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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The Legend Lives On - 2007 Ford Mustang
By shrinkdoc - November 2 - 6:30 amFor us older baby-boomers Mustangs are well known as an iconic class of car. Until 2005 Mustangs had been gradually & pathetically compromised by quality and design beginning in the mid seventies. Now we have the best of both worlds, new age technology, cutting edge performance and classic design. Yes, they have cut a few corners, big deal. This particular design window and the features available has made this one of the new generation of collector cars. Somebody at Ford finally got "it." From the growl of the engine, to the stereo system, to the custom wheels and all the technology in between, it is everything we could never of dreamed up in the 60s. The most FUN! car I have ever owned.
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No Compromises Crossover - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By DerwoodTom - November 2 - 6:20 amJust got the Freestyle this week, and people ask what it is - and I respond a great vehicle. Plenty of features, leather seating, DVD, Moonroof, seats six (middle row buckets), and thoughtfully built. Nice features such as outside perimeter lighting, auto-dimming mirror for night driving, drivers side on door keypad is multi-functional. Drives great, plenty of pep around town, great passing from 50 - 70, at just over $28K, a great value compared to the few others with all these features and similar size. Tried looking at Toyota Highlander, Buick Rendevous, Honda Pilot, or another mini-van, but after 19 straight years of minivan life, this is a great change, even compared to our two sedans.
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05 Mustang GT is a great car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
By russe - November 1 - 9:10 amThe Mustang GT drives great and looks fantastic. It has very comfortable seats and is a pleasure to cruise in on the highway. I think its ultimate handling abilities exceed my willingness to explore them but when pushed through the twisties this car would probably put certain 2 seater sports cars to shame. With the 5 speed manual, the acceleration is outstanding and the incredible exhaust note under power makes the car a total blast to drive. Another thing I have noticed over the 4 months I have owned this car is that almost everyone who sees it, rides in it, or drives it wants one too. My wife loves the car too and we are extremely pleased with our purchase (our first Mustang by the way).
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Great Ride - 2014 Ford F-150
By Franklin Stork - November 1 - 1:52 amA buyer will get a lot of pickup for a very reasonable price. I purchased my STX at the end of the 2014 season so it was very well equipped with an excellent purchase price for a new vehicle.
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Very poor gas mileage - 2016 Ford Escape
By Justin - November 1 - 12:14 amI had fusion before this and got 33mpg highway. This only gets 19mpg. I would look at something else if your looking for gas mileage. The car itself is good, but the gas mileage gives the car a terrible rating.
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Minivan? We Dont Need No Stinkin Van! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
By New Car Owner - October 31 - 2:46 pmThank you Ford for giving us a good alternative to the minivan. We get all of the benefits of a van, without having to purchase a SUV that would never see a dirt road. Performance is acceptable, once you figure out "jamming the accelerator to the floor" to pass. The CVT does fine, although it takes some getting used to its lack of shifting. The vehicle is not a sports car, but it serves its purpose well, and is quite comfortable. It has the same handling characteristics as a van, but is very predictable in panic type maneuvers. Braking is consistently good, but some fade is noticed on long downhill situations. We average 25 MPG in mixed driving. So far we are pleased with our purchase.
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F150 Made me smile - 2005 Ford F-150
By Hinch0614 - October 30 - 11:40 pmExcellent Truck! I have had almost every model of Ford beginning with the Tempo. I traded a 2004 Ranger for this 05 F150 and havent looked back. Excellent cargo space, solid construction and virtually no road noise while driving it offroad or on. My only issue is that the 5.4L engine will wreck a gas tank quick. With prices as outrageous as they are, you will be looking at a $50+ tank close to once a week.
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Love my Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
By VA Guide - October 29 - 5:16 amBought this for commuting and long trips (my other car is a 350Z). Love it! I can hear the stereo and engage in conversations at 70 MPH. Very comfortable on long trips and in traffic. I live in a cabin on the woods so I appreciate the all wheel drive. I actually was deciding between an Infinity M35 AWD and the Ford 500. Couldnt justify the extra 20 grand for the M35.
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AWESOME RIDE! - 2005 Ford Mustang
By Silver stang by Al - October 29 - 3:06 amTook eight weeks to take delivery. Worth the wait. Awesome looking car. My eight year olds little league team went bonkers over it. I have everyone from teenagers to seniors asking me about the car. The red leather interior is outrageous. Here in south Florida where expensive and exotic cars are the norm, the car stands out. The V-6 is more than sufficient power plant. Drives awesome in the city and cruises at speed without a whisper. Only cars I have owned as fun to drive have been Beemers or Jaguar.
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2004 COBRA - 2004 Ford Mustang
By BILLY THE KID - October 29 - 2:00 amITS A GREAT CAR
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