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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  Love My Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Urdolly - August 30 - 2:00 am

  If you want a fun, stylish car that is not going to make you broke, buy a Ford Focus. This car is so comfortable to drive and the ride is so smooth. The trunk is large enough, even for the biggest shopaholic.

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  real performer - 2003 Ford Focus
  By inahurry - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The SVT Focus is a true performance car (see stats in Consumer Reports, which say, among other things, that the SVT is about equal to a Porche 911 with respect to its handling). Ford makes available lots of great extras that others dont, at least for the price (HID headlamps, audiophile sound, heated seats, etc.). I still think, like the other reviews, that more low end power is ironically missing. Still, the car is very, very well balanced and responsive. The 6-speed transmission is nice.

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  love it or hate it - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jenrorris grant - August 30 - 2:00 am

  i like my new expedition it ride smooth how i know this because i traded my 2001 expedition in for this new sex beast. when i was testing the tahoe i hate the interior expecially the cloth seats they look like they came from a hyundai accent. the ride was smoothe but felt a lot bigger than it "realy was" the third seat is a waset of good cargo. the outside was ok the rims look like cheap hub caps. if you want a tahoe get the 04 it looks more refined and apealing. the expedition is very stylish in every way the third row seat is roomy enough for my 5ft11" tall brother

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  More trips to the shop than I expected - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DML - August 30 - 2:00 am

  In two years I have been in for service many times.Every 2 months it just wont start until the 3rd time and has even died while in drive a couple times-no fix yet,had the A/C blender replaced-it was either really hot or cold,backdoor child lock was stuck on lock-couldnÂ’t get out from inside- replaced,rear window motor went out (maybe used 10 times)-replaced, and I just had the half shaft replaced.I buy new to avoid trips to the mechanic, but that really has not worked this time.

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  Hate this Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By unhappywith Explorer - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with this truck. The interior lights never go on!! when the car sits and you open the door- nothing-darkness. ive taken it to get looked at several times and no one can help. The driver seat track has already been replaced but still the seat moves when you come to a quick stop or turn. Also several of the interior handles and cargo nets have broken.- as well as the homelink receiver. I would love to dump this SUV but the trade in value isnt close to what I still owe!! Never will I buy another Ford- for the high end model- Im more than disappointed

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  2003 Ford Explorer Report - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By terry730a - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 2003 Ford Explorer XLS new at Courtesy Ford...Got a great deal including $3000 rebate..Driveability, reliability, and ergonomically, it is first rate. It has good acceleration and gas mileage; averaging about 18-19 MPG with 89 Octance..Even tho 87 is recommended.It is a fun car and a hoot to drive..Great value in the field of SUVs--bar none...

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  impressions of the explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By A plan jim - August 30 - 2:00 am

  test drove previous model, did not like the choppy ride. test drove current XLT and Eddie Bauer in current model thorougly impressed with Eddie Bauer compared with a fleet managers limited explorer. A plan pricing drove me to the new vehicle. I love the vehicle, no problems on the mountain, love the ride and ambiance of the vehicle considerably better looking than the Chevy Trailblazer and roomier than the 4runner. Wife has since appropriated the Explorer for herself.

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  ford limited - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By noaln - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It drives great and has all the bells and whistles I was looking for. It has the 3rd row seat and I got a great deal on it with all the rebates Ford is offering now.

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  Very pleased with my Explorer Limited - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JCLJorgenson - August 30 - 2:00 am

  It shocks me how well this SUV drives. The steering feels so good that now when I drive other cars, it feels like they are lacking power steering. The audiophile sound system is the best "stock" stereo system I have heard! The door handles are placed near the front of the door so you need to pull the handle and push the door open with your elbow. The door locks are right underneath the handle and you can’t see the locks from where you are sitting looking down. So when I have guests, I need to remember to press the "unlock doors" switch for them or it wont be long before they start cursing at me to let them out.

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  Great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Sjack - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, good field of view, plenty of room in the rear seat for kids, fun to drive. Handles well in the snow