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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  My Favorite Vehicle Yet - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Headwaters - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Being 64" tall, I was not able to find a midsize SUV that didnt lack headroom, legroom, width, or have the gear shift digging into the side of my right thigh. My 98 Expedition is the most comfortable, most rugged vehicle I have ever owned. Though huge, it is not overly "truck-like" in handling, it is powerful, roomy, unstoppable on the minimum maintenance roads I drive in Northern Minnesota. It rules.

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  2000 Excursion for family of Four - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By elmo4599 - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Get the Gas V-10 for optimum power. Great deals abound due to gas mileage concerns for used. I would bet it comes back after a redefined engine "Overhaul" that increases mileage 20% but comes in smaller than the Suburban. Excellent large family car. I went from Explorer to this and have not regretted it.

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  Excursion 2004 Diesel - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By gregrys - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Excelent SUV for our family, goes anywhere and does anything with the whole family in style. Just needs small finish quality improvements.

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  Very Unreliable Vehical - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Zohaib - December 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used one year old with 20,000 miles. It ran fine for the first two years. Then after that the car started costing. First the A/C compressor broke causing the entire A/C system to fail. That cost me $3,000 dollars. Then the transmition, that cost me another $2,500.Rack on pinion and power steering-$900. Head Gasket-$800. Water pump-$300. Power steering again-$250. axels, cb joint, etc. This list could go on forever. This vehical has cost me over $11,500 in repairs in a 5 year period.

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  Not a bad car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By beerman - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall its a good car, the price was right I only paid $16,500 for it brand new fully loaded with a sunroof. I went to Nissan, Honda and Toyota and they couldnt even offer me a deal like that. Not to mention that they didnt even offer any good rebates or military discount. So I highly recommend this car to anyone. Its a great family car. By the way Im not some old person Im 24 years old. I just like practical stuff out of life.

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  My 4th Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Nor - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Had 4 Rangers all extended cab and 4 wheel drive. They just run and run. Only repairs are tires, brakes, and sometimes batteries. Ran all of them over 100,000 miles. The first was a 2.9 engine. All others had the 4.0. My only negative is I wish the gas mileage was a little better. (14.5 city and 19 highway)

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  4 years & time to sell - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By rwarrenw - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car hard the first two years, then backed off to normal. Major disappointment when I had to replace A/C compressor at 76,000 miles and 3 years of age!

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  Excursions for the future - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Shereespm - December 27 - 2:00 am

  We have always maintained between 14 to 18 mpg even when towing. The ease of getting in and out of the third seat is unbelievable. It is perfect when taking large groups of children because everyone can see the screen on the entertainment package. The turning ratio is better than I could have ever hoped for especially when I am coming from a Dodge Dakota with no turning ratio. We are so totally happy with this vehicle.

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  LOVE My Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By TwinMom - December 27 - 2:00 am

  My Excursion is a 2000 Limited model. We had owned an Eddie Bauer Expendition that we traded for the Excursion. We had 3 children at the time and was expecting our 4th. My other children are older and into a lot of sports, so I needed something that would hold all that. The Expendition has to small storage. I am looking into getting another Excursion. I have heard that they might not make them anymore, so I am waiting for the last year they do. It is my car, I drive it everywhere. It holds everything that I need and keeps me and my children safe. And I love being bigger then everyone else, except for my fellow Excursioners.

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  Not bad for a 1st car... - 2001 Ford Escort
  By sjtrackin - December 27 - 2:00 am

  My first new car, not too bad. Love the look of it and it handles well. Great gas mileage. Interior a little uncomfortable. Had problems with power windows, doors, and hood release. Speakers could be better. Other than that, no complaints. Very smooth ride.