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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  Poorly Designed AC - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By LA - July 2 - 3:30 pm

  I must start by saying I live in South Louisiana. Auto AC is critical for comfort. AC is a must about 340 days out of the year down here. Bought it used w/ 16K miles have about 22K. Purchased in the fall so didnt have the sweltering heat to truely test the AC when purchased. Noticed this summer the AC just wasnt cooling the cab off. Feels cold at the vent. Brought to dealer who said the same thing. Unfortunately, nothing can be done since nothing found (all levels in check). Ill be looking for a trade soon. Overall comfortable. Leather interior is nice. Paneling and rest of interior is just OK. Rides very well for SUV

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  Still Going - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Chazmo - July 2 - 11:47 am

  Other reviewers and friends of mine have "knocked" the Ford Explorer but my Explorer has been very good to me. It is a rugged, well-built vehicle that has proven reliable over the years.

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  A very competent vehical - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gator Fan - July 2 - 10:46 am

  Our family has enjoyed our Freestyle on trips, and it is not bad around town. It is easy to park. Mileage has been 18 to 20 in town, and 25 to 26 highway.

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  Great ride but loses its Spark - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By artwolf - July 1 - 6:18 pm

  I love this vehicle. but seem to have a little gremlin in the rlectrical system. Keep having components that will work for a while, then die, only to start working again later. Cannot trace the problem down. A real pain. Fuel cost is on the high side with only abou 16 mp/g on good days. But its paid for and looks great. 4WD tends to grind a bit and really kills the turn radius. But works like a charm when needed on ice and snow. Center cosnsole is vinyl not leather. Rear bass speaker practically impossible to change. Paint is not holding up to bird droppings. Abysmal acceleration in 6-cyl.

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  Reliable for over 5 years - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dk - June 30 - 9:07 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 2001. I have treated this car good and it has been good to me in return.The door latches had a recall on them because they would stick, and sometimes still do. My valve cover gasket needed replaced at around 83,000 mi. I have around 85,000 mi on it now. Other than that , I cant complain about the car. I live in the Cleveland area , so it has seen its share of brutal weather. It is not the best car in the world in snow, but it is way better than lets say a Mustang. The stereo system rocks and the car handles tight and has good pick up for a 4 cyl. For the money this car is not bad (the new ones) This was my first brand new car I have owned and I am glad.

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  Best Family Car all around, Bulletproof! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Troy - June 30 - 2:57 am

  We purchase used with 34K miles in mint condition after trading in our 2000 EB Expedition, the new body style and interior made our 2000 look like an 80s car. Such a powerful car, and finally drives like a midsized SUV, unlike the original Expeditions that drive like a badly lifted truck. That horrible triton click is finally gone too on the new Expedition. With 3 small children this SUV is like a traveling family room, DVD player (that actually plays thru the car speakers or headphones), plenty of room, power fold 3rd row seats, modern interior, I feel very safe with my kids in the car in this beast, people move out of your way when they see you coming. 10 MPG, but who cares?

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  Good buy for the money - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Donna - June 29 - 11:53 am

  I bought this car back in February of 2005, when the car I was driving at the time suddenly dropped dead. Im a little upset that I didnt get in on the "family deal" & get a few thousand dollars off of the car. But I had no choice. I needed a car. I went to the dealership and pretty much looked for the cheapest cars they had. I was very surprised at what I got for my money. Actually a great little car. Great sound system, very fast pickup, pretty good gas mileage (except when you run the air conditioner -- it sucks up the gas). Huge trunk, back seats fold down. Had to talk the salesman into giving me an ashtray out of another car.

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  Updated review - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Hassenfratz - June 28 - 10:06 pm

  I have now had this car for 7 months, and I have some more thoughts on this car that may be helpful. I still agree with many of my other positive feelings associated with the car, but I have become disenchanted with a few items. The engine is sluggish; it needs more pep. But the aspect that aggravates me the most is the poor gas mileage. I average 20 miles/gallon. This may be good for some consumers, but I came from a car that was averaging 28, and with our gas prices today, this is a big turn around.

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  Good car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By vbchick - June 27 - 4:24 pm

  I have had my car for about a month. Overall the car is great. It gets great gas mileage and is a great little car for me. I am 61" and fit pretty good. There is lots of head and leg room. Other cars I sat in my legs hit the steering wheel, but in the Focus the adjustable up/down feature of the seat gives me lots of room. Overall this is a great car.

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  Not enough leg room driver side - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Piere - June 27 - 2:50 pm

  Fun to drive, but for a 62" i need 3- 4" to adjust the driver seat back. Major design fault, the seat can not be adjusted back far enough, so most tall guys can forget buying this car.