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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  Absolutely a Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tom - December 19 - 10:36 pm

  We bought this car to replace my wifes Grand Marquis, so we were used to large cars. The interior and trunk room in this car will make you rethink big. The is equipped with all options (not ordered, just the way it came) and we have found that they are mostly very useful. Adjustable gas and brake pedals are great for short drivers, they get you back some from the airbag. This car rides very smooth and responds very well to steering input. Brakes are firm and positive (and ABS). Safety (#1 pick by IIHS) was the single most important selling point for me. With the Safety Canopy and the addition of side mounted airbags, this is one of the safest cars you can own.

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  Wish I bought 4x4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By japple - December 19 - 3:56 pm

  Not too many complaints about the vehicle. Very quiet ride and smooth at that. Have a water leak in the cabin which has been quite a hassle. Cant seem to get it taken care of. Overall good looks, okay performance.

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  Well all get old someday . . . - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Fred M - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Well, I still love the dumb thing, and its all been fun and for the most reliable. I had a power steering hose problem when I got it, and after a few visits, the repair dealer in Torrington Connecticut finally remembered to order the damn part After that, ran great.But like Little Big Man, she kept losing parts. Rear door stopped unlocking drivers side. Reach in and around. No problemo. Then the climate control system crashed, and for $1000, ill keep manually controlling the temp. Then the front door lock started acting up around 100,000 miles so getting in and out is strictly dukes of hazard. Getting a new car, keeping this to trash.

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  Third Times a Charm - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Flyfsh - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Clearly the best Expy the moment you take the now shorter climb aboad. From the smaller steering wheel, rack and pinion steering, car sounding starter and lush interior, my 03 EB Expy is a dream to drive. It feels lighter to drive than my 2000 EB Expy with less body roll and porposing front to back. Very smooth, very quiet. Luxury ride. Feels less like a truck ride, but better than a GMC which rolls too much.

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  Best money I ever spent - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Rick A - December 19 - 10:00 am

  We just recently purchased our 2nd Expedition and I have to say, GOOD JOB FORD!! They finally listend to the customers and have delivered an SUV worth the money. The interior space and power fold third row seat make it easy for me and the family to go on the long trips and still have room for our kids.

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  Built Ford Tough - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kcribb03 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 Explorer prior to purchasing the 2003 - WOW.... what a difference. I thought I had a great vehicle in the 01 Explorer - was I ever wrong! Ford made a wise decision in the design of this SUV. The Explorer has the feel of the Expedition but at a cheaper price... and the $3000 cash back and dealer discounts made the buying decision a no brainer for me. Test drive the Explorer. Youll drive it home.

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  CALIF 2003 Ford Ranger Base XL 5 spd - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By sfnative1955 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has been a decent set of wheels. Pros - feels solid, full instrumentation (would like numbers on the gauges though), $9800 price after rebates T&L and 30 mpg (60-65 mph). Cons - vinyl seats that are not contoured, middle seat belt cant be hidden when not used, slow acceleration requiring freq downshifts, antenna gets in the way of the wiper when cleaning the windshield and the bed height (depth) is too shallow. Overall, you get a decent truck for light duty use which I had intended. Does have enough power to haul more than a half ton slowly (close to one ton).

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  Focus Fun to Drive - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Don Arthur - December 19 - 8:13 am

  So far have a bit over 1,000 on the odometer, but so far its been just great. Mine has the 4-speed automatic and the acceleration is fantastic for a 2 liter 4 cylinder with only 136hp. Took one trip and got 31 mpg driving at Interstate speeds of 60-75 mph most of the way. Realize EPA ratings are most unrealistic anyway. Rides good and handles like a dream. Just the right size for my needs. Only complaint: PDLs are NOISY. They "clunk" when activated. Mine does not have tilt wheel, and wish I had that option because wheel is not in ideal position for me on long drives.

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  Great to switch back to Domestic - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By brian - December 19 - 2:23 am

  I have been a die-hard Honda buyer until I drove this car. The styling is beautiful, offering unique colors and never-before seen grill and head/tail light designs. It has plenty of interior room and a great trunk size. SEL with premium and safety package and leather seats, VERY well stocked and still $3-4K less than a base Honda or Toyota in this class. Very quiet ride, good at quieting wind and road noise. Fun features, fun controls, very classy look and feel at a good price. Well built and easy enough to work on. This is a gorgeous car and I would recommend it to anyone. I bought this as my first new car, intending to keep it through college and into the real world (then Ill buy Lexus!).

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned ! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Randy R. Falde - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2WD model because all my driving is highway, oftentimes towing a 7x14 enclosed trailer, which it handles in an excellent manner. The Excursion is the safest, most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. My mileage averages 14-17 mpg when not towing and about half of that when towing.