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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  Great Truck, Extremely Comfortable - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By goldenst2 - July 11 - 9:57 am

  Bought this SUV new. Its been a great vehicle. Very comfortable and very reliable. No major repairs. Has over 102,000 miles and still original brakes. Not even a light bulb replaced. Not a good city car (just too big), but what a treat for road trips. Bought a new, smaller SUV this year and just couldnt bring ourselves to sell the Expedition. Hwy mileage not too bad driven reasonably. We average 16. Cant find a used one anywhere around where we live. If you have one, keep it! BTW, if you replace your tires do not buy the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S. Ride is terrible compared to the Continentals that came on it. Should have taken them back.

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  Great Ski Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By JimfromSanClemente - July 11 - 9:23 am

  We bought this car primarily to take on ski and bicycle trips. We are extremely satisfied with how the Freestyle handles in snow and ice. On one day last winter in blizzard conditions, and with no chains, we had no trouble navigating up a steep driveway that no other car in the lot, including a Hummer, could manage. Very comfortable, roomy, and well designed interior. Zero mechanical problems to date.

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  Like this car a lot - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By pappydave - July 11 - 8:08 am

  I currently have 31,000 miles on this car and it has never been back to the dealer. I have been doing oil changes and routine maintenance. The only complaint I have is the Road noise seems a little loud to me. I get 25 MPG driving to work - mixed city/rural, and got 28 on a long trip on the freeway.

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  Best SUV Ever! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By scherr - July 11 - 3:53 am

  I purchased my 2003 vehicle new from the local dealer. The vehicle has had basic routine maintenance ever since and on a rare occasion a problem with a rear end mechanism has been practically the only real problem. The leather heated front seats have been wonderful - especially when transporting my elderly mother who was typically cold natured. She always said, "the next car you get has to have heated seats"! However, with 250,000+ miles - I am still driving the vehicle, loving it and cant see any reason to invest in a new car. Best investment I ever made. Only negative side has been the poor service department and company management at the local dealer where I purchased the vehicle. I now travel 70 miles round trip for maintenance rather than deal with the incompetency of the local dealer. LOVE MY FORD EXPLORER!!

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  Untitled - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By orpha morales - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I like the fact that seven people can fit comfortably. I like the overall exterior design. I love the built-in tether strap restaints. The interior could use some work. Easier steering wheel tilting to make getting in and out easier would be nice. Third row could use a little more foot room. The seats are all very deep. I am 53" and I find it very difficult to make myself comfortable in the drivers seat. My back hurts whenever I travel long distances. And what happened to storage area!? I can just fit in my groceries.

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  V8 Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Patrick M. - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. I just traded in my 01 Suburban and they dont even compare. Better gas mileage than my old vehicle and its not a huge boat but still has plenty of room. Performs well off road and in snow. Great vehicle.

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  Strong and Solid SUV/Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By NEOLITHIC - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted one for ever i finaly bought one and it is great. I love them large and roomie. Chevy has nothing on the size or the handline and the well built quality in this truck. Chevy does not have the size at all. only one thing i would love to have a 5.8 ver a 5.4 351. Ford has came along way. Chevy needs to go back to the board when they built a good p-up the last good one was 1970 c-10 4x4 solid truck well built and powerful and they need to get away from the box and go cab foward. NEO

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  A joy to drive - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Fenderrulez - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I am definatly biased I have wanted a Mustang convertable since the first time I saw one. I cannot say I am dissapointed in my 2004 ragtop. Driving is now much more fun. Even the trip to work at 5:30 am is enjoyable.

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  Mustangs rule - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Verno - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This Car Is BOSS !! I puit some pulleys and exhaust on mine and it hauls ass

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  Get yours fast before they are gone! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DougsMach1 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Mustang and the 2004 Mach 1 is the best yet. My 67 289 coupe and 97 Cobra(trade-in) were fun but the Mach 1 with its "Shaker" hood scoop and other exterior features mixed with the performance and ride quality make this car a great buy and a pleasure to drive. For me, no regrets. So far I have driven the Mach 1 350+miles and it is getting smoother and stronger with every turn of the key. I have not experienced any problems with the Mach 1.