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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  ford - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By mahdey - November 11 - 4:24 pm

  this is a great SUV, that is extremely utilitarian, and very powerful. Lights up the rear wheels with ease and a great trail rig. Took it with me, toured europe and the middle east. pulling up at a stop light and leaving other cars in the dust was great. Also i averaged a range of 700 miles per tank!! I highly recommend this SUV. The diesels rock!!

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  FreeStar Review - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By dorothy haynes - November 11 - 4:03 pm

  FreeStar has stablility more than I ever imagined and the side airbags that are available are a great added safety feature. The 4.2 engine gives pickup on interstates and town streets. I had a Windstar prior to this and with the FreeStar I actually found something that was even better. My elderly mother gets in easily and my dogs fit in perfectly. I love this van and I would buy it again.

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  SWEET - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By GENE PHELPS - November 11 - 10:56 am

  LOOKS GOOD,RUNS GOOD WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?

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  NOT TOO big - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By dptree - November 11 - 10:33 am

  Drove Broncos for 20 years and needed a reaplacement. Before I bought this, I had nightmares about not fitting into places. After a 105 inch wheelbase, this was huge. I LOVE this vehicle and everything about it. I have the V10/4.30 and it hauls my horse trailer like its not even there. Its super-stable on the road, great comfort and space for long road trips and my most favorite thing about it is the look of the front end. Although the gas mileage isnt my favorite thing about the Excursion, its worth it for the look, ride, and the safe feel of LARGE. I wish Ford would continue to make this vehicle.

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  Excursion-The Ultimate Highway Hauler - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Nitro276 - November 11 - 9:44 am

  I cringe at referring to the mighty Excursion as an SUV since it is built on an F-250 frame, has a diesel engine option, tows up to 11,000 pounds, and performs like a truck. The Excursion is not a good choice for "around town" driving. But, if you travel a lot, and have a family or just stuff, the is nothing more practical than the big E. Three essential options: Four Wheel Drive, diesel engine, and the Trailer Tow Group. It doesnt make sense to spend the $ on this vehicle and not get 4WD. The 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel gets 20 MPG on the highway, accelerates well, and starts easily in the cold. The Trailer Tow Group has better mirrors and a rear stabilizer bar that helps in the wind.

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  x - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Dragongate - November 11 - 9:26 am

  Wonderful towing capabilities- you hardly know have something back there. We generally tow between 5000 and 9000 lbs. Quick response both when asking for speed and when asking for stopping. Comfortable for passengers and great cargo capacity both with all the seats in place and without. Fuel economy has been around 20mpg(diesel) which I dont think is bad for the size of the vehicle.

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  Better than even I expected - 2008 Ford Focus
  By RONG - November 10 - 1:03 pm

  After 9 years of selling fords I finally bought one for myself to drive to work everyday. My wife has 2 of our products, the oppurtunity has just not come around for me. This car blows me away in quality, quietness, and value. I love the manual tranny. It is twice the car I expected it to be. Very low maintenance. Pay attention to the lack of timing belt. I bought a base car because I dont need the frills. A huge improvement over the prior model, although those have been very very good since 2005.

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  My man hood is back - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By FAMILY MAN - November 9 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased in july 04 and have 5000 miles so far.Averaging 16.3 mpg.I replaced the shocks after 2 weeks with MONROE REFLEX shocks. I highly recommend this if you want the best ride and handling for this truck.Rubber mldgs on drivers side noisy. I put some back to black rubber treatment on them and noise went away.My daughter loves this truck so much she had to give it a kiss.Over 700 miles per tankful is a joy.

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  ranger danger(for competition, that is!) - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By zitro - November 9 - 5:59 pm

  i previously owned a chevrolet S-10. i couldnt be more dissapointed. it had to be the worst vehicle i ever owned. i went to ford and bought a ranger. i couldnt beleive the difference. everything about this car is great and much better than the S-10. engine refinement, power, handling, ride, and the overall vehicle beats chevy in every way. i would list it all, but its too much. its just that good.

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  I made a mistake getting rid of mine - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By vwispos - November 9 - 3:21 am

  My explorer ran so perfect I loved it. Never had a check engine light or anything! It got okay gas especially to be an SUV. Only thing I ever had to replace was rotors. I hear of some problems from them though so make sure to buy one in great condition and it will become your best friend.