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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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jimm - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Lots of leg room even with 3rd row. Smooth ride and quiet. The sports chrome is awesome.

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  Not BAD!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TCOX - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I look at all of the SUVs and settled on the Ford. Not bad I have been please Im currently looking to upgrade to the Eddie Bauer.

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  Best Bang for your Buck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By robby - February 28 - 10:00 am

  If your looking at the Explorer, Envoy, or the Trailblazer STOP. After looking at those cars I stumbled upon the newly designed Expedition. I climbed in, test drove it and never bothered going back to looking at those smaller SUVs. All the comfort and space for an extra couple of thousand. I dont think I can out grow it any time soon!

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  Expedition review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By john doe - February 28 - 10:00 am

  We bought the new Expidition after getting sick of our Hummer. Although it isnt as fast it gets twice the gass mileage and rides nearly the same. We got a totally base Expition for $25,000. Less than half of our hummer. The Hummer isnt worht the money and the expition is just a basic navigator, it rides just as well.

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  I love my Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By P. Gardner - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I know my car is not the best in fuel mileage, but we use it for our business (we have a dredging company) and it hauls our equipment, our RV when we need it when working out of town. I have used it to pull the truck attached to the tool trailer or the equipment up hills when they would not make it on their own. It is unfailingly reliable and wonderfully comfortable to drive. I have never had a car that I liked more. It is luxurious inside and has a short turning radius, making it very manuverable. I cannot think of anything that I do not like about this car.

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  Quality job 1.5 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Spazz - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Great all round 3 person family vehicle. Very sporty for a wagon. safe and fun

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  Ford Focus ZTS review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By keith kramer - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great driving position. Peppy enough, but a few more h.p. would be welcome. Feels like a bigger car. Excellent handling. Cant comment on reliability because I only have 5000 miles on the car. Wish there would be an entry to the trunk from inside because I often have my hitch based bike rack on the back. Good sound system. A really great car for under $18,000.

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  My review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By gordon24 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car, and I love it!!

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  2002 Runner - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 45 legend - February 26 - 10:06 pm

  This is a excellent car !! Just recently purchased my Crown Vic and it runs like a Champ !!! Motor is Powerful but Quiet !! The Interior is Excellent. SMooth Ride !! My Dream Car !! I lucked up and found my Vic 1 owner in excellent condition, Look Hard if you find one BUY IT !! ITZ Worth It !!

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  Head Turning Caddy Killer! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion-4-life - February 25 - 6:26 pm

  I bought this car 3 days ago after owning a 1999 Ford Contour Sport since new. I went to the Chevy, Pontiac, Buick and Ford dealers with no idea what I was looking for. My criteria was: needs to be a 4-door, front wheel drive, good on gas, under $25,000. I was very disappointed to see what the Big Three have to offer in my criteria range -- until I accidentally stumbled across the Fusion. This thing is beautiful to look at, Fun to drive, and very well appointed. Ive had people ask, is it a Cadillac? I opted for the SEL with leather and just about every option (I recommend the ABS and Traction control package). The car is both luxurious and sporty at the same time. It has appeal for anyone.