on, you can do better! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By mzyeung - June 3 - 5:15 am

  I bought it used for 2 years but it was very low in millage. When the car was 6-7 years old, Out of the blue, the transmission just blew in the Highway. I was disappointed. Everything was perfect for a long time. We love American cars at home but it disappointed us every single time. We bought a new Hyundai Sonata recently.

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  Even 15 Years later a GREAT Car - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By GeeTee - June 2 - 2:10 pm

  Bought a 94 GT with the 5.0 V8 and AODE Tranny with 28k Miles on the clock, now not even 1 year later i have little more than 40k miles on the clock, because its a blast to drive. Powerfull even with the 2.73 Gears, could be quicker on the line but its because of the LOOONG gears, swap with 3.73s or 4.10s and you think you add a power adder )

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  Great little car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Shelley - June 2 - 1:42 pm

  I love my Ford Focus and am so glad I purchased it last year. It getsÂ’s great gas mileage and drives well. The only drawback to this vehicle is that it isnt great in the snow beyond that I have no complaints. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable inexpensive automobile as long as youÂ’re less than 6 ft tall, my husband is a bit uncomfortable in the drivers seat. It has all the bells and whistles you need without the expensive price tag.

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  1,300 miles 5 people + Luggage= Review - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Iceman - June 2 - 8:36 am

  This is my wifes car. I own a Fusion that I love dearly. We took a weekend trip to St. Louis for a funeral. Over 1,400 miles in one weekend with 5 people + luggage. I drive fast (around 90) and still got over 20 mpg for the trip. I could easily see 23-24 mpg fully loaded driving say 65 or 70. Not the fastest vehicle in acceleration but adequate for a family vehicle. Very stable in turns at expressway speeds. Change your tires which we just recently did from the original Continentals. New Goodyears are a huge improvement. This is a great family vehicle that is good on long trips. Ford hit a homerun again. These are cheap buys on the used market.

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  Overall very good but... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Juli - June 2 - 5:53 am

  I purchased my Freestyle AWD Limited in January and have 8K on it. I love the interior layout and overall design. But, it is definitely an American car. You can see the fit/finish on the interior is not quite as polished as a Japanese vehicle. Already a piece on the corner of the window has popped out of place. Plus the heated seats only stay on for 10 minutes at a time. I am still happy with the vehicle though but I think they can improve upon it. The CVT takes a while to get used to, the cruise control has a difficult time keeping an even speed on hills and the engine kicks on very high RPM going uphill if you try to maintain speed.

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  I stole it!! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By MasterSmeat - June 2 - 4:18 am

  I just bought a 1997 Taurus LX sedan for my mom. She lives in TX, and I live in CA. Her truck recently bit the dust and she was in bad need of a car but with very little money. I stumbled upon this beauty on Craigs List, and for $400 I had to check it out. The guy told me it would over heat, so I figured that it could only be a few things. Worst case scenario, the radiator is only $84 from rockauto.com. So, I limped it home and started with the cheapest parts first, thermostat, flush, and finally a water pump. So, with two days hard work, $500 and lots of grease and grime, my moms got a very strong and reliable car which I drove 1300 miles to her without a hiccup!

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  One of a Kind - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Moore - June 1 - 11:43 pm

  I have this to say about my Ranger. They dont make them like they used to. This truck is the most solid thing Ive ever owned. I was only 20 when I bought it and I was a little afraid to jump into a new truck that had totally been changed from the previous year. Best $10,270 Ive ever spent. Rangers RULE the light truck world! I plan on rebuilding it from the ground up and driving it until I can drive no more.