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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  Good car to own - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By deltaj - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I like the room and the way it handles. The gas mileage is ok for highway. I get about 17.5 miles highway, stated for V8 is 15 miles. I do a lot of highway driving. I love my sun/moon roof. The only thing I do not like is the factory runnig board, they should not be attached to body. Collects to much snow and mud. should come with the sport (pipes) running boards. Other than that I would buy another one

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  2002 Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer) - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Armstrong - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration and mobility in heavy traffic. Fairly quiet. All options for the 2002 Eddie Bauer series are standard with 2004 same models.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Kathi Valentine - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I go to the mountains a lot and I needed a car that would get up the mountain without bogging down. The Ford Explorer went up the mountain with no problems at all. It was smooth and comfortable. Plenty of room for my kids and my 85 pound dog. The third row seating is very nice to have when you have three children a grandchild and a dog. I am very happy I chose the Explorer.

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  3rd new ford, only way to go - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By robert b - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my wife a 2003 XLT with the third row seat because I was tired of hearing about how she didnt really like our mini-van. So far we have only put about 4,000 miles on it. But, we are hard on our cars and this one feels like all our other Fords. Built to take it. I like the ride and how it handles. I would have rather had the V-8 but the power gain didnt seem worth the mileage loss. The V-6 pulls hard enough. Im not a big fan of the 5 speed auto. It shifts a little too often and I almost always lock out the overdrive.

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  Love it - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Smokey03* - October 31 - 10:00 am

  It is an overall great car, and ride, but the fuel economy is poor.

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  I love my Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JLO - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a dream to drive. We have been four wheeling in the outer banks 3 times already and it just handled like a dream no worries here... We love it!

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  2004 Ford Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Michael Gerlach - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle. Rides a little hard but other than that it rides well.

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  Great truck!!! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By ukdal1 - October 31 - 2:00 am

  It is a great truck. The only thing I have had wring with it was the thermostat went bad. Other than that, NO problems!!!!

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  1997 Ford Exploder - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Tim Hopper - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck had lots of recalls. It was fairly relibale until the plastic timing chain guides broke at 70,000 miles. We had to replace the engine. I would not recommend this vehicle with its unreliable v6 engine. This was a known defect by Ford and they would not help us in resolving the problem. We have a friend you also has 97 Explorer and he had to replace his engine as well. THUMBS DOWN!

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  Perfect car for a techy empty nester taking long trips with the wife to visit kids - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By abeachdog - October 30 - 10:10 pm

  I get 34-38mpg Freeway Driving (63-80mph); 37-44 Highway (45-62); 38-50 City (25-45). My lifetime avg. is 38.9. I started getting about 3mpg better after 5000 miles. Cold weather (Under 40degrees), hilly conditions, stop and go driving, strong winds, and wet conditions can really drop the mpg. I get great gas mileage considering the size and drivability of the vehicle. Im going from a Miata and B3000 pickup to the C-Max. I wanted a comfortable car, fun to drive, 40+ mpg, and with lots of tech stuff. I like the techy look. This car would be what I would have custom built for what I want/need at this stage of my life. Going from Cali to Idaho in style, comfort, and low expense!