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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  Something you can fit in - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Mike & Lora Perkins - January 30 - 8:44 pm

  My wife and I just purchased our new Freestyle limited addition back in Dec 06 and I have to say we love it. I wanted an SUV that I could fit in and at 6.4 and 270lbs thats not easy to find sometimes but this vehicle was everything we wanted and more, its comfortable to ride in, easy to drive and it was loaded. Our son loves the rear DVD player and most of all I had plenty of room! There was no more of this getting out of my vehicle and my knee was on the ground or up on the dash as I was driving. The Freestyle was just the right fit for our family and our budget, I dont think I could have purchased something else this nice and loaded for what we paid for it, Im very happy with it.

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  Runs fine and strong at 75k miles! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By circleh - January 30 - 2:46 pm

  This truck works fine. We have had it six years since new, great towing vehicle and people mover, mileage not too bad as it got older/broken it. I get around 19 or so on highway and 14- 15 in town - not bad for a really big heavy vehicle that is this strong. Replaced an axle seal and air compressor, and normal wear items. Im keeping mine, no need to trade it.

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  Good Decision - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Rick - January 29 - 8:43 pm

  We were able to purchase one of the first 2008 Escape Hybrids out for 2008 and have found if a great vehicle for us. We are averaging about 26.7 miles per gallon that includes both highway and in town driving every day. The satellite and GPS system are worth the extra money and make driving that much more enjoyable.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By jcs - January 29 - 1:22 pm

  Very happy with this car. I have two kids, a Great Dane, and we often take other kids with us so the Freestyle is just perfect. I find the engine & transmission to be just great, and we take this thing up to the mountains to ski, so I think the critics are wrong, the powertrain is a strength, not a weakness.

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  Just a fun car - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By tarkin1944 - January 29 - 11:57 am

  This car has been so much fun to own and drive. Im a good driver and drive conservatively. The body part fits are wonderful and the interior is beautiful for a minivan. I only wish that Ford would continue to build them.

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  Ford Trucks - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Dale Leydig - January 28 - 2:44 pm

  This is the 3rd Ford truck Ive owned and they all have been very reliable. My 2003 F-150 FX4 is the best one Ive owned. It has very good styling, runs great and is fun to drive. I havent had any problems at all (knock on wood). Ill definitely buy another Ford truck.

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  From a Mountaineerv-8 to a Turbo I4 - 2016 Ford Escape
  By jim heidmann - January 28 - 1:47 pm

  Overall car is awesome for our needs. we use it to go to the White mountains in N/E Az. from Phoenix Az. so we go from 1000+ feet to about 7200 feet. Our first two trips we averaged 28.5mpg going up the mountain (with no A/C) and over 36 coming down with A/C. So of course are pleased with gas usage. (That compares to about 20 mpg average with the v-8 mountaineer, our previous SUV) The 1.6 has a tendency to downshift with anything but casual acceleration, but has enough power to feel safe in passing - U just have to get used to the roar as it downshifts. We have only about 2000 miles on the car with no problems. General comments: neglected to get cross bars and trailer hitch will have to add . LIke to carry a mtn. bike and need capability to use roof top so those items will be added. Wifes car- her likes: She loves the leather, visibility as she sits up higher than in our volt. Loves the storage behind the rear seats and the electric rear hatch. My thoughts: Great suspension -is tight - drives a little like a sports car with very responsive steering. FUN TO DRIVE Also love the satellite radio, good speaker system, and overall interior. I added rubber mats as I dislike the cloth. I also like to downhill ski - the front wheel drive works well in the snow

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  Very nice - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Gene Weresow - January 27 - 12:22 pm

  Had a Windstar van, wife wanted something more manageable, yet with room enough for the grandkids. This was the ideal choice. Love the heated seats , backup sensors and heated rearview mirrors. Interior roomy, and fun to drive. Overall a great auto. It has ample pick up despite the bad ratings it got. I like the cvt trans.Only have 2000 miles on it, getting about 18.5 MPG city. Dont know highway miles yet. Good stable ride and I feel safe with the full array of side airbags.

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  Driving a 1995 Ford Ranger P/U - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By paul cowan - January 27 - 9:26 am

  This is my first Ford Ranger truck and I like it in every way, especially the mileage and performance. I would recommend it to purchase.

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  A really nice vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By carnut - January 27 - 8:17 am

  I bought the Freestyle after owning several Mercedes, Infiniti and other expensive cars that always were broken and expensive to fix. This Freestyle is wonderful. It is a very user friendly and comfortable design. Everything works and it is comfortable on long trips. I love the silky smooth CV transmission. The car is a nice size. It gets exceptional gas mileage (28 on trips and 21.5 in town) on regular gas. I am very impressed with the quality of this vehicle and like its excellent safety ratings. Ford is building a great car and the 5 year 60,000 warranty is also nice to have. An excellent vehicle and a pleasant surprise.