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 new ford Expedition Platinum Series - 2016 Ford Expedition
  By carol minarcik - June 14 - 2:09 am

  Only owned this vehicle for 3 days....I rated as I see it. The new sync 3 at first glance seems very easy compared to the My ford touch, however very disappointed in the navigation. The music will not stop playing when navigation signals are given. Very disturbing and confusing if your relying on the navigation. Dealer was only able to set for navigation voice to be louder then the music, however listening to the music while driving and using navigation gives a very muffled sound for music. The only fix for this is DO not listen to music if you are needing the navigation signal.....(very sad) With this I had to give both navigation and entertainment a very low score. Actually like the My ford touch better. My second disappointment is they list cross traffic allert, but that is only for the back. No crash alert available for the front like in the Ford Edge(which I did own for almost 6 years.) I gave the purchase price a low score as instead of purchasing a new vehicle like I expected the vehicle had 488 miles on it, which the dealer did not give anything for the mile usage.....could say its my fault as I did not question the mileage at purchase time. Instead of ordering the vehicle the dealer just called and said they found one with the specks. I requested. So if this happens make sure you ask the milage of the one they found. As far as cargo space there is plenty, however really no place to store jumper cables, 1st aid kits, etc. I just had to put everything in a bag and let it sit in cargo space. Hope this helps if your looking to buy the new 2016 Ford Expedition in the platinum series.

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  2002 Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WCH - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 2000 Ranger V6 for the Sport Trac. Has all the room that I was looking for and the comfort to boot! Very nice leather interior, comfortable seats, high look-out view. Drives very well on the open highways, except on very windy days...then you get blown all over the place! Otherwise, decent ride for a truck. Gets LOTS of looks from everyone! Would recommend to anyone!

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  I would get one if I were you.... - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer Man - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2000 XLT V8 for my 20002 V8 XLT Explorer. What a difference..The interior while a little plain is much more roomy. The 4.6 V8 is much more smoother than the old 302 mustang V8. Over all I would stongly recommend one of these. My only complaint at the time that was I could not get the Mach sound system, and driving lights with a XLT. Ford must have listened to my survey, they have since made these two options available

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  New and already problems - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By steve - June 13 - 4:00 am

  Well Ive only had my car not even two weeks and its already back at the dealer. Ive been told its a bad PCM. So far its already taken two days to get the part and it hasnt even arrived yet. In the mean time I have a rental car, a 2006 Escape. I miss my car. Its not even broken in yet and already Im having problems. I mean I love driving it. Ive gotten lots of compliments on it. But, you mean is this typical....

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  space space space - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tall driver - June 12 - 2:56 am

  At 65" I can fit into usual competitors (Impala, Charger...), but a full-size person could not fit in the back seat of other cars behind me. Back seat in this car makes you feel youre driving in a limo. Raised seats keep legs/back from cramping during long rides. EXTREMELY comfortable. Only car where I dont feel in a hurry to get out of car. Agile. Acceleration in town good thanks to gearing. Youll hear engine entering freeway, but runs smooth and very quiet at highway speeds (75 mph) allows you to enjoy radio. Wind noise nearly non-existent, road noise reasonable. Suspension/ride perfect -- absorbs bumps well but feels nimble. Friends will want to take your car.

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  Nice SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Greg - June 11 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my EXP sport used and I have really enjoyed the ride. I found the vehicle to be just the right size for me, as I am generally the only one in the vehicle.

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  Another Truck Review - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Nick - June 11 - 4:40 pm

  Great truck, so far only 3,000 miles on it and no complaints. Gas mileage not great but its a truck. The interior is like a sedan with no engine noise and very little road noise. A/C is not cold; on 100 degree days it can still be warm in the cab. The sound system is lacking power unless you add a amp. or aftermarket speakers. The power of the truck is adequate for the truck size. Cmon your pushing 5500 lbs. of steel. When you step on the gas it will go, it just takes a little bit longer. The new tires that Ford has contracted with is okay, why didnt they make a more common size; its pretty hard to find a replacement tire. Overall great truck.

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  2006 Explorer V8 - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Dennis Barrett - June 10 - 7:21 pm

  I now have 18,000 miles and here comes the transmission clunk (at slow speeds) everyone is talking about. Not sure what to do as it sounds like everyone is getting the big blow off from Ford. This is my third Explorer and yes it is quiet. The glare from the dash however is life threatening and I hope Fords attorneys are prepared. The only help has been to put on one of those white-trash dash covers....really classy! Its no secret about the door handles and gas mileage. Ride was very nice at first, now after a year feeling each bump! Also if quality is job one, then how about a five or seven year warranty?

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  3rd one in seven years - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By BOBB - June 10 - 5:33 pm

  Good,solid transportation. Not the most stylish, but very dependable. The 4.0L is greatly improved The supercab might allow for an overnight bag or tackle box,anything more and I use the Expedition. Excellent value - never pay more than invoice!

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  1995 Ford Escort 4dr sedan - 1995 Ford Escort
  By thumper7 - June 10 - 4:53 pm

  This car gets great gas mileage and is pretty comfortable. The performance is OK. It takes a while to accelerate, but it turns good. Great for a first car or an extra