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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  Very Dependable Truck - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Dave - September 14 - 7:04 pm

  I have had two Expeditions and they are both good tough family cars. I got 82K out of the first set of tires and have not had to do anything but scheduled maintenance. I wish it better fuel mileage, but other that that, I am very happy with the truck and it has served me very well.

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  Best Entry-Level SUV On The Market - 2002 Ford Escape
  By JohnnyH - September 14 - 6:24 pm

  I have owned my Escape for over two years and never had a problem. The engine is very responsive and doesnt do a bad job of pulling 2 Jet-Skis. The Escape is surprisingly sure footed in winter conditions for its size. The Mach sound system is great. I have been very happy with the car.

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By MulletMaster - September 14 - 6:06 pm

  Ive had my explorer for about 4 years and i love the hell out of it. i got it from my grandma, so it was babied its entire life until i got it. I race it, i four wheel it, and daily drive it. Stock motor, never touched, trans rebuilt about 75k ago. Shifts strong, and runs like a racecar. i hit rev limiter all the time in it and the engine never skips a beat. i would highly reccomend this as a first car... it can stand up to the abuse that even the most rambunxious teenager can throw at it. only started to rust this winter, living on the washington coast hasnt hurt it one bit.

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  Mr. - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Jimmyd - September 14 - 3:40 pm

  My 2008 Fusion SEL V-6 Sport Package is fun to drive. It looks sporty and runs great and the fit & finish more than expected. Im impressed with the power and 6 speed automatic transmission. Its great looking and fun to drive. Ford did a fine job on this one

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mary Claire - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I am a married woman 47, running my husbands business after he retired this year due to health problems. Our company sells office products and office furniture. After looking at the Lexus GX470 and the Cadillac Escalade, I went with the Expedition hands down. It handles beautifully and will haul anything I can sell, plus our boats! I love sitting high, the back up sensor, the automatic rear seat control and split A/C temp controls in the front seat! My husband and I always fought over the temp...not anymore! I love it!

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  Expedition Review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Expresso - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Get vechile has lots of room, with thrid seat down has great hauling capacity. Fuel mileage does go down if you punch the gas pedel but if you drive normal gas mileage isnot that bad. Overall great vechile would buy another without question.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DallasJack - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our 8th SUV and by far our most satisfying overall. Easy to manuveur despite its size and, though not as fast out of the block as our old Jeep Grand Cherokee, its much larger and handles urban issues (potholes) much better. Overall, we love it

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  built ford tough - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By todd rogers - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The expedition is #1.Their are no other comp. i will always drive an ford expedition!!!

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  Not worth the money (at all!) - 2000 Ford Focus
  By CP - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Constant brake problems, car feels like it is slowly falling apart under 30,000 miles. Will never buy Ford again!

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  another winner by Ford - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Mini - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 Windstars prior to getting the Freestar. Ford has improved on the previous Windstar. This is the best yet.