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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  Beautiful and fast - 1999 Ford Escort
  By seekbob - July 8 - 5:39 pm

  This car is great looking and fun to drive with 25 to 30 mpg. I have had it for over 4 years. I have replaced front brakes and tires and one tie rod that is it. Best car I ever had.

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  Love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Vcar2o - July 8 - 5:16 pm

  I drive 30,000 miles a year and I needed a good reliable car. I am very pleased with the quality and performance. At a steady 65mph I get 27 to 29 mpg. I traded a 1998 Explorer XLT with 164,000 miles that had been exceptional in my view (never had any major problems). This is a much more economical and quieter vehicle, although not as powerful, but if I had wanted a truck I would have bought one.

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  Super Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By super nice - July 8 - 7:46 am

  I had 2 F150s before this one and they felt like a work truck, nothing else. This one is very comfortable and the design is super nice. It is a tough truck but also a very pretty car to show off.

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  Right Style, Right Price, Right Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By FordFanInBowie - July 8 - 12:46 am

  My other car is an 04 Ford EB Expedition and we traded in an 02 Mercury Mountaineer for this vehicle. My youngest son started following the introduction of this car back in January and got me hooked. Once gas went over $3 I knew I had to get rid of one SUV. Drivers seat is firm yet comfortable and has easy access to all features. This car looks good and handles the road very well while providing a comfortable, quiet ride, one you would expect in a more expensive car. More than adequate acceleration. and passing performance at highway speeds. Good all around visibility except with the high trunk lid, but I would not give up the trunk space, just add rear back-up sensors and moving mirrors.

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  American Quality - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By elibruno - July 7 - 8:30 pm

  Too bad Ford doesnt know how to advertise and promote this vehicle; no crossover within $8K has its attributes; we traded in a BMW 3 series sportwagon (5 grandkids now!) and dont miss it all. Utility is beyond belief.

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  Love my truck! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Sam - July 7 - 6:56 pm

  We bought this truck new off the lot. (Gas was much cheaper 8 years ago!) We opted not to buy the extended warranty and have not had any major problems within the first 6 years of its life. However, with that being said, within the past 2 years, we have had to replace the sway bar, new brakes (twice), new front end calibers, new shocks, new emergency brake (prior mechanic cut it!), and just now - a new alternator.

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  162,000 mile SHO and going strong! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Negative/cutter - July 7 - 3:19 pm

  My SHO is amazing! It is still comfortable, fast and handles great! 12 years later! It is going to be hard to part with this car!

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  What a great truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By James - July 7 - 12:56 pm

  I had my choice of vehicles to pick from for my company vehicle, so a lot of people raised their eyebrows when I pulled into the office lot with a fully decked out F-150 Lariat ... until they looked at the interior. The clients I entertain always comment on the interior. This truck is quiet and smooth. At nearly 19,000 miles, the truck has been flawless with no rattles or other annoying problems to contend with. I looked at everything, foreign and domestic, and I cannot imagine finding a better built vehicle.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By D Lolohea - July 7 - 11:42 am

  I love the way it drives so smooth. The comfort and nice space in car. The sound system is great. Very nice sedan!

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  5 year review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Brant - July 7 - 10:51 am

  Our XLT is now 5 years old with 75K miles. The car has been relagated to light duty and occasional use due to the awful gas mileage (12-19 mpg). The car has been very reliable with only a minor recall (rear window glass pins) and one bad valve cover gasket. The ride is trucky and the car is slow and ponderous but by 2003 standards, not bad. Highway comfort and utility is great and the car is a comfortable long distance cruiser. The gray monotone interior has held up well though the cloth seats love to attract lint. Unfortunately, with crossovers now on the market and the lousy gas mileage, this car is fast becoming obsolete.