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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  Farmer briers "BULLITT" - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By michael k. brier - January 7 - 10:59 pm

  Bought the car in December 2007. Drove it 2.5 hours to get it home. Hated to stop driving it. Its a blast to drive. Had several people pull even with me on the interstate to check it out.The dark highland green color is beautiful. I think I found my second childhood.

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  One year follow up report - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Follow Up Report - January 6 - 11:55 am

  Have 26,000 miles on vehicle. No problems whatsoever. Only work done was routine oil changes - so far very reliable. In 2007, Ford did not offer the sync option for audio/mp3 players (which is now offered on 2008 cars). I would have preferred that over the wire connections that I must make now. Overall experience is that I am very happy with this car and would buy it again. Combined hwy/city mileage is a solid 18mpg - dont expect more from AWD equipped car. Although the Edge has been out a year now, I still get a lot of questions from people about the car. The styling appears to be popular.

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  Real World 1yr Review - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By leeman - January 6 - 10:33 am

  I never liked the straight 9s and 10s in most reviews, as no car is perfect or even near perfect. This is a real world 1 year of ownership review. This vehicle should make most minivan owners extremely happy with its space, performance & lack of stigma. The Freestyle should also make SUV drivers that dont use their SUVs as off road vehicles happy since performance is better and in most cases there is more space. This vehicle has been fantastic in its first year with no hint of my experience souring. I have traveled with 2 adults, 3 kids, 2 dogs for a 2 week vacation. Granted I had to use a cargo bag as the kids are still small & require more stuff. Drove great & fuel economy was an A+.

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  Love this car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Jeff - January 6 - 1:32 am

  Weve only had this car for a few months, but its been fun to drive and always enjoyable to look at in the driveway. No regrets as far as price, especially when you consider other options (vehicles) within the same price range. Its an economy sports car, that must be stated, but it has a nostalgic muscle car look and appeal.

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  Consider AWD for snow - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Mike - January 5 - 6:44 pm

  I enjoy this car except for 3 problems: (1) The two wheel drive is the worst and most helpless front wheel drive car I have ever driven in the snow. There is too much power to drive wheels causing wheel to spin easily. (2)I started out averaging about 22 mpg in the city and 25-27 mpg on the highway. It now has taken a turn down word to 18 city and 21-23 Hwy (according to vehicle display). This is not what was promised. (3) The vehicle trade in value towards a new car was insultingly low - $13,800.

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Chris - January 5 - 5:53 pm

  I have had the pleasure of owning this vehicle for the past two years and have enjoyed every moment. On top of its performance and reliability I am constantly getting complements on it. Its a great truck and would recommend it to anyone comfortable driving this big of a truck.

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  Style + Luxury + Performance = Lariat - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Alan - January 4 - 11:18 pm

  I have 4,200 miles on my Lariat and absolutley love it! Its very comfortable, handles well, looks great & performs very well. The heated leather seats, great stereo and all the other amenities of the Lariat are great! Shifting to 4 wheel drive is as easy as turning a knob and comes in handy on snowy roads. The 3:73 Limited Slip rearend may give it somewhat of an edge in the performance department. I test drove another Lariat that seemed very sluggish and my truck actually gets with it pretty well. I have no problem keeping up or leaving other trucks or cars behind when I get the urge. Gas mileage is fair at 15 - 16 MPG mixed city/hiway miles. I am enjoying this truck immensly!

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  3rd times even better - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By mardabas - January 4 - 11:17 pm

  This is the 3rd 6 cyl. Mustang Ive owned and this one is by far my favorite. The fit and finish is great, the performance is so far beyond my 95 that its closer to the fox body v-8. I like it so much that this is the first Stang that Im upgrading visualy and performance wise. Thats saying something about the passion this car causes in me as my first Stang was purchased in 1973. My only complaint would be the fuel fill problem that occurs once in awhile, the tank wont take a fill up at times. Overall, all I can say is that it kills me from Nov. to April when I store it.

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  Value Value! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By brucelinc - January 4 - 2:36 pm

  The Taurus is a screaming value. It simply rides and drives more "expensive" than it is. In addition, the level of standard equipment is impressive, considering the price. The 3.5 and 6 speed automatic work beautifully together. It is much smoother, more refined, quieter, and more powerful than the old Ford Five hundred.

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  Overall Very Solid Vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By The Edge - January 4 - 12:41 pm

  I really like the Edge. My wife has a Ford Expedition, but this is my first Ford. Ive had many imports: Honda, Audi, Infiniti, Nissan, VW, Toyota, and so far this one is right up there with the best brands. Nice combo with powerful engine and smooth trans. Excellent safety features. Drives very nice on highway. Some blind spots (backup sensors option is must have). The only thing I do not like is the middle backseat is very tight, can not fit three adults in backseat (only fits two adults and a small child in middle).