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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  Another Great Expy - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By happyF150Guy - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This our 2nd Expy, we replaced our 2000 with the 04. We chose the captain chairs for the 2nd row this time and love it. The kids love the extra floorspace for their backpacks etc... The 04 rides much smoother and much more quiet. I wasnt too eager to get another one but my wife liked the 2000 and Im glad she convinced me. The 04 is awesome. Its comfortable, it drives better and has more options. It seems to have more power but thats probably more to do with us getting the 373 gears this time. Well pay for it milage :)

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  2nd Go Round - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By JHW - October 1 - 8:56 pm

  I bought my first 500 back in late 2004 and it was the Limited version, which I absolutely loved. I traded it in after 9 months because I thought Id have more fun with a Mustang since it seemed to be a "younger" car. I have traded twice since then and have returned back to the 500. This time, I went with the SEL version. The only difference I can tell is heated and memory seats and a sun roof. I intend on adding a sunroof but am still completely sold on this car. You get so much for the money. I have looked at several Euro cars and this one definitely gives more bang for the buck. I think Ill keep this one for a while!

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  It just works - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By c25sailor - October 1 - 10:56 am

  Have put more than 40,000 miles on my 2005 Freestyle. It is comfortable, versatile and convenient. I have averaged more than 22 mpg in combined driving. The CVT is impressive -- good response and performance. I have not experienced the lethargy that some reviewers have complained of. It will run as fast as you want and passes well on the highway. Reliability has been excellent -- nothing beyond routine maintenance. Insurance is reasonable and overall I would describe this vehicle as excellent. For the money and the utility it doesnt get any better. You can pick nits that the plastics could be better (but wait -- I paid$25K for this -- not $40k) but the vehicle is great.

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  I Love my Freesstar Van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By brenda hagan - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had many vans and cars ( mostly neww ones )BUT when i bought my Freestar Van ..I fell in Love with it ..Its great! It has everything i want in a van plus more ..I always make up places to go just to drive it ..Thank You Ford You out did yourselves with the new Ford Freestar..

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  You wont believe it til you get one! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Maree - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car!Its performance is "zippy" and has great "zip" for getting over the mountains too! I took it to Mt.Lassen and it just climbed right along next to the "Big Dogs." We got a kick out of it cause we knew our little "zipper" was and is more fuel efficient than others.With a comfortable ride we easily put three car seats in back and there is plenty of room in the trunk for everything else.All features in the car are easy to access and within reach of the driver and/or passenger.

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  my focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By heather marie - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my focus! It`s the best car I`ve ever had and I love to drive it..it`s so much fun. My car is very reliable, as long as I do the proper maintenance it runs like a dream.

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  F-150 Heritage flareside - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By lvilla - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 F-150s in 5 years. All have been flareside, single cab manual transmission. They are a great no-nonsense, good looking truck. They have served me well performance wise in light to medium work use (with the ocassional heavy duty job thrown in). I have never had any reliability issues with any of the trucks. I also love its classic good looks and clean lines.

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  focus power - 2000 Ford Focus
  By bobby123 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  no problems, great small car, lots of power, handles like a sports car

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  I LIKE IT. - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By 2 nasty - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Great Car. Turns heads. Have had it for 1 month only, and to this date I am very pleased.

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  I love Broncos - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By MuddyBronco13 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had 2 broncos, an 82 and a 96, they are my favorite kinds of SUVs, i love them and would never be w/o one