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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  wesleys 2000 excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By wesley - November 11 - 11:08 am

  You sure feel safe in it, and you can haul tons of goodies. Pulls a 6k lb boat with out telling. Rides like a horse though. Pretty reliable

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  SWEET - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By GENE PHELPS - November 11 - 10:56 am

  LOOKS GOOD,RUNS GOOD WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?

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  NOT TOO big - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By dptree - November 11 - 10:33 am

  Drove Broncos for 20 years and needed a reaplacement. Before I bought this, I had nightmares about not fitting into places. After a 105 inch wheelbase, this was huge. I LOVE this vehicle and everything about it. I have the V10/4.30 and it hauls my horse trailer like its not even there. Its super-stable on the road, great comfort and space for long road trips and my most favorite thing about it is the look of the front end. Although the gas mileage isnt my favorite thing about the Excursion, its worth it for the look, ride, and the safe feel of LARGE. I wish Ford would continue to make this vehicle.

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  Excursion-The Ultimate Highway Hauler - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Nitro276 - November 11 - 9:44 am

  I cringe at referring to the mighty Excursion as an SUV since it is built on an F-250 frame, has a diesel engine option, tows up to 11,000 pounds, and performs like a truck. The Excursion is not a good choice for "around town" driving. But, if you travel a lot, and have a family or just stuff, the is nothing more practical than the big E. Three essential options: Four Wheel Drive, diesel engine, and the Trailer Tow Group. It doesnt make sense to spend the $ on this vehicle and not get 4WD. The 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel gets 20 MPG on the highway, accelerates well, and starts easily in the cold. The Trailer Tow Group has better mirrors and a rear stabilizer bar that helps in the wind.

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  x - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Dragongate - November 11 - 9:26 am

  Wonderful towing capabilities- you hardly know have something back there. We generally tow between 5000 and 9000 lbs. Quick response both when asking for speed and when asking for stopping. Comfortable for passengers and great cargo capacity both with all the seats in place and without. Fuel economy has been around 20mpg(diesel) which I dont think is bad for the size of the vehicle.

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  disappointing fuel economy - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jim worcester - November 11 - 9:02 am

  Although we have only put on 6900 miles so far, I am disappointed with the fuel economy (5 speed manual). Much of our driving is rural and we are seeing generally slightly less than 30mpg. We are still driving our 1995 Ford Escort Wagon 5 speed manual with 220000 miles that is still getting close to 40mpg (summer). Owners manual said to wait until after about 5000 miles to check mpg, which we have and still hasnt improved.

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  This car gives me a headache, literally - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Gdhazel - November 10 - 9:15 pm

  I have never had this issue with a car before. I loved my last Edge and my other vehicle is a Ford F150 which I love. The 2016 Ford Edge Titanium has a vibration to it that sounds like buffeting from having the rear windows open. If I ride in this car for more than 30 minutes I get a nasty headache. This is the worst car I ever owned.

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  Power, Power, Handling and Sexy - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By SVTChris - November 10 - 2:10 pm

  From when you first step on the gas pedal till your rational mind lets off the throttle the power never ends. But be careful, the tires will go up in smoke just as easily because of the amazing amount of torque. The handling is superb and smooth because of the independent rear suspension. The seats provide great lateral support and have adjustable thigh and side bolstering. Great V-8 Supercharged power. The best Mustang ever that can compete with vehicles that cost thousands of dollars more. Driving the Cobra puts a smile on my face every time I drive it or just look at it.

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  Better than even I expected - 2008 Ford Focus
  By RONG - November 10 - 1:03 pm

  After 9 years of selling fords I finally bought one for myself to drive to work everyday. My wife has 2 of our products, the oppurtunity has just not come around for me. This car blows me away in quality, quietness, and value. I love the manual tranny. It is twice the car I expected it to be. Very low maintenance. Pay attention to the lack of timing belt. I bought a base car because I dont need the frills. A huge improvement over the prior model, although those have been very very good since 2005.

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  Beware 47 mpg claim - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By john615 - November 10 - 11:45 am

  Had the car for about 10 days. Average mpg so far, 36. Id be happy with 43 or 44, but there have been only THREE occasions when the small instant trip mpg guide popped up and showed mpg over 47. I mostly drive this car on shorter trips of 5-10 miles. Only if you can miraculously keep the gas engine off will you be able to get above 40. This is with acceleration so slow as to be a hazard to traffic kind of driving. I had one perfect condition (50-55 mpg) parkway driving trip of about 50 miles that still couldnt produce but 40 mpg and the return on interstate doing 70 was 36 mpg and mostly flat constant conditions. NO WAY this car is going to meet EPA reported 47 - 37 yes, not 47.