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 first convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By TLS - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Mustang convertible with the pony package (GT hood scoop, GT wheels, and ponies running down the side at bottom of doors) in silver with dark charcoal interior. It is a beautiful car, I get lots of looks from people on the road. It handles very well, is quick and peppy, I would definitely reccomend the 5 speed manual transmission in a 6 cylinder.

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  wow....its awesome - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By sahara - March 7 - 10:00 am

  i researched suvs extensively when i knew that i would soon be in the market for a new vehicle. i choose the explorer because of all the reviews i read. my test drive re-enforced my decision to purchase this vehicle. i love driving it and my dogs love riding in it. i am not that crazy about the interior though. i got the eddie bauer edition which comes in one interior style only. its a two tone leather in the beige family. i would have prefered a few more options but i guess that is why they make seat covers!!

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  Best Vehicle I have Ever Owned - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By FordGirlNow - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have not had the vehicle too long but I am very impressed and very glad I purchased it.

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  FORD EXPLORER - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By B.YORK - March 7 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE TO OWN. FUN TO DRIVE. RIDES AND HANDLES WELL. HAS LOTS OF ROOM.

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  ford rules - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By lumberman - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Makes a beautiful truck. Great to drive. No problems. Comfortable ride. Fords finally got it together.

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  Grey - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By woof - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Continued problems with electrical ystem caused three visits to dealership.

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  MY BABY - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By FRAN BEITIA - March 7 - 10:00 am

  BRAKING SYSTEM COULD USE SOME BETTER DESIGN. OVERALL, VEHICLE IS EXCELLENT.

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  its my second one - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 2 TIME OWNER/LOVER - March 7 - 10:00 am

  MY RED EDDIE BAUER IS AWESOME! MY WIFE AND FAMILY LOVE IT. ALTHOUGH ITS GAS MILEAGE SUCKS, IT HAS MANY SAFETY AND COMFORT DETAILS. THE DVD/TV KEEPS THE KIDS NICE AND QUITE. TAKE IT ON A LONG TRIP & YOU REALY APPRECIATE IT. I LEASED IT WHEN THE LEASING DEALS WERE NOT TOO GOOD. NOW THEY ARE GREAT. ITS A LOOKER , HEADS TURN, ITS SAFE AND COMFORTABLE AND VERSITLE.

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  A must drive - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Trebor - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I priced and drove all other large SUVs. The fell of the Expedition on the road was sure footed, unlike the Sequoia. The Tahoe did not have the interior room or the power of the Expedition. The others did not even come close. The Expedition is overall a superior SUV. Test drive all the others fist, just save the best for last.

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  Been a good one so far - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By edeverhart - March 7 - 8:53 am

  I recently bought my Explorer and so far it has been a very enjoyable experience. The vehicle is very dependable and fun to drive. I like the look of the vehicle and the interior design. My only complaint is the fuel economy. I average around 18.5 to 19 mpg. I would have liked to seen a little better gas mileage. Overall I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.