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 Ford Experience - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mark James - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Unhappy about small water leak. Dealership had it twice and cant detect leak. "no problem found" I was able to make it leak at home with garden hose, and the door at the top doesnt close tight enough. Why was I able to find the problem, and trained mechanics couldnt? They deny the problem because they dont want to be caught with something they cant fix within three or more tries and have to possibly give me a new car under the "lemon law?

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  2003 explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By MsgtMO - October 16 - 10:00 am

  great suv. good looks. gets fairly decent gas milage on the highway for an suv.seven seater fits my familys needs for around town, but on a trip 3rd row seat is useless as you need that area for cargo have had problems with in dash 6 cd changer, cds get stuck in player after player gets hot. also wish ford would have put a light under the hood.overall great truck.

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  Personal Experience - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By DALBJ - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I would buy another one today!

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  Best Explorer yet! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ron B. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Our third Explorer,a 92(still have),99,and this 03( all Eddie Bauers). The 03 has more useable space, better mileage,handles & rides better,and is alot quicker. My 52" wife loves the larger size, as we looked at the Expedition and found it to be too big. The third seat is a blessing, and takes up -0- cargo space when folded down. Negatives: noisy tires,front end growl, a tranny that is slow to shift from reverse to drive,and rough idle.The rear window popped open as we were on the road, sometimes at speed. The rear door is WAY too heavy and difficult to handle. HELLO, anyone heard of aluminum?

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  kickass - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By moeman98 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  mine beat a carrera

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  Explorer Review - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By matt aka faker - October 16 - 10:00 am

  It is a very good car.

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  Best Full-Size Pickup! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bakers - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned several trucks over the years (both Ford and Chevy) but this one is the best yet! Excellent ride & handling. Stylish exterior and best looking most functional interior Ive ever seen in a truck. Extremely quiet driver/passenger compartment with virtually no wind noise. Performance of the 3-valve 5.4L V8 Engine is very good. If youre looking for a full- size pickup, take a look at the new 2004 F-150!

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  Brandis Review - 2003 Ford F-150
  By BrandiJenee - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my truck, its wonderful. I am a woman, and I look good driving it.

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  Impressed - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Southman_70 - October 16 - 9:39 am

  I went from a 2008 Lexus ES 350 to a 2010 Taurus SHO. I am impressed by the quality of work and the craftsmanship. I having been hearing "Oh you went from a Lexus to a Ford" that is before they see the car,the features and the ease of use which I have to admit Lexus did poorly with their voice command system. The car cost around the same as the Lexus when I got it about a year ago. There are somethings missing on either car but cant have it all. A few years ago I would not even recommend a Ford but times have changed. It is worth money. Cheaper is better without losing quality but why complain about it if you are willing to spend much more on an import that offers a lot less.

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  A Welcome Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rod Minnesota - October 15 - 7:43 pm

  As of October 2009, my wife has 153,000 miles on her 2005 Escape. She loves the vehicle and I appreciate its relatively low cost of ownership. Only repair that we have had has been two door latches replaced - not sure why they are plastic.