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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  Never buy 1st year of new model - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By RED - October 31 - 9:23 pm

  Vehicle drives much better that 2001. Really like the folding automatic rear seats. Problem is that bugs are not out of the first year. Brake dust everywhere. Fix by Ford cost me $900. Mirrors broke and needed to be replaced. Whine in rear end and when one presses on the gas the air conditioning fan motor slows. Standard tires not good. Didnt look at Edmunds technical bulletins until a few miles out of warranty and dealer said tough luck. Gas mileage 13.6 MPG. In the main a nice riding truck and if you want one dont get a 2003. You will see a lot of 2003s on sale.

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  Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Eddie - October 31 - 8:21 pm

  Enjoy this truck a lot. Plenty of space and power for towing and love the big tank!

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  My 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By D. Lohman - October 31 - 1:03 pm

  I could hardly be more impressed with an automobile. The fit & finish and quality are superior. The "Command Seating" is great. Only two small complaints; the car has too much road noise on all but the smoothest surfaces and it could use a little more power, BUT I love the fuel economy. I am getting almost 28 MPG on the highway and 25 overall. Bottom line, I love it and am VERY satisfied.

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  194k and still tickin - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By IBO - October 31 - 11:45 am

  Bought this vehicle from my parents over a year ago. My mom used it for her main vehicle. Bought it with 183k miles on it, but I knew this vehicles history since I was a kid when it was purchased. It now has 194k miles on it and it is running as good as new. Hasnt leaked one drop of any fluid. I routinely get 20-22 mpg with a mix of city/highway driving. Still nice to drive. Body has very little rust. Paint is still great. Wash/polish/wax as often as possible. This vehicle is a testament to what happens if you take care of a car. I expect to take this Explorer to 250k miles. Maybe more. One of the best Fords myself or my family has owned!

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  Solid - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By davequeen - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have been able to use this SUV in a variety of conditions including ice, deep snow, mud and rocks. True, its a different vehicle than the 2002s, but I have a great time off road and in adverse weather. I dont have many miles on it, but I work it pretty hard. Several times I have jumped out of the car to see what damage I have done and I find that there is not a scratch. Plus it starts and runs better than my 02 Mountaineer.

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  BEST EXPLORER IVE HAD - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By RON G - October 31 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 3RD EXPLORER SINCE 1990, AND ITS THE BEST. THE RIDE, THE QUALITY, THE WHOLE PACKAGE IS SO IMPROVED. BEFORE I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER, I CHECKED OUT THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. AFTER THE TEST RIDE AND CHECKING OVER THE VEHICLE, I RAN BACK TO FORD AND ORDERED MY EDDIE BAUER, WITH THE V-8. IM VERY PLEASED THAT I DID. THE TRAILBLAZER WAS SMALLER AND JUST DIDNT HAVE THE QUALITY OF THE EXPLORER. IF YOU ARE AN OWNER OF AN OLDER EXPLORER, TAKE THE TIME AND CHECK THE NEW ONE OUT.

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  Weird noises and smells - 2001 Ford Escape
  By runnerboy - October 31 - 10:00 am

  At first the Escape was great. That only lasted about 2,000 miles. My wiper motor gave out on me coming down a mountain in a downpour, ended up a recall. Smelled gas with the air on, said the brand new air conditioning had bacteria and fungus growing in it, cleaned the cabin air filter, no smell, for a while. Noises in the front end, ended up being loose bolts in the steering, noise is back again. Low coolant light comes on, car out of warranty, Extended contract should cover, doesnt, waste of money, dont bother. Cant get road grime out of plastic underpinnings and the interior is looking really worn.

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  Unility - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Harold Roberts - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Like new, low milage

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  BadAss Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Mikel - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The stares you get for driving this truck make it worth every penny. The sweet whistle of the supercharger brings tears to my eyes!!!

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  Awesome truck! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By FX4 lover - October 31 - 10:00 am

  An awesome truck! More torque than a chevy of the same size motor. For its size, pretty good mileage. A FX4 Lariat Supercrew getting 18-20 mpg.