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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  Too little power - 2000 Ford F-150
  By GD - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This truck was equipped with the 4.6 liter V-8. I tow a 22 foot boat which, with trailer, weighs about 4000 pounds. This truck tows poorly, with constant downshifts on the slightest grades. I was forced to sell the truck due to underpowering and a non-locking differential after it could not effectively pull the boat and trailer up boat ramps. It performed well when not towing.

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  Preview - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jason T - August 26 - 2:00 am

  So far ive put over 100,000 miles on my truck and it has had no problems whatsoever I would stongly recomend the new F150 as I will soon buy one and from the test drive I took it performed even better than my wifes BMW. Now thats outstanding!

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  My Fourth Expy - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Xarmas - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Expedition since 1997. All of the previous Exps I have had were subject to severe service and were completely reliable. The chassis and frame are much stiffer offering a bank vault solid body feel. The fit and finish of body panels and interior appointments is excellent. I highly recommend the larger 5.4 liter engine with the 3.73 limited slip axle ratio and the HD trailer tow package.

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  04 Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By sstaylor - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ford has done a good job on the interior and the exterior design. Handling is much improved over the 98 and 01 I previously drove, especially the steering. There is much less of what I would describe as a "whip-crack" motion in the 04, when taking curves or changing lanes. Braking is still great, but Ford needs to fix the brake dust issue. The new interior design is comfortable and easy to use. The front seats are more comfortable, and storage is better, as the CD Changer is in the dash. I do miss the inbound storage pockets. You cant use the DVD system and the sat. radio at the same time (bad on long drives). For extreme temp. areas, consider the climate seats.

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  Lovin the Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By ajever1 - August 25 - 12:06 pm

  Since owning this Fusion I have found it to be very reliable, stylish and FUN! I average 23-24mpg (mix hwy/city) at 60-70 miles per day. This car handles great (takes corners very well)! It is a light car & tends to be pushed by strong winds in open, higher areas. Rear visibility is difficult to get used to.

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  MY SEL - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Robert Marion - August 25 - 6:00 am

  I traded in an Explore Eddie Bauer V-8 because I drive 19,000 to 35,000 miles a year and the gas mileage on the Explore V-8 was not good. I have had the SEL for one month and have driven it 2,851 miles. I have averaged about 25.9 miles per gal. The seats fit me (I am 64" tall) better than my Explorer and the feel of the car is good. I do miss seating higher up but I am still higher up than a car. Over all I like the Freestyle SEL and it is fun to drive.

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  I love it - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Rampage4 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I have 120,000 miles on it, the only problem ive had so far is the transfer case is starting to whine but thats only because ive been "pushing it to its limits". I have the five speed and its pretty fun to drive. Other then normal matanince costs, i havent had to spend a dime on fixing it. Also its a dram in the snow, i drovew through 17 inches in albany in 4 wheel auto with no sliding problems!

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  Workhorse - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Stangman184 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I drive between 45,000 and 55,000 miles per Year! I love mine. I bought it with 28,700 miles and it now has 124,100+ miles on it. Routine maint. and a sensor is all Ive done to this car. It actually has been more reliable than 3 imports Ive owned (Toyota/Hondas), and It gives me better gas mileage than 2 of them. Best bang for the buck in todays market.

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  Luv it - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Chromecowgirl - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for 2 mos and just love it. Its small enough to not be cumbersome (Im a petite person)and big enough for my big guy hubby to fit into it comfortably. The ride is very carlike, it has great pickup and I love the cargo space that it has, without having to be in a big SUV.

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  no real complaints, great ride - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Jeff Randall - August 25 - 2:00 am

  bought the work truck version with basically just a big black rubber mat under your feet, it doesnt stain, it is easy to clean and when the kids spill a coke, just wipe it up with a paper towel. I bought a v6 4.2L with 58k, I now have 73k after a year and not a single problem. Fuel mileage is not great but it IS in the same range as other trucks in its class, so no real complaint there, and the power of the 4.2L fine as long as you arent driving a big boat or trailer, or trying to accelerate onto the interstate like Tony Stewart outta the pits. My only complaint is cab storage space on the dash or the lower door molding area, just no place to put pe