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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  2006 Ford Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By PETER SHEWITZ - November 21 - 2:20 pm

  I generally like the Escape. However, the gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired I am getting less that 16 mpg in the city and 20-21 on the highway. You would think that for a small suv Ford would be able to do better in the MPG area. Also, this is the first suv that I have owned, I was a little suprised at the bumpy ride, although not terrible still a bit rough.

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  Love my Edge! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Linda - November 21 - 11:45 am

  I have owned my 2007 Edge for 2 weeks now and I love it! Was hoping for higher MPG (so far 21 combined city/highway). It is fun to drive, comfortable and quiet. This is the 1st Ford I have ever owned and I think I made a good choice.

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  Not missin the mini-van! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ridgerider - November 21 - 9:52 am

  Ive run up 62,000 trouble free miles on our 05. This is a good "trip car", with flexible seating/cargo options and highway fuel economy in the mid to upper 20s. Comfortable and quiet. The Freestyle is a bit sluggish from a dead stop, but acceleration is decent after that. Weve taken vacations and moved kids to college handily with this vehicle. The disappearing third row seats are easy to use and are not too bad to sit in. The roof rack is pretty stout, a solid platform for a bike rack or rooftop carrier.

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  Not happy - 2005 Ford Escape
  By highlander - November 20 - 8:47 am

  Bought this vehicle new in 2004. No major problems for the first 40k miles other than the "fragile" paint. It is covered with pain chips that form rust almost immediately. Next I had brake problems that were repaired free due to a service bulletin on the rotors. The spare tire release rusted out and was replaced. The seat cloth is easy to stain/hard to clean. Headlight has developed condensation problem - will be replaced shortly. The engine is now drinking antifreeze. Cant find any leaking so it must be a more severe problem. Driver side door seal torn apart due to a poorly placed screw in the door trim. Overall Im not happy with my Ford Escape and will not be a repeat customer.

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  Americas Pony Real Good Fun - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By carockwell - November 19 - 6:47 pm

  Being a Euro car snob I was more than surprised with how much I liked my wifes midlife crisis car. The new Mustangs have everything I always liked about American cars and none of the problems. The convertible is quiet, dry, easy to use, and little buffeting compared to other convertibles. The car handles extremely well, it is very controllable/predictable on the track and well balanced. The power is amazing, but what would I know I used to drive a Fiat. By far the biggest surprise with this car is how comfortable the car is on long trips. I can drive 800 miles and feel great when I get out. So far, I get 18.7 mpg overall which is okay considering the power and automatic transmission.

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  Still Running Great - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Maureen - November 19 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had my Explorer Sport for several years & and now at 133k & several WI winters later its still running well. The alternator is the only significant part thats failed. Keep up with the regular maintenance & you shouldnt have problems. Perfect for driving around town & for hauling things. Ill probably be replacing this one with another 02 or 03 since those were the last years for the 2DR.

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  2005 Mustang Coupe Premium - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jen - November 18 - 10:30 am

  I enjoy driving this vehicle. It has great lines on the exterior of the car. I enjoy the looks that I receive when I pull up alongside another car. Have I mentioned the numerous compliments that I have received? Its great when merging onto the expressway.

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  Now I can be objective - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Craig - November 17 - 10:27 am

  My Edge has the vista roof. Unfortunatly, the headliner was not attached properly and it was haning down and it rattled like crazy. It took four trips to the dealer, but they were really good and finally got the parts. Rattle and sagging are completly fixed. Now, I can drive this car without being constantly annoyed. I get great gas mileage (24 mpg hwy) and the car is very easy to drive and fairly responsive for a SUV. I like the reverse stiching in the seats.

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  One thing after another - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Go Aces - November 16 - 5:31 pm

  Two weeks after the purchase: Rear wiper no longer works Pax window didnt roll up. 2 coils had to be replaced four weeks after purchase: New battery. New alternator six weeks after purchase: "CD Error" on CD player This truck is more trouble than its worth. Why cant the local dealership fix it right. It seems they plan these breakdowns to get more money. One more thing goes wrong and I am selling the damn thing.

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  Good car but not for big people - 2007 Ford Focus
  By tcumpire - November 16 - 8:36 am

  The 07 Focus is a good little car. It has all the features that you need to have a comfortable ride except for space. If youre a bigger person (Im 64") the leg room up front can be a little cramped.