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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  Love this SUV - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By twinktamer - June 3 - 8:11 pm

  Same mileage as my Explorer, plenty of power and loads of room. I dont think that I will be able to go back to a mid-size SUV after this vehicle.

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  Sweet Ride - Poor Marketing - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mojohio - June 3 - 6:11 pm

  This car is my dream car. It has wonderful handling and great style.The acceleration is excellent its not neck snapping, but it is very strong. This was not designed as a dragster, but as a cruiser and it serves that purpose to perfection. Ford dealers did themselves a disservice by adding the "dealers premium" charge to the sticker price and Ford didnt help by delaying the availability as long as they did when they were introduced. The T-bird did not meet sales expectations due to those reasons plus a virtually non-existent ad campaign. I bought mine in July,04 its an 03 that languished on the lot for a year. I bought it new for $9500 UNDER sticker. I could not be happier with the auto.

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  50th on my 50th B-Day! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jerry - June 3 - 5:03 pm

  Ever since I was a kid growing up in the Detroit Suburbs & going to the Ford Employees summer Day camps at the Ford Rouge & assembly plants, Greenfield Village and the Ford Test Track seeing those cool convertible T-bird of the late 50s and early 60s at the Ford Rotunda Building (burnt down in mid 60s), did I want my own Ford Thunderbird Convertible. And although I have owned over 25 Ford, Mercury or Lincoln cars since my first Pinto at age 16 have I finally got my wish. On my 50th Birthday, I drove down to the nearest Ford Dealer that had the Gold 50th Anniversary T-Bird and I bought it!

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  better than ever - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 67729094 - June 3 - 9:30 am

  An e-ticket ride. The GT 300 hp engine is a rocket ship on wheels. Ive had 4 Mustangs, my favorite until now was a red 3511972 Mach 1. This car is superior in every way in acceleration and handling, although Mustangs always do best when traveling in a straight line. Forget the back seats, this is a two person car. Nice leather finished seats are comfortable.

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  my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By chomps35 - June 3 - 5:53 am

  I have driven a Ford pickup for at least 15 years, from a 150 to a Ranger. I have enjoyed all. I recently needed to find a vehicle that was more suited to health issues. I had been thinking of a minivan. My salesman mentioned the Freestyle, but had me test drive both. I was very impressed with the Freestyle. The ease of getting in as well as just the drive itself. I have read many reviews before and after I got it. I have no trouble with u-turns or get up and go. The room inside is almost as good as a pickup, but a pickup is always good to have. I am leasing this vehicle but theres a good possibility I will keep it.

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  haul in comfort and roominess - 2014 Ford Expedition
  By MontTex - June 3 - 2:16 am

  If one needs a family hauler in comfort and roominess, this Expedition EL is still worth considering. Thought the V8 has been replaced by the more advance and peppy 6 cylinder with Eco-boost, the V8 is still more than capable than most folks will need it for. Theres enough get go to haul a bunch of gear and people(up to 8) in the EL trim. The interior is a bit outdated but it still has all the bells and whistle one can use in a big hauler. The ride is composed and rather more secure than our other family hauler, the GMC Yukon XL. The seat is better and more supportive in the Expedition. We love both behemoths as they both get the job done for us. As far as roominess and floor layout, Id have to give it to the Expedition. It has the best 3rd row seat roominess, leg room and seat comfort. Adults dont mind it as much sitting in the 3rd row compared to our Yukon XL. MPG for both is what to be expected in such large vehicles. Average 16mpg overall for both in city/hwy combined. If you can afford the fuel cost and cruise in style and comfort for the entire family, the Expedition is worth it. Beats having to travel in 2 cars(2 drivers), 2 car payment, insurance and over all travel risks in my opinion. Future option is to go for a mini van or a mid size crossover SUV once a couple of kids are in college. For now, we love our Expedition.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Kenneth Havens - June 3 - 1:15 am

  Bought this car new. At 105,000 miles I had to replace the front brake pads. At 80,000 I replaced the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, and idler pulley. Other than regular maintenance, Ive spent almost nothing on this car in almost 11 years. The last long trip taken in this car was with 4 adults, and luggage, and a dog. It got an average of 35 mpg@ 70 mph all day long.

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  nice ride - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mike1 - June 2 - 11:07 pm

  My vehicle must have been put together in the middle of the week. It is quiet and have had no problems at all so far!

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  My new 500 LTD - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Hinson - June 2 - 11:03 am

  My experience thus far is excellent. I am a 59 year old disabled man who traded in a 2001 Lincoln LS V8 for this vehicle. I love the increased level of height which allows for easy entrance and exit. All controls are at my fingertips. The cabin is quiet and the ride is smooth. I do not feel the lack of performance some magazines criticize the car for. My experience so far is one of praise in nearly all areas of ownership.

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  Heaven - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Kim White - June 2 - 9:23 am

  I love this truck! I had an Expedition before this truck and no comparison. Much more power. It pulls my 3 horse trailer (with no electric brake hooked up) like a dream. Love the interior with the gear shift in the center.