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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  2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer, not 2003 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Pducctv - July 24 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our 2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition, trading in our 1998 2dr Explorer Sport. We fine the ride a lot smoother, than the 98, and a lot quiter.

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  03 Ford Exp - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Collins David B. - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I like the size, it will tow an rv trailer with ease, try that with a honda. It should do well in a crash. We got 17 1/2 mpg on a trip last weekend with most of the driveing at 70 and a good bit at 80 mph . Not bad when you think about it. Our daughter bought a new Pinto in 1979 and it got about 20 mpg, now a large SUV with a 5.4 V/8 getting 17 1/2 I think is a good advance in mileage.

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  my sexy car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Dora The Explorer - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very sporty and catches the eye on the road nice seats very laid back car.

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  Creepers Short Take - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Creeper04 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  The Mustang is a stylish ride that looks good and is mechanically sound. However, as happy as I am with my car, there are just a couple of things that I could be happier about. First of all, I purchased the 2.8L V6 STD Coupe and wish I had purchased the GT. The power level is fine for a 6-cyclinder, but the feeling you get from driving a mustang demands a feeling of power that just isnt there with the V6. But the look that you like so much now continues to grow on you. I love it. Mechanically the car is solid and fun to drive. Best of all, it looks great in your garage.

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  V6 powered! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By LinzsYellowStang - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Ok, so I am poor and can only afford to pay insurance on a 6 cyl. but it was the best car I could have bought. After adding my cold air intake, dual exhaust, short throw shifter and new wheels, i easily made it in the 15s in the 1/4. Its a fun car to take out and road race, and I get alotta looks in the nice zinc yellow.

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  Sporty - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JC64 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I found this vehicle to be so exciting to drive, that if Im in a bad mood when I enter the cock pit module, I autmatically cheer up. its really fun to drive and handles very well. I have raced cars and motorcycles and theprformance of this car for the price in untouchable. Highly reccomend it.

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  Focus -- GREAT! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JAC - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Very good driving dynamics. The brakes and steering are world class -- the benchmark for the rest of the competition!

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Drake the Snake - July 22 - 2:00 am

  What can I say. This has to be one of the best rides Ford has put out in a long time.It rides like a plush car, NO body roll or lean, has power and able to haul a load around. Not as big as a full size, but we didnt want a big truck, and this truck fit the bill to a tee. Great support where you need it, especially for your back, great leg room, even for tall folks. Hope to have this truck for a long time!!

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  Good things come in small packages - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By C. J. Frederick - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I liked the sporty look compared to the F-150, which was another choice before purchase. I primarily use it as a car/suv, but I like the small bed with hard cover as an oversize trunk. I can take the top off for those Home Depot runs.

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  Superior Truck! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By tdehart - July 22 - 2:00 am

  We actually bought our supercrew June of 2000. We will be buying another supercrew. Our kids like to take the truck more than our Ford Taurus, they say its more comfortable (meaning the back seat).