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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  Never had a big truck - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By marmalade1121 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased this after someone rear ended our 99 Jeep Cherokee Classic on the highway at 55 mph. We felt bigger = better safetywise (at least it FEELS that way). It was between the 2003 Explorer XLT and this and for the price the Expedition won hands down. I find the Expedition to be big, but not cumbersome. The towing capacity cinched the deal for us. The looks of the FX4 package swayed my husband. The fuel economy has me a little scared but after being in an unfortunate accident, money is not the biggest concern. Anyway, my Cherokee mpg was never THAT great to begin with...

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  Falling apart from day2 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By euspml - March 19 - 10:00 am

  4 weeks into this. Day2 engine stumbling and missing upon engine start. After two visits = computer reprogram (we had to insist). Day8 the pass-door low trim split-off at the front & dealer says door re-alignment is needed when the new panel comes in. Day20, dual mode AC only blows cold air on pass side/warm air on driver side. Quality & Ford seem to have gone separate ways. The dealer has been poor itself with service being apathetic at best (had to resort to lemon law just to get action). Our new SUV which seems to be falling apart faster than we can drive it, ensures we will never buy a Ford product again.

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  xlt sport v-8 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JJO - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I love it so far. but ive only had it for 3 days

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  No Frills Ford - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By James Brown - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Not to satisfied with my first Ford. Hood was way out of aligned when I got it. Got only 400 miles to a tank. I was hoping for at least 420. Sheet Metal is a small gauge. I can feel the hood actually buckle when I wax. Also the paint is poor quality. Interior is outstanding. Seats are comfortable. Lots of cup holders, and the cup holder can hold a coffee mug with a handle. Instrument cluster is laid out in a good way. Do not like rotary headlight control. Engine very weak in 4th gear. If want to pass, cut off your AC, pop it in 3rd, and hope. Step rear bumper too small.

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  Taurus SES 200 HP - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By gga - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Although I have not had this car a long time, it has surely proven itselt. My biggest surprise is its power to go up hills, and it drives throught corners like they are not even there. This is a nice car, I just wish the gas mileage was a little better.

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  love my taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By cmac - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Taurus and I love the way it handles. The price was right for the features and the quality is there.

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  SOLD ON TAURUS - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By DennyB - March 19 - 2:00 am

  One of the best values on the market based on price for the features. With all the incentives this car was purchased for about $7000 below the $22000 MSRP. It has everything I need, including 4-sp auto,v-6, a/c, power doors,windows,locks,seats,brakes,steerin g,speed control,ABS,keyless entry,rear defrost,cd player,and power moon roof.My 95 Taurus has 80000 trouble free miles on it.

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  Decent Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By mmark869 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Received car basically as a gift with 65000 miles, only catch was it needed a new tranny, car has 70000 miles now with new tranny. The car runs well, has a soft smooth ride, handles O.K. This car is not very good on gas, and like many american cars the steering is too loose! Very comfortable to sit in and the controls are right where they should be, for some reason I Love the strange looking round control panel. The stock radio is nice and the climate control works great, good trunk space too.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By pjp158 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  No Problems at all great truck

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  la review - 2001 Ford Escape
  By James Moylan - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Some power could be sacrificed for better gas mileage. Nice ride and interior layout.