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:

• 

  I would buy an Explorer again - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Witmer - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My Explorer is an excellent family ride. Seats 7, 4wd for the snow and 21 MPG on my daily commutes on the freeway of 45 miles each way. The dealer has been exceptional (Blue Oval certified). I paid 34,000 for the vehicle and it has been trouble free. I opted for the v-6 and glad I did with gas now 2 bucks a gallon.

• 

  03 Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Crystal D M. - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the fold flat third row seat with actual leg room to allow for adult passengers. For all the options/features pricing is much better than on the Tahoe/Yukon for the same things. Have not had a single complaint about the vehicle in 1 1/2 yrs!! Its great.

• 

  best car I ever had - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jorge lopez - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I had driven from mercedes benz to land cruisers and for the money the expediton is the best.land Cruiser had no Dvd or buckets seats on the 2nd road

• 

  Its a little early to rate an 04 model - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Al Roberts - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This information is on a 1999 Mustang Purchased Sept.99. the auto has 121000 miles. Had only only one problem in that time. A wire pinched in the tilt wheel.Replaced battery in 03.Have never had any other problem. Am on my third set of tires, change the oil ever 3000 miles. Add gasoline and go. Like it enought to buy my wife a 2000 same type car from World Ford in Hollywood FL. It has 82000 miles. For less than $20,0000 you cant do better. I have no reason to believe the 2004s are any different. Its the same basic automoble.

• 

  Yes....... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Greg Vammen - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a new family/work vehicle, I took long test drives in many of the new chevy, dodge, toyota trucks comparable to the F-150 Supercrew. The second mile driving the Ford I was sold, Man what a great truck.... Now I own my first brand new vehicle ever and couldnt be happier!

• 

  "Funtagious" - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Ronnie - September 29 - 7:59 pm

  I have owned new GT Mustangs in the years of 91, 93, 94, 96, 04, and now 2010. I must say, Ford has finally devoted the attention to the Mustang that it deserves. The car simply handles amazingly, quite agile, and has the power needed to make it fun! The interior is impressive, especially the ambient lighting. The stereo sounds fantastic. I really can not come up with any suggestions for improvement. Take a drive, you will be "hooked"!

• 

  I miss my escort! - 1996 Ford Escort
  By killthebananas - September 29 - 7:50 pm

  This car was given to me by my dad. It has been the most reliable car ever. I loved (and still do, really) this car and everything about it. The hatchback is super spacious, comfy seats, and nice looking interior. I performed regular maint on it and it treated me VERY well until about a week ago when it died at about 170k due to a bent valve. If properly diagnosed from the get go (it made noises for a while that no one would take seriously), I am positive my car would still be going strong right now. If not for that I would still be driving it and would NEVER give it up. I always said I would drive it til it died...I guess I should have kept my trap shut!!

• 

  Transmission Leak - 2008 Ford Escape
  By unhappyfordowner - September 29 - 7:49 pm

  Took my 08 escape in today and was told the ac condenser was broke and that was why my transmission fluid was leaking. Have an 8 year warrenty on this car and ofcourse this problem is not cover because it is not part of the drive train. So now its costing me 500 dollars to fix it plus 40 to be told what the problem is. I am not happy at all with ford, if they know this is going on and not doing anything about it they are pretty much screwing us on purpose. I will keep my car but not sure I will buy another.

• 

  Great Little Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ron - September 29 - 1:32 pm

  Car has 155,000 miles. Up to 100,000 miles no problems. In the last 50,000 things started wearing out. Replaced everthing in the brakes (about time) replaced A/C, power steering pump, alternator, engine mounts, ignition key switch, plugs, plug wires, coil, belt and one power window mech-anism. Thats about it These things dont last forever. Now at 155,000 the engine blew so I am going to install a used engine. This little car has always run great, good mileage and reliable transportation. Its still like new so it deserves a new engine which I plan to install. Like any car there are some lemons out there but mine is not one of them so Im keeping it for another 100,000.

• 

  Why did Ford build this? - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fmrdlrauto - September 29 - 9:24 am

  It is Nov 2012 as I type this. Altho this pkp has less than 12,000 mi it has had to have ALL 4 brakes & 2 rotors replaced due to early failure. Not much room for a 61 guy like me. Pkp is underpowered and avgs 17 mpg city/hwy cmbind. Short bed is nxt to worthless. You cannot unlock doors with keypad on door, only with keyfob! Late fathers trk. Drove many pkps over the years. This is the worst. Had so much trouble with my 99 Sable and this 2005 Pkp, I am now a proud 2010 Honda Van owner. No wonder FORD dropped this model. Choppy ride, & controls are in weird places. Id have been ashamed to sell this trk to my customers. Give me an old F150 4x4, 8ft. bed!