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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  Buy a Ford Explorer TODAY! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By jules76 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven several SUVs and this far outweights the rest......Buy one today!

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  Mixed Feelings - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By tagco - December 29 - 2:00 am

  While I have not had any mechanical trouble with my Limited 2wd, I have numerous problems with fit and workmanship. The combination of DVD and Sunroof does not seem to be a winning combo. There does not seem to be enough support for the DVD system, as a result there are numerous creaks, groans and rattles right above my head. The hatch and hatch windows plastic panels are also loose and I have shored these up with foam pieces jammed around the panels. The ride is much rougher than I anticipated. Overall looks and features are great, however I am extremely disappointed in the ride and workmanship of the interior.

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  driving my explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Darrell - December 29 - 2:00 am

  our experience with the 2003 explorer we purchased so far is excellent we have had no problems of any kind, we have had it about 6 months and put 10000 miles on it. we had 2 expeditions before buying this but we found it will do the job just as well especilly for my wife because she is a short person and really likes the smaller vehicle better, so we give this car at this point an excellent report

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  The best explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By a_c911 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The new explorer is the best one of all the explorer models. With the 4 wheel independent suspension, very roomy interior and the horse power. It has been a great experience with how comfortable it rides. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By june - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Conpared to my 2001 F150 its a totally different truck. Much more comfortable ride, great truck!

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  Speechless - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DubG - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I did my research for a year and it paid off. My 03 is so quick it is rediculous! It is almost scary fast for how big it is. I cannot help but to walk backwards every time I leave it.

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  Really nice car! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Chris - December 28 - 4:22 pm

  We bought this in may with my wife really not sure, but after driving it and fitting our 4 children in with them all in car seats, she now loves it. It has space to spare with all the kids and the ride is very comfortable.

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By JHD - December 28 - 2:04 pm

  Had a Chrysler Pacifica for years, traded it in on a 09 Acura TL. Beautiful car, but just wasnt enough room. Went looking for a car that was comfortable, had loads of tech, and could carry people and boxes. The Flex met the bill and then some. It is like driving from my couch in my living room...and it even has its own refrigerator!! Sync is every bit as good if not better then my tech package from Acura. Build quality is top notch, and I can put 87 octane in the gas tank! Serious "Limo" space in the second row, and the auto fold seats are awesome. If you are looking at any kind of crossover, you MUST check it out. Way to go Ford!!!

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  I love my festy! - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By Charlie1717 - December 28 - 12:10 pm

  I love my Festiva. Great MPG, fun to drive, Very reliable. If you want a good fun reliable car with unbelievable gas mileage then buy a festiva. They are getting hard to come by. FESTIVA!

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  Sensible and Secure - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Gasman30 - December 28 - 8:46 am

  Purchased the 4 cylinder AWD to maximize economy and still have the ability to drive in bad weather. It works very well. I understood its limitations and accept them - its not a speedster or a land yacht.