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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  EXPLORE THIS!!!! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Gootz - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Great all around SUV. Tows 2 seadoos no problem, tows 2 sleds no problem, tows my 22 ft. boat no problem, you cant really even feel it back there, and the ride quality is great

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  family suv - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By herm - August 28 - 10:00 am

  the truck drives much better than the 2000 expedition we traded for our new suv our kids like this one much better

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  Mechanical Problems - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jfg - August 28 - 10:00 am

  One month old with 1300 miles: 1) rear axle started "singing" (LOUD) between 45 mph and 70 mph at around 250 miles; 2) transmission doesnt always know when to shift, especially when warmed up and frequently hesitates to downshift for 3-4 seconds when trying to pass; 3) when warm the engine sometimes doesnt have much power when accelerating from a stop but might be ok after the next stop -- may be related to transmission problem; 4) the hard plastic, curved, one-piece gas pedal is junk! Havent taken it to the dealer yet but probably will in the next week or so.

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  best truck - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jas - August 28 - 10:00 am

  i think this vehicle is the best

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  Do not buy - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Terry - August 27 - 9:07 pm

  Bought van 5 years ago with around 50000 mi. 77000 on van now. Started while under warranty with check engine light had intake gaskets replaced and after warranty out same problem. Replaced o2 sensors and still have intake manifold leaks. Tranny out now. Suprised ford not richer with what they are selling. No help for the working guy. I also had door switch replaced at my cost. Good luck if you have one. Still debating on fixing tranny maybe I should get out while the getting is good

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  F-150 rocks - 2001 Ford F-150
  By jjj - August 27 - 11:53 am

  Never had a day of trouble with it. Looks great with high quality fit and finish. People still compliment me on its great looks!

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  Power only - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By blair - August 27 - 11:16 am

  Power and comfort are excellent. Smooth power band, transmission shifts perfect (previous zo6 owner), upgrades are endless. Finally a solid rear axle for good solid launches. Goodyear supercar tires are poor selection. Tire noise is none, rear end howl is present, no wind noise at higher speeds, rear suspension clunks on bumps. Panhard bar makes rear feel sloppy on hard excel. With shifting. Torque is on demand. Stripes are poorly pieced on, cheap black plastic rockers, mirrors, lower rear bumper cover and chin splitter are present. Highway gears are factory installed (needs 3:73 because of the mustang being overweight). All in all its a fun car to drive!

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  Pleasantly suprised - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Former Pickup Owner - August 27 - 10:48 am

  Back to the blue oval after about 12 years. Overall build quality is good, but interior has a little too much plastic. Seats are comfortable and handling is very good, reminds my of my old Honda CRX. Love the blazing copper color. Miss the power and height of my pickup, but not the gas mileage.

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  Lovin it! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Carmen - August 27 - 7:11 am

  I bought my Explorer used with 15,000 miles on it. Its a pearl white limited. Its truly the best looking vehicle on the road. Ive had a few problems with it(paint chipped, transmission needed to be rebuilt, seals leaked and rocker arms needed to be replaced) However, my husband and I relate it to the fact that it sat, undriven, for an extended period of time. Ive owned many different types of vehicles (Chevy, Honda, Chrysler) but I always go back to Ford. Ive had problems with the autos but, overall, theyre the best value for the money.

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  Built Ford Tough - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bwhite - August 27 - 3:13 am

  I have owned my V6 XLT for three months and I have been very happy with my purchase. I dont need to haul large or heavy objects very often, so the small bed works for me. The ride is comfortable and composed. The V6 has plenty of power and everything has been reliable. Ford needs to work on the fuel economy. I am not dissappointed with the mileage, but I think Ford could do better.