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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  Ford expedition eddie bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Justchillin - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Big difference in size compared to explorer. Definitely very roomy. Handles like a big box on wheels. Smooth acceleration.

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  Wish Id bought another Suburban - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jerry in TN - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Outside body cladding at bottom of doors rattle which is very noisy at 70 mph. I fixed with duct tape because dealer doesnt know how to repair. Already had 4WD go out after only 5000 miles. Good looking truck, lots of towing capacity, but Ford needs to work on quality. My next truck will be a Chevy.

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  THE PROBLEMS - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By THE BUYER - April 16 - 10:00 am

  SHIMMY IN FRONT END BETWEEN 72 AND UP MILES PER HOUR. AFTER 4 NEW TIRES DEALER CANT FIND PROBLEM. WIND NOISE FROM MOON ROOF. RUBBER BOOT AROUND SHIFT LEVER IS TEARING 3 PLACES. I DONT SMOKE AND AIR COND HAS TERRIBLE SMELL FOR 30 MINUTES.

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  Drivability - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Larry J. - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall, good, but could ge better. Road noise and fuel are bummers. Ride, comfort and performance are good but not great. Leather Seats are comfortable but power adjustments are too limited. I prefered the overhead display to the tiny in dash display of temperature and direction. Stearing wheel tilt adjustment could be better. I wish I had opted for the back-up scanner. Too much shifting while in cruise in small hill terrain.

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  Old Faithful - 1994 Ford F-150
  By jim - April 16 - 12:00 am

  This was my first pick me up truck. It is a very basic truck, no AC. The twin I beam suspention is hard on tires but we all know that.It has never left me stranded. Replaced the first batery after 11 years, alt, starter, slave cyl, and clutch. But I was never stranded or had to call a tow truck. Ill keep this truck till the wheels fall off. Found On Road Dead?? 166K and nothing rusted out either

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  Fords new F150 is SUPER! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jwindle - April 15 - 9:00 pm

  I traded in my relialbe 1998 Ford F150 for a 2004 SuperCrew Lariat and I love the new truck. The interior of the Lariat is head and shoulders above the competition. I looked at Nissan and Chevy trucks, but they just didnt compare favorably with the new Ford. I get about 1 to 2 MPG better than my 1998 F150 and have had no problems to date.

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  It rolled over and died :( - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By yvette - April 15 - 3:23 pm

  Bought this Explorer in 03. It averaged about 20 MPG (which, I think, is more than advertised). It was a little rattly - random noises that I didnt know where they were coming from. It drove well. I think the clutch was maybe starting to go out? It sometimes didnt want me to shift into 1st. But this last weekend it rolled - quite easily I might add. Though it is totaled, all passengers (including my puppy) are ok. So I guess thats a positive point about the car - it didnt kill us. The seatbelts held strong, and the frame didnt crush in too badly around us.

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  Fun to drive, lousy tires - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Tom Culler - April 15 - 3:09 pm

  The Escape is a fun, nimble little SUV which has great interior capacity and the 3.0L V6 has great power. The stock tires, however, are slippery and noisy. I cant wait until they wear out so that I can replace them.

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  Happy car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By aipo86t - April 15 - 12:22 am

  Bought my Taurus used one year old for $11K. It had 20K miles on it, 32 months later it has 96K miles. The only non-scheduled maintenance work done on the car was two TSBÂ’s when I got the car one for rainhat extension and one for a noisy serpentine belt tensioner, both done under warranty. I find the seats the most comfortable of any car IÂ’ve owned. The car does everything well, nothing fancy just a good honest car. The base engine could use a bit more power when car is fully loaded but is willing and happy. Car is great in the snow. With three kids in college IÂ’ve traveled in all kinds of weather from Vermont to Minnesota and always felt safe and in control, great value for the price.

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  Almost perfect - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Peter - April 14 - 2:46 pm

  I bought this after owning a 88 LX 5.0. It is a larger/heavier car and isnt as agile as I would like. Engine/trans are smooth and interior is comfortable, especially seats. Handling/ride is so-so with outdated solid axle. Motor is smooth and quiet and not as torquey as 5.0 engine. Overall a good car, but doesnt give me an adrenalin shot like the old car did.