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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  Mid Life Crisis - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mary Claire - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I am a married woman 47, running my husbands business after he retired this year due to health problems. Our company sells office products and office furniture. After looking at the Lexus GX470 and the Cadillac Escalade, I went with the Expedition hands down. It handles beautifully and will haul anything I can sell, plus our boats! I love sitting high, the back up sensor, the automatic rear seat control and split A/C temp controls in the front seat! My husband and I always fought over the temp...not anymore! I love it!

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  Expedition Review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Expresso - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Get vechile has lots of room, with thrid seat down has great hauling capacity. Fuel mileage does go down if you punch the gas pedel but if you drive normal gas mileage isnot that bad. Overall great vechile would buy another without question.

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  A working mans (womens) car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Fordy Something - September 13 - 11:50 pm

  I bought 2 brand new escorts, manual trans, the same exact day. At the time, I traveled over 750 miles a week. I swapped every other week attempting to have the cars outlast the loans. After 8 years and 330000 total miles on these 2 cars I can only say it was one of the better decisions Ive made. Only major repair was the radiators on both failed the same week within a 1000 mi. of each other at about 100000 miles. Thats it, aside from regularly scheduled maintenance. Unfortunately, the one with 150000 on it got rearended and the other with 180000 is getting tired. Ill miss them both. I suppose Ill never get this lucky again when it comes to purchasing a car.

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  I <3 my 92 Taurus GL Wagon! - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Ann M. - September 13 - 1:19 am

  I got a great deal on mine since my brother is a car salesman. I paid $1000 for it with only 63,000 miles on it! Although the a/c never worked I love this car. Built like a tank. The only problems I experienced were an radiator leak, electrical issues and a hole in the exhaust (regular wear). I had mechanic friends so repairs were cheap for me. I recently fell victim to 2 accidents in 2 months. Both times I was hit by senior men who shouldnt be driving. My car now has significant cosmetic damage and will cost more than its worth to fix so Im trading it in for a 94 Taurus GL sedan ::tear tear:: I would buy it again if given the opportunity!

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  Excellent - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By family of 8 - September 12 - 11:23 am

  Great for hauling kids. Our second one in three years.

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  I love this pony - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By WKDNBD - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car I was origiannlay looking for a Pointiac trans Am, but after driving this car I fell in love right away. The exhaust note is awesome and I really like it driving through tunnels or under over passes and giving it lots of gas!

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  love this car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By peggs - September 12 - 12:40 am

  I love my car it is great in the mountains -- just pure fun.

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  Love my Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Spanky - September 11 - 2:45 am

  Ive found the Ranger to be a nice little truck. It has decent towing capacity, good road manners, and shines off-road. It definitely feels solid.

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  Bullet Proof - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Wayne Halladay - September 10 - 2:10 pm

  Second Ranger had a 97 with 73,000 miles on the original brakes with 25% left. 02 had an oxygen sensor go at 25,000 covered under warranty. Getting 20 mpg on the highway with cruise set @65+ back doors are still tight at 40,000 miles. Fun truck to drive. Will probably buy another in a few years.

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  Truck Drivin Gal Trades Ranger: Why? - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By writerdianalee - September 10 - 4:00 am

  Well, "I Luv My Truck" but Im tradin it after 2 years. It looks GREAT, mowed through snow with the 4WD, CD/FM/AM radio pretty good, but all this comes with a price. Steering wheel column started smoking when some wire went haywire ($200 @82K) fuel injector went at 84K ($300), serpentine belt (all 3 of them) scream in damp weather (embarrassing) lag in tranny, brakes grab bad when wet, gutless on steep hills with a load, (3.5 liter) using E85 is great, but the price is that hot alcohol cleaned out remnants left from gas use (new fuel injector) fog lights come on when they feel like it, power window feels like its going. Still, its been reliable, it is sturdy and it looks good.