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:

• 

  03 Torch Red Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Torch Red Mustang - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This month, I bought a 2003 Mustang. It has been a great first car. I have recieved many comments on it from the first day I bought it. The only problems I have had with it were minor. The first being that the car locked itself while I had it in park and the engine on. The second was that I had a defective rear defroster switch. Otherwise, it has been a great car, which I would highly recommend.

• 

  mach1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 1022 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its the fastest car for your money. The Mach1 has a very agressive look.

• 

  Great Deal - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Da Gimp - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I went into the dealership with a fixed price on my mind. (the invoice) I was able to get the actual invoice price from the internet. With that and the offer of $3000 I was able to get this beauty for 20,000 total financed. (360/month) The car was actually for my Wofe who just got a new job and I had promised her a new car, especially the Mustang since that is what she always wanted. She loves it, I love it, its fun to drive and has enough power to show off (sparingly) on the highway. I would recommend this honey to anyone, especially for those car enthusiasts.

• 

  Great Value - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WMKL - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our 2002 Explorer 4x4 with the 4.6l V8 for a bit over two years and almost 40,000 miles. It has wonderful steering, is very stable under all conditions, is totally reliable, and very quiet. The truck is easy to drive with a very small turning circle. Two years on I still love this car.

• 

  Lots-o-room - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Hutchman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  You can fold down the two outer seats in the second row even with a child car- seat in the middle position! I wanted something with three rows and large towing capacity, but still smaller than a suburban (its got to fit in the garage!)

• 

  Love it !!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By motownking - September 26 - 10:00 am

  so far it is so good. i bought it for my wife and i try to drive it more than she does. excellent vehicle!

• 

  I too Have Vibrations in the drive train - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Joseph Dellaccio - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I took this vehcle to the dealer on two or three occassions for vibrations at 45 to 50 mph. They checked front end alignment, tire balance, the vehicle still has the vibrations. I even wanted to try new tires but Ford has refused saying nothing is wrong with the tires or drive train I too am thinking of submitting a request for arbitration under the Lemon Law. I have found that Customer Service from the corporate office, customer service and local dealer to be disgustingly indifferent about my unhappiness in the vehicles ride at those speeds.

• 

  Go on an Expedition in Comfort - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Brstev - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Expedition is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. I have all the room and towing capacity of a truck but the comfort of a luxury car. I replaced my pick up truck with a Ford Expedition.

• 

  DONT PASS UP - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bob-0 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my explorer I am a 19 year old college student and it has everything I could want and more. Its ability to handle in weather and its tight turning radius makes it a execellent overall driving experience. The best thing I could say about this car is that it is a beast of a machine. I was rear-ended and the bumper only sustained a 2 inch crack while the guy who hit me totalled the front of his car. The only downside is the lack of boost and the sound system, but my youthful aspect has fixed that.

• 

  mfgz - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MaryFranes Zayas - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle handles well and is very comfortable. Mirrors are rounded at the bottom and gives a blind area when backing up