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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  NICE for the PRICE!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 1stsuv - February 5 - 10:00 am

  luv the truck. interior stylin has being my 1st, pot holes look out. I am crashing curbs and bruisin the pavement of every major downtown street. overall handling and performance is excellent which goes contrary to most editorial opinions. this monster for his size can sway and swerve his way through "S" turns almost like my jetta v6. heard lot of people complain about engine lag going up hill -- use the over drive (OD) button. it will get you up and over most inclines in half the time.

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  BEST SUV ON THE ROAD - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By james morris - February 5 - 10:00 am

  EVERYTHING ABOUT IT IS STYLED RIGHT AND EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE. REAR ROW SEATS ARE ROOMY AND COMFORTABLE. GAS MILEAGE FOR SUCH A LARGE VEHICLE IS AS EXPECTED. SURVIVEABILITY IN AN ACCIDENT IS STRONG POINT FOR OWNING.

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  out of the box track car. - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By dusty roads - February 5 - 10:00 am

  this machine will get your blood pumping,and maby even in truble,this pony beggs to be driven hard,forget that 390hp bull this car is pushing 420+ at the flywheel,daddy like!

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  My review! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By juliemarie - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sport last August, and I love it! Its a pretty car(gold) and its fun to drive. I always get comments on how nice it is, and how smooth it rides. Im glad that I made this purchase.

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  I Love It - 2003 Ford F-150
  By jrob - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I really love this truck . I traded in my 98 dodge with a 318 V8..This 5.4 liter has so much more power and the transmission is smooth as silk when changing..The Dodge always seemed to be in a strain, especially going up and down hills. And the transmission was jerkey.. The cabin is solid and rides good for a 4x4. Buy the cloth seats. the leather ones are like rocks.

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  Great compact car!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Mark Nelson - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2001 Focus 4 door for a little over two years now. I have the Zetec engine and the only problem Ive had was a faulty O2 sensor that was fixed under warranty. There is plenty of headroom for frontseat passangers, although this also does equate to a high level of body roll for such a small car. Handling is still confident, if not sporty, even with that "midsize" body roll. Gas mileage is solid as well. Fit and finish have impressed me seeing this is the first "compact" car Ive purchased in 20 years.

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  94 Aerostar EXT - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By Tomasina - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Its been a great family vehicle--lots of room for people and stuff truck chassis 4.0 delivers good power and 20mpg (more on trips)Repairs have been modest--should have never stopped making them! I would buy another in a minute--in fact I am getting a 97 in better shape and with less miles as we speak!

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  4 x 4 Supercab Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Original Bigfoot - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Had a love/hate thing for Ford products but Im up to 6,000 miles in all kinds of weather and road conditions and I love this truck. Put on 3,00 miles the first 2 weeks. Gas mileage needs improvement but its a 4.0 with the 5 speed auto and it does have a lot of power. Its quiet inside under all conditions and speeds, rides firm, handles well, stops great with standard ABS, and love that power from a V6. Cant beat it at price when you compare drive train, brakes, and package options. No problems, body fit and paint is great, mechanicals are perfect. Its the best buy!

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  Supprisingly Powerfull - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By softwareguy - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 4000 miles and now it has 8000. So I havent had it long but I have been suprisingly happy. It seems to have a very good power kick and rides rather smooth. Very roomy, especially the trunk. Handles well for a mid-priced sedan. The Taurus has much more room, features and power for the money. The items I dont like are the front end design (which has been around forever) and the Tachometer is an ancient style that is hard to read at night. And probably worst of all is that annoying seat belt warning indicator that wont stop ringing unless you have your belt on at all times when the car is moving.

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  Fixed Or Repaired Daily - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By sg - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Fuel system shut-off in its own. Door clip loose. Fuel gauge still shows inaccurately. There was a recall on this, but even the one the dealer replaced with shows the same way. Fuel guage shows inaccurately until the end. From a quarter tank it would suddenly go to empty tank. Service Engine light comes all the time. Head lights are dull. Driver side door is loose.