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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  200,000 miles later, got rear-ended - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Vic - December 7 - 9:21 am

  Wow! What a great (but plain) truck. If you need a cheap ride and dont mind the rubber floors, no cruise, no automatic -then this is your truck. Mine has nearly 200,000 miles on it and still runs perfectly! The body, however, was damaged beyond repair in a wreck three days ago. If a teenager hadnt hit me, my truck would be on the road today. I would buy my truck back if possible. It is that good! I bought it new with 15 miles on it. I did the usual maintenance, oil change at 5000 miles and fluid checks / changes when needed.

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  Life With Ranger Part I - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 07RangerSport - December 6 - 9:11 pm

  Just purchased my shiny new Ranger Sport Supercab this past Sunday. Traded in a Mercury Sable for whatll be my third Ranger - and hopefully not my last! Mine is well equipped with the power package, tilt/cruise, 6CD, etc. Certainly there exists, and I could have chosen, a roomier, more powerful and even more efficient truck, but few of these (if any) would have offered Rangers combination of just-right sizing, proven safety, and long term durability. For me, for the money, and for the long haul, Ranger fits like a pair of old shoes. Trading in my second one a few years back was about the stupidest thing I ever did, and I couldnt be more elated to once again own my "dream truck."

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  Overall A Quality Car. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Robert W. Clark - December 6 - 11:43 am

  I bought this car brand new in May 2012, my 2004 Chevrolet Impala was starting to show its age and was starting to rust out even though it was garage kept and had 62,000 miles I wanted something that I could take on road trips and still be comfortable. Although I dont drive it much since I retired 2 weeks after I bought it, (as of 7-11-2016 it has 3,720 miles.) It has been a very nice car, very reliable, after sitting for a long period of time it starts right up, the Sony sound system beats my old Impala by far, and it returns a good 32 miles to the gallon on 87 octane doing 65 MPH with the Cruise Control engaged. The only 2 things I will complain about is how it goes through 1st, 2nd, and into 3rd gears before you reach 20 MPH, thats a lot of shifting right off the line for an automatic if you ask me. Also the leather seats are a bit hard after a long period of time, but the heated seats are very nice. Plenty of trunk space, rear leg room is plenty, and the overall quality is wonderful. It was a $30,000.00 car new and it seems to be holding its value well for now. I can say overall its a nice car, Im very pleased with it. Its also very easy to service, Im 72 years old and I still get underneath to change the oil myself, I dont care for the splash guards covering the oil filter and drain plug, but once those are off its very easy to do and Ford even has it to where you can pre-fill the oil filter before you install it (which is a good thing to do to prevemy a dry start.) I run Pennzoil Ultra-Platinum 5W20 with a Purolator Synthetic oil filter. Servicing most things seem perfectly simple to service (Oil Changes, Tune-Ups, Air Filter, etc.) If youre a do-it-yourself person, this is a good car for you, mine has the 2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder. I also prefer the 2010-12 facelifted bodystyle over the current style, but thats my reveiw, I feel that Ive covered everything.

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  totally useful and reliable - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jward - December 5 - 10:40 am

  This vehilcle has been trouble free and is the most useful vehicle I have had, considering I have owned over 35 automobiles. It fits the need of the do it your self lifestyle and is totally trouble free. Just gas and go. I have experienced over 23 mpg on highway driving at posted speeds +/- 5 mph.

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  My Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Janice - December 5 - 12:16 am

  Im enjoying this car! It feels comfortable and drives well. Highway driving is very smooth. The inside design is smart. I like the safety features. The third row seats are very roomy, better than any other vehicle that we tested. The stadium seating is appreciated by my kids who can see out of the windows well. Although I am supposed to be getting 19/24 miles per gallon, I am getting approximately 15 for mostly city driving. My husband appreciates the CVT. Overall, this car is very practical if you are looking for a car that seats 6 or 7 and you dont wish to drive a huge SUV.

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  Eddie Bauer Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By aalvear - December 4 - 9:11 pm

  Enjoying our Expedition. Smooth ride and easy to drive. Visibility is excellent considering its height. Safer than most vehicles on the road, but uses more gas than most. Getting 14.2 miles in the city, but drive 6 miles to work so not worried about gas prices. Stereo (6-disc) and DVD great for road trips. Controls for electronics on steering wheel volume, disc/station selection, fan control, etc. Third row seat more comfortable than competitors. Also 3rd row folds down when cargo space is needed, unlike other competitors which require removal. Safety was a factor in purchase. Overall great vehicle for the price.

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  2005 Escape Review Limited 4WD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By George S. - December 4 - 4:46 am

  I have owned my Escape for 2 1/2 months and put 7,200 miles on the SUV. Went from a 98 Navigator to the Escape - what a difference, the Escape is a blast to drive; the Navigator was a chore to drive. Great power, roomy, seats are comfy and, did I say it was fun to drive? Great brakes - a deer ran in front of me on a snowy road and the brake assist worked great, nice feature.

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  Whoa what a truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By What a truck! - December 4 - 12:06 am

  Left the dealership and my wife said no way youre driving pal. So I sit in the darn passenger seat and she hits the gas and I thought I was going to get whiplash! The seats in the King sure make you feel like a King and it sits up high enough to make you feel safe. Everything is right at your finger tips and all the toys are awesome. All I can really say is "yee haw" we love our truck. Ford done good.

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  Better Than the Explorer Sport - 2007 Ford Escape
  By steve - December 3 - 7:32 pm

  I got rid of my Explorer Sport and replaced it with the Escape Sport. Love to drive it. Great pick up. The air conditioner could be a little bit more powerful. All other Fords I have owned had great air. Live in Texas and cold air is a must. Great little SUV. Hope it holds up to the 100 round trip commute I have daily.

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  One tough well built luxury truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Henry Noyes - December 3 - 3:32 pm

  This truck out does any of the other trucks I have owned. The interior is beautiful and well appointed. It has a super quiet ride and does not rattle or squeak. With 66K miles on it the only thing it has needed is fixing the water leaking into the fog lights.