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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  V6 Contertible Mustang - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Jay - October 9 - 2:00 am

  My ford mustang was purchased pre-owned and has not given my any problems yet. My mustang is fun to drive and is very reliable. The durability is also great compared to a more compact size car.

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  Handles nices - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Steven Pepper - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Runs Great And its Fun.

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  THE BIG KAHUNA - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By RICK CASTRO - October 9 - 2:00 am

  We purhcased a 2002 Excursion, and sold it a year later for the smaller Expedition. BIG MISTAKE. In 2004, we traded in the Expedition for another Excursion, this time with 6.0 litre diesel. Mileage is no longer an issue, as we get about 17-19 miles to the gallon on the highway, and about 13-15 in the city. We can tow anything and go anywhere with it The 4-wheel on the fly system is great, and we now have plenty of room for our 3 kids, their friends, and of course our dog Savannah. THANKS FORD!!!!!!

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  Finally Good - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Liking it Now - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased it new in Dec. of 2002. I had lot of problems. By 5,K miles I was on my thrid set of tires. The tires were cupping, aka "road force". Basically the tires are cheap Continental tires, and they cant hold the weight of the Expedition. So you get vibration. Ford paid for the replacement tires. When I had to take it in for a thrid time I refused to take it back unless they put on a different brand. I got Michelin tires. Good to go..I had troubles with brake dust & squeeking. At 20K miles Ford paid for all new rotors, calipers, and pads. WAHOO. The dust is GONE. I had to get the rear axle replaced as well. I think it is good to go now with 34K on it no problems. Knock on wood.

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  Loved my Escape, but my Expedition...Wow - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Beth Baker - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive always enjoyed driving an SUV. So when I traded in my Jeep Cherokee for a Ford Escape, it was a definite upgrade. Three years later, I traded IT for my Ford Expedition. Needed the space with three Labrador Retrievers and Two Businesses.....The truck pulls our boat and you dont even know the boat is back there. The power fold- down 3rd row is sooooo convenient....and the space is more than ample. Comfort and ride are complimented regularly by family and friends......You cant go wrong! Ford creates a WONDERFUL SUV!

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  I love it! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mcmy - October 9 - 2:00 am

  At 52" I didnt think I could handle driving a vehicle this large. I was wrong. The running boards along with the adj. pedals were a must for me and have been great, as have the back sensors. The turn radius is that of an Explorer (at least the 2002 Explorer that I prev. owned) and is very manageable. The interior has lots of room for lots of kids and lots of stuff. The third row is wonderful as is the ability to fold down one of the seats. The large compartment next to the drivers seat is extremely useful. Two nagative aspects of the interior are: no storage pockets behind the front seats and no alt. compartment for sunglasses if you have a sunroof.

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  EXPD - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By SLHerrin - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Best looking SUV in its class. Turns on a dime!

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  Performance of Large Vehicles - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mooresara - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Eddie Expedition. I traded a 2001 in on this 2004 and I enjoy driving this vehicle.

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  great vehicle! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By amullins - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Weve had three Expeditions and the new boby style is by far the best yet. The new power third row fold flat seat with the additional headroom in the rear makes it the most comfortable of all the large size SUVs we looked at. The gas mileage is very good for a vehicle this large . We get 15mpg local and 20+ mpg on the highway. The Eddie Bauer trim is very luxurious and we have been very pleased!

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  Love it! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By noribabe - October 9 - 2:00 am

  We have driven Explorers in the past, but this is much better for us, as we are in our 70s and are looking for roominess and comfort now. It has great visability, and handles like a dream, and is so easy to get in and out of. tho we still feel as tho we have the height and safty of the Explorer, and tho it is not a 4x4, it is front wheel drive, and we grew up in the east, so the snow here in Flagstaff doesnt really hold any problem for us! It is nice for taking our family places also. I cant say enough good things about it, and also the dealership. They were and are great!