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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  EXPY=EXCELLENT, XPERIENCE, PERFECT, YES! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By embeth - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I TRADED IN MY 1998 EDDIE BAUER EXPY, FOR A 2004 EDDIE BAUER EXPY, AND IT IS LIKE NIGHT & DAY! THE 2004 IS AWESOME! DRIVES AND HANDLES SUPERB! I LOVE IT, AND DOESNT EVERYONE ELSE WHO SEES IT!

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  acura TL traded for 3004 XLT - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By first_explorer - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I had just bought a 2002 acura tl last year, and was very bored with it. I drove all the mid suvs, Pilot, Endeavor, Envoy, Tblazer and was not impressed, the endeavor was the best of the bunch. Then I drove he Explorer. I had liked the styling of the new body style since 2002 and now that the 2004 XLT has monotoned paint and chrome grill it looks REAL sharp!! And in black with black tints, is very nice. I test drove one, and traded my TL. the ride is very good even after coming out of an acura. I got mine 500 over dealer, and with a $3000 rebate or 0%. and free 3rd row seating how can you go wrong? the 2004 Explorer is a great suv.. now stop reading and go buy one!!!

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  liked my Contour better - 2003 Ford Focus
  By wcfenner - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car, but I loved my 95 Ford Contour. I keep my cars for at least 150K miles, so hopefully my Focus will last as long as my last car. I really wish I had purchased the power premium model, but at the time I wanted a liquid grey 5spd and there was only premium available.

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  Double edge sword - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By marylee - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on a lease in the first year of ownership I had it in the shop 5 times for the valve clanking. and horrific gas milage. Well I fianally gave up when they kept telling me there was nothing wrong with the car. My lease is up and being 15k over the lease allowance - I will buy the car out right. I dont want another Ford this was my second. The saddest thing is it is the most comfortable car I could ask for and the safty features are great. Due I sacrifies gas gussling and clanking for cumfort?

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By HKB - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Leased vehicle new in 01, have 14K on it now. No service problems at all. Good dependable truck. Only complaint is highway driving 65-75mph can be a rough ride. Keep both hands on the steering wheel. When hitting rough pavement or taking a slight curve in the highway the truck with drift off and the back with start to fish tail. Highly recommend!

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  RDR - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By hx40905 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I bot car new and have driven 15000 miles and have had no problems, It has never been back to the dealership, I service it myself at recommended intervals, when all considerations are made price, dealer locations, driveability value for the dollar there is no better midsize.

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  Edge believer - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Robert123421 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought the edge and I can tell you I would not have thought Id like a truck as much as I do. I origiannly bought it because I bought a townhouse and Knew Id need a truck to move stuff around. I love it...I use it for any trip to home depot or something if the like. It rides just as good as any small car I have owned and although the fuel economy stinks...its a truck so I expected that. Plus I just feel safder in this truck than in a car. I driv on alot so it a possibility. Its a fun truck and sporty looking. It feels like being in the front part of a ford explorer but you only pay half the price---

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  99 Stang GT - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Chad H. - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I love this Mustang. Good power, handling and looks for an affordable car. Would recommend to anyone who appreciates musclecars.

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  Love My Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Alyssa - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Ilove this car. It is my favorite car that I have ever owned. As a matter of fact I plan to trade it in the future but only for another one like it except newer with lower miles.

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  Oh, Man! I dont need this. - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By oh, JOY! - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Up to 60,000 ran fine. (Got it at @30,000) Then: Brakes replaced. Brake light faulty. Traction engages inconsistently. Sides like paper - a rub is a $1000 dent. Engine light on and off, computer cant dx, head gaskets "might" leak - symptoms inconsistent. stuck with it for 6 more mos. Id have given away from week 1 of driving it. Dont go there.