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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  1st Ford Truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dan genova - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The ford explorer is a great truck.Nothing like the chevy blazer i had!

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  Kenda LeAnne West - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Searay - January 24 - 10:00 am

  As my husband and I work at a place that is open through snow rain sleet, We had to invest into a 4wd and we looked at a lot and found that the ford explorer was the right one for us. I will buy anothe explorer or possibly the expedition in the future. great SUV

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  MY SPORT TRAC - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JOE/LEEN - January 24 - 10:00 am

  NEW OWNER--ENJOYRIDING INIT AND BEING UP HIGH. I LIKE THE OPTION OF HAVING A PICK UP TRUCK AND AN AUTO WHEN EVER I NEED IT

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  buy american - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By krause - January 24 - 10:00 am

  why buy a copy when you can buy the real thing.

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  Fun To Have! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Melissa1 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great reliable vehicle. Has allot of room for children. The drive is a little bumpy at times and takes a little while to get use to.

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  love it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By gina and cathie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  been wanting one, finally got one and love to be in it !!paid cash and was best money i ever spent!!

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  Love It - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Frank&Jane Chambers - January 24 - 4:30 am

  We replaced a troublesome Focus Wagon and love this 2006 Escape. Had 7 miles on it and we took off for Washington State, averaged 29.9MPG at 70 MPH. Rides firm and quiet and handles like a European sedan. We also got $6,000 knocked off the sticker price.

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  The worst vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jim in Fla - January 24 - 1:40 am

  My 2005 XLT has had a vibration in it that you feel in your rear since the day that I picked it up. Dealer tells me that its not their problem, to deal with Ford. Ford tells me to take it back to the dealer. Truck has been in the shop 7 times in 8 months and is just as bad as at the time of delivery. 10 new tires, drive shaft indexed, front end alignment, spin balance multiple times. I am applying for the Lemon Law as Ford told me that they were unwilling to even send a Field Engineer to look at the vehicle and they suggested that I take it to a different dealer. When Ford files for chapter 11, I will have a party. Its no wonder they are in such bad shape. They could care less about quality

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  High Performance Vehicle Rating - 2014 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Chan Davis - January 23 - 11:11 am

  My ratings are based on the intent of the car; a very high performance coupe. Those wanting cushy rides and, though it does have a great sound system, Nav, plug ins for all your electronics, that is not what this vehicle is made for. So, if you dont understand what a very if not ultra high performance coupe is, dont buy a GT500. You might kill yourself. That said, this car is extremely easy to drive, yet when asked changes modes from docile to screamer. It rides like a performance car even with the suspension set to normal. Obviously more harsh in track mode. Summary: Ford did a great job with this car. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who understands and enjoys very high performance cars.

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  Best auto yet in my 57 years of driving - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Ford Escape Hybrid - January 23 - 9:23 am

  This auto is best by far than all the new autos I have owned. Starting is a snap. The gas engine does come on first. If you are willing to give the gas engine a chance to warm up, its a plus. When you are finally ready to start it glides into motion like a boat does in the water. When you are in a lot looking for a space, the electric engine takes over and you ride effortlessly with no gas engine running, saving on gas. When at a stop the electric engine takes over. Whenever you accelerate it seems to have the power of a 6 cylinder engine; very peppy and then you glide down to a stop. I dont really care what the critics say about it I LOVE MY HYBRID!