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 Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By JY - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Escape for 7 days, it is fun to drive and Ford has taken time to position the switches in an easy to reach area for short people. It is also easy to get in an out of for someone small. Mine has the 7 speaker audio system and there is a big difference in sound between this one and the standard audio system with 4 speakers. I also enjoy the moon roof, fully powered and very easy to use. One thing I would like to see changed is adding lights on the vanity mirrors. This is a perfect size SUV for the ladies but it needs the added feature of lights.

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  Poor Dealer Service & Concern - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By George B - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Too much wind turbelence and had defective steering box, replaced at 2000 miles, damaged arm rest, they installed one with a fabric that did not match. AC had leak and would not cool properly-dealer is rated tops in south but wonder why as too many complaints and mad people when you visit. Requires one to fill out survey about service when vehicle is picked but tell you what you report goes against service writer. That way they manipulate the owner into giving them a good review.

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  Sleeper - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By KAS - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I love cars and have always been attracted to BMWs and Mercedes and Acuras, However, I found myself admiring the CV. I drive about 30K a year. I have had the car for two months and I love the fact the car is big, comfortable, tight, pretty good looking and not $40K. Plus like Mercedes are used arround the world as taxis, so is the CV in the USA. In NYC they beat on them.

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  2002 Crown Vic - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By lewme - July 5 - 10:00 am

  These cars are a raging bargain! For the price of a well-equipped Camry you can have the smoothness and power of a V8 engine and room for six. This is my sixth Crown Vic or Grand Marquis and I am skewing the averages for age of ownership, since I owned my first one at age 31 (Im now 44). Just try finding a comparable V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive sedan for under $40k. If you rule out the Crown Vics uppity cousin, the Lincoln Town Car, the pool of contenders is left largely to the German and Japanese luxury marques--Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Infiniti and Lexus. And none of those will accommodate six passengers.

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  super - 2002 Ford Escape
  By speed - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the best i have ever seen.

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  2003 Expedition / Exploder Looks - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Wifes Expedition - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This SUV looks like the Exploder. I think that little more originality could have been used to make it a little different besides the size. The interiors looks to bland and simple looking. They look CHEAP to me, again this an honest opinion. The same can be said for the new Expedition and the Exploder. By the way, in my side of town this car is not even available for sale yet. However, the pictures, which of course are embelished, and obviously using the EB or leather for presentation are deceiving. Welcome to Volvo (Too BOXY for my taste!)

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  explorer it is - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By speed - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the greatest thing to happen to me. it is great.

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  Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Jeff Kind - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car for those who want an affordable SUV that drives and rides extremely well. Very satisfied with my purchase. The interior looks very sporty and also is very comfortable.

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  MATT (FORMER "JEEP A HOLIC") - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By MATT - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I DROVE A JEEP TJ FOR A YEAR THEN BOUGHT THE NEW FORD TAURUS AND IT IS GREAT, IT HAS POWER, COMFORT, AND LOOKS.. OVER ALL LOOKS LIKE ITS GOING TO BE A REALLY GOOD CAR. JUST GOING TO MISS THE 4 WHELL DRIVE.

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  Love it, love it, love it - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Kitty - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I really didnt want another Taurus. I drove the Altima, Camry, Maxima, and Gallant. Did I mention I really didnt want another Taurus? But my friend said drive one anyway. I fell in love. New style is to die for. My model is fully loaded..some things are a little extravagant, but oh well!! Drives like a gem. Solid, hugs the road, sporty, practical, and GREAT price. Go ahead!! Splurge on the leather seats..its worth it!!