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:

• 

  TOWS THE LOAD - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By AVE8ER - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck! The only real gripe I have is it rides and sounds like a truck on the inside. I had a eddie bauer expedition with the air suspension before and it had a great ride. This truck has way to many creaks and rattles. The gmc denali doesnt have creaks and rattles!

• 

  Great SUV if Gas prices go down - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By manapierimport - March 26 - 2:00 am

  You really cant beat the comfort, room and the ride quailty of this large suv. Heated seats, rear air and leather all around are just some of the luxury ammenities. With todays gas prices it does not shine in comparasion to the smaller suvs on the market, however interstate milleage is much better than I expected, holding and average speed from TN to FL I got 22mpg where as in the city it gets about 12.. Enough room to comfortable seat 7 adults and haul everything you could need. I have used it to tow a small honda and it has plenty of strength. Gas milleage while towing is dramaticly changed from 22 to about 14.

• 

  Love MY Focus! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SmilinDaz - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The name of my car is true! Focus!! It gave me nre focus ... a wonderful "happy" yellow ,,, and a joy to drive!

• 

  electical nightmare - 1995 Ford Contour
  By ranger - March 26 - 2:00 am

  If you love a permanent "check-engine" light, this is the car for you. The entire wiring harness was replaced on a recall and after six months the check- engine light came back but only when you went 62 to 64 mph. Now it is once again on forever. Other problems brakes, ABS lights, grinding sound in right rear wheel area, motor mounts, engine self-revs at idle, plastic parts break, vibrates like crazy. Quality was Job 297.

• 

  Awesome Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By mrmugs1 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This truck rides like a car. The acceleration is incredible. The ride is very smooth compared to my 93 Exp. Sport.Instrument cluster has a great look to it and the exterior looks rough and ready.

• 

  Good mix - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By William Dg - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Purchased originally as a second car for practical reasons, the Sport Trac won me over immediately and despite the poor mileage, I commute with this vehicle more often than not. The pickup bed is great for all but the largest loads and the soft cover makes accomodating the bigger loads much easier. The vehicle manages to transport a group of four very comfortablly, even with a full load. While the relatively narrow wheel base make quick lane changes and sharp turns illadvised, the smooth quiet ride and the advantages of the on-the-fly 4x4 more than make up for this. All in all, a great mix of comfort and practicality

• 

  Great truck! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Carolina Trucker - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This truck has a great look inside and out. Smooth acceleration coupled with a quietness found in more expensive automobiles. Pulls trailer (7500 lbs) with ease. The Audiophile radio with steering wheel controls is the best.

• 

  Outstanding Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By 2AllAmericans - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Options are great. Truck is perfect.

• 

  Best Truck Ever Made - 2004 Ford F-150
  By connvicts - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The new F-150 is incredible. It is powerful, beautiful, comfortable, reliable, quiet, tough...The list goes on & on.

• 

  runs like a ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By goldie2 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  first suv ive ever owned with no defects found at all. runs and handles excellent in all buffalo,n.y. weather. fuel ecomoney is the only negetive ive found