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 Car!! For the money that is. - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By fireballs - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in 12/2000 with 16,000 on it. Has all the features except leather. It has been great for me so far. I do agree with others that the Duratec engine performs well, but is quite noisy, especially at full throttle. Tranny could use some improvements in the decision making process. It seems to not know when to shift or shift to early. Oh well, its not a rich mans car, so waht do we expect? Im at 39,000 now, so well see what the future brings.

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  One wroking truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Marvin Mann - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I would not trade my Ford for anything, and I sell trucks for a living, and I wish I had Ford on my lot.

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  New and Improved! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Expedition Momma - July 13 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition has a significantly softer ride with the new suspension. It still has a "big truck" feel but its much better. With all of the features this rig has, it seems uneccessary to drop $10-$15K more for a Lincoln Navigator (the other car we were considering). The Expedition is nothing flashy, but is a good solid SUV that will last us for many years.

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  2003 Cobra - Ultimate Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gm056 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Its frightenlingly quick! Excellent acceleration with handling and braking to match. Congratulations to SVT for providing the "average Joe" with an affordable performance car that can go toe to toe with the likes of BMWs fabulous M3. Its great knowing I have NOTHING TO PROVE. There are but two American "production" automobiles that can out perform my Cobra. They are the Viper and Corvette Z06. Both outstanding cars that deserve every accolade accorded them. In the "Bang for the Buck" catagory, however, my Cobra beats them both, handily.

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  2002 Explorer XLT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By wicked witch - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV after driving 3 minivans. What a aonderful change. The third row seating option allows me the oppurtunity to still take along "friends" without having to take the van. The auto 4WD gives me added security in treacherous conditions. The leather seating and premium sound system leave me feeling like I purchased a more expensive vehicle. I look forward to driving my 02 XLT each day.

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  One Year Update - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Woodbyrne - July 13 - 8:47 am

  It has been a year since we bought this minivan. Overall we love its functionality. The one minor problem is the back seat. We knew it didnt fold flat when we got it but it would be nice if it did. Getting it out is not that hard but it is very heavy. I can do it alone but its a good workout. So far there have been no problems at all. The kids love it and so does my wife. Now that gas is $3 per gallon and rising, wish it had better fuel economy. No minivan is really fuel efficient but this thing is a pig. We average 16mpg with mostly local stop-and-go driving. We are seriously considering trading it in for a more efficient wagon but it has been so reliable we cant.

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  Focus ZX3 S - 2006 Ford Focus
  By dan - July 13 - 8:29 am

  I got this car about four months ago, and I have no complaints, other than I wish I got one with AC. For what it is, which is a cheap, entry level car, its a great value. Very fun to drive on back roads, and can pass decently on the highway if you drop it into fourth going 60ish. Manual transmission and clutch are good. Acceleration isnt blistering by any means (I have the PZEV version, with only 130 horsepower), but its fun on windy roads. I love how the back seats fold flat, cause it give my dogs a big area to hang out. I installed front seats for the 2004 SVT focus, which Id recommend, since the ones that came stock werent too supportive. I get 23-24 mpg, all city driving.

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  An excellent SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By teldoc - July 12 - 1:45 pm

  We have owned Tahoes, Expeditions, Land Cruisers and currently also have an LR3. Our 04 Eddie Bauer Expedition has been an excellent performer. Its comfortable to drive and the ride is way nicer than the previous suspension set up. The additional power offered by 05s would be welcome but the 2 valve motors are adequate. This SUV just eats up the miles on road trips. Ours has been extremely reliable. We have 56,000 miles and I took it to Firestone telling them to replace the brakes...I get a call an hour later saying theres 50% pad left and the rotors look fine.

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  New SEL - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By JB - July 11 - 1:33 pm

  Got the car and drove it to PA from Texas and back. Mileage averaged about 26.5. No problems. Torque steer a bit strong. Transmission somewhat hesitant to upshift. Tight steering and no flutter in the rain. Overall seems like a good deal for the money. Was about $3K less than an Altima with comparable fit, finish, and performance (I own two Altimas). Not going to get excitement but a solid competent, cost effective performer. I paid about $22.3 for it so the deal wasnt super but it wasnt bad either. It deserves a look if you are interested in a midsize.

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  2006 Ford Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By mnc2001 - July 10 - 9:51 pm

  Performance is outstanding, I rated a 9 because Im unsure of the hesitation in the engine at times. When Im cruising along at 50-60mph and approach a hill the engine seems to bog a bit? Comfort! Comfort! Comfort! Nuff Said. Fuel economy, lets be honest, youre considering this car for one of a couple of reasons looks, hauling the family/friends, or loading it up with camping equipment and a boat. You got the money to buy this baby, you dont need to worry about the gas now do ya! Interior design is fantastic. Outside the vehicle, for the price you pay, wheres the chrome wheels, and chrome trim? Still excellent craftsmanship. Reliability, to be continued in a year. Overall two thumbs up!