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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  Satisfied Customer - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jill - July 18 - 1:30 am

  Bought only a couple of weeks ago but it has been a dream so far. Smooth, quiet ride but still feels enough like a truck. Good acceleration even when youre already doing 60. Got it fully loaded (premium and safety packages with the moonroof). Good sound system and so much cargo space. Plenty of leg room in the back. Easy to use LATCH system for car seats. Tinted windows make window shades for kids unnecessary. Comfortable seats. I am one very satisfied customer.

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By erica27 - July 17 - 8:56 pm

  I have had my Escape for almost a year and a half and I absolutely love it! I am a senior in college and its everything and more I could want in a car! My previous vehicles were sedans and the Escape drives like a car, but I love sitting higher in traffic and would not trade this car for anything! I hit a deer a few months ago and I know that I would have been injured if I were in a sedan. It is so spacious. I am now the designated driver on road trips, but its well worth it because all my friends love the car too and we all fit comfortably! I plan on graduating college and heading off into the real world in this vehicle!

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  Almost the best car I have ever had - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lefthandedlex - July 17 - 4:20 pm

  Retirement age is in sight so I have had quite a few cars to compare to. In 3 years I put almost 62000 miles. It is an automatic 4 cyl AWD. It is peppy I have gotten 31 mpg on rare occasions but usually 28 on avg. Except for normal maint it has only seen the dealership once for a very minor issue. Took a long weekend trip almost 5 hours one way with 4 adults and the roof rack stuffed to the gills and still got 25 mpg. Only thing I miss is leather seats. The cloth seats stain easy but so far nothing that I could not get out. Looking forward to another 60000 at least.

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  disappointed - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By hey you - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have only test driven a Freestar. I have a 1992 Aerostar XL. I hate to get rid of it. The Freestar dash design is excellent and the seating seems good. I have owned many Fords and they have generally been good for me. I have decided against the Freestar because I cannot put a 4x8 sheet of plywood in it. Ford in their infinite wisdom shrunk the interior width. I guess I have to save a little longer and get a Sienna which is not as good inside.

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  Worth the money, Check it out! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By K. Bartley - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Debated for 3 months over Ford, Honda and Toyota. I am VERY happy I bought this. With rebates MUCH cheaper than both and great value for the money. I know Honda and Toyota keep their value better, but this van is awesome. I own a Honda so I know about reliability. I have heard horror stories about all cars so I went with what I believe is the best value. I have the DVD, Quad buckets, power pedals, cargo net and Red paint. My wife still cant believe we own a van now but even she admits its nice. Bottom line for us. $5K cheaper and same warranty. Doubt anything will happen to cost us $5K in repairs before warranty runs out so here we are. A GREAT VAN!

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  One last convertable fling - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By wallynm - July 17 - 10:00 am

  At age 62 I told my wife I wanted one last convertable fling and the Mustang was my choice. The handling is taut and predictable. Its not a hot rod with the 3.8 L but I think it will beat our 2000 Linclon LS with a V-6 and a manual transmission off the line. It sticks to the road well and has little to no body roll. So far we have gotten as little as 26 mpg and as much as 30 mpg.

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  Hot little car! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tina Ver - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I ve only had the car for a month but I love it....it handles great and has lots of get-up-and-go. (Great V6 engine) I like the optional ways you can put in cargo...via door or window. The controls are all within easy reach...which was a problem for me before now. You can adjust everything quickly...and easily. You can easily get in and out of the car ....no stooping or gyrating to get in ....or hoisting yourself up to get out.

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  The best truck ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Sportscarracer - July 17 - 10:00 am

  In this truck I have pulled, and towed whatever have passed through my mind and in different situations. It does whatever I want her to do even with some pounds on her back. The inside, wow! I dont even have to talk about it, I think every truck owner has seen the inside of the new F-150, even Chevy guys, and I bet they were comparing it to their 10 years old style used in their little Chevy Silverado. Handling, perfect, I think Ford is the best honestly when it comes to ride and handling. The exterior, beautiful. The engine, just for what it was made of, hard work and dirt.

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  A mini Navigator - 2008 Ford Escape
  By busch - July 16 - 10:43 pm

  We needed a vehilce with some soft roading ability, better ground clearance, and all wheel drive. I did not expect such a high level of options, fit and finish and feel. The Escape is very comfortable and quiet, and feels like much more vehicle than it really is, that is until you need to park, then it shows its size by making parking very easy. I am averaging 25 mpg. and getting 30 mpg on the highway, and thats with only 700 miles on it. I can see why Ford has sold one million of these cars, and with the new improvements, should sell many more.

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  Something new - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By chris pierce - July 16 - 4:05 pm

  Was uncertain about the Freestyle after doing research. Issues were CVT and 1st yr. of new model. Performance is suitable--good passing little slow on take off. High points are huge carrying behind front seat. Good interior design. Design interior materials could be higher in the limited model. Also heated mirrors would help in Maine winter. Mpg is exactly as advertised 24 mpg. Highway which is 95% of driving in rural northern Maine.