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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  4dr,2wd 4.6l - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Chapman - January 28 - 10:00 am

  The SUV handles very well on the road. It feels like a smaller SUV, but with the room we needed .

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  I love my Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By LRojas - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Expedition has no competition.

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  2004 expedition problem - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By imaco - January 28 - 10:00 am

  the clutch pak was loose after 4000 miles. could have been huge problem. growling noise when turning. dealer said many new ones were coming in for repair. faulty assembly at factory.

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  Ford Explorer the best of the rest - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By LPlaskettsr - January 28 - 10:00 am

  One of the best vehicles Ford ever made

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  Best suv for the bucks - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By G. James - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I did not purchase one but it is the second time that i rent,on a family vacation,and i will rent one on our next this summer .

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  Think twice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MattPugs - January 28 - 10:00 am

  There has been a lot of mechanical issues with this vehicle. I have brought it to 3 different Ford dealerships, (as well as contacting Ford directly) and none of them will repair the vehicle. I was told by Ford in MI "I should of checked that feature when I bought it". I am currently considering filing under the Lemon Law. The vehicle is nice, but Ford doesnt back their product, and either does their dealerships. I dont recommend this vehicle.

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  Great New F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By John Hammock - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Everything and more I have come expect from my F150s. A truck that drives and rides better than $50K sedans. This is a crew cab lariat with console.

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  A lot of car for the $ and fun to drive - 2004 Ford Focus
  By CindiW - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I have the ZTS model which offers an incredible amount of power. The pickup is outstanding. The car handles like a much smaller vehicle; it hugs the corners and takes on unforegiving roadways remarkably. I have both a Japanese small car and then this car. The Focus has turned out to be a reliable, economical and outstanding on gas vehicle. I would recommend it in a heartbeat---particularly for someone who does not want to spend a ton of money.

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  At last the europeen Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By remiguertin - January 28 - 8:04 am

  We bought the 2012 Focus for my wife, to replace her 2000 Nissan Maxima. We were there to test drive a 2010 Fusion that they could not locate. While checking the yard, I saw this candy red Focus, showed it to my wife; it was love at first sight! We test drove both cars, the Fusion was really nice but the Focus felt more sporty, faster. Excellant steering feedback, the transmission works superbly. Nice comnination of ride and comfort. Closing the doors produced a solid sound.

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  Ford better than Jeep - 2007 Ford Escape
  By MK2 - January 27 - 10:43 am

  I had a 2006 Jeep Liberty and it was in the shop more than it was in my driveway, it got so bad I pick it from the dealership after a repair and drove it straight to the Ford dealer and traded it in on the 07 Escape. I love the Escape much better then the Jeep. Its never let me down in the 40,000 miles Ive driven it, change oil and thats it. I did add a K&N air filter which did give me a noticeable increase in fuel mileage per/tank.