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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  Best SUV on Market - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By limbo - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This monster SUV fits in great when you have several kids. It drives great on the open road, tows anything, and gets great Gas mileage with the TurboDiesel. I have had no problems with it at all. I am getting 15 miles per gallon around the city.I consider that great mileage considering the size of this SUV. very comfortable ride on the open road!

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  LOVE MY EXCURSION - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By netta - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I JUST LOVE MY EXCURSION. I DRIVE 28 MILES ONE WAY TO DROP OFF KIDS TO 4 SCHOOLS AND GAS USAGE IS NOT BAD. THE SPACE IS EXCELLENT I HAVE 5 KIDS MORE THAN ENOUGH ROOM. GETTING IN AND OUT OF REAR SEATS IS GOOD (SEATS ROLL FORWARD.0 QUIET ENGINE GREAT LEG ROOM

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  HOW TO AMKE NEW FRIENDS! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By RICKKLING - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY EXCURSION, BEST VEHICLE I HGAVE EVER OWNED. I CVAN TOW ALMOST ANYTHING, HAUL 7 PASSENGERS ( AND THEIR LUGGAGE!) GREAT INTERIOR WITH LOADS OF ROOM! AND THE BEST PART IS THAT I AM MAKING NEW FRIENDS AT ALL OF THE GAS STATIONS I HAVE TO STOP AT!

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Melinda Dawson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is zippy for the price. Nice styling and easy to drive. Hate the seat setup as I cant adjust the wheel and accelerator distance to match my body... but other than that have no complaints

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  the best - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By hello92 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  the car has a nice smooth ride and has good features

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  Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jacksprat - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car, my second one, first one had 40,000 miles on it and never back to dealer for anything. This one at about 15000 miles has never been back.Only thing that I dont like is the front bucket seat on the seat itself, sides are a bit high but other wise it is a great little truck.

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  Nice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By heth - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 model Explorer is awesome. The ride is exellent, the sound system nice. The room is comfortable yet easy to manuever. Overall Ford you get a 9.9!

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  best truck ever had - 2004 Ford F-150
  By piper/marsh - May 22 - 2:00 am

  5000 miles in 3 months most pulling trailers. plenty of power ride better than my luxury car. Interior looks and finish better than any truck built.

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  Fun Car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jack - May 21 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car 6 1/2 years ago with 132,000 miles on it. Now has 172K. Very reliable and fun to drive, stands out in a crowd. It gets decent gas mileage, 25 mpg in the city stop and go traffic. (Auto 3 spd) I will keep this car for a while and I have been pleased with it

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  Nice Car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Michael - May 21 - 4:06 pm

  I work for a delivery service. Since purchaseing this car in April 2007 I have placed 9000 miles on it with no problems. I really enjoy every minute in this car. The ride is great and the car coast on the Highway at 85 with little noise but reponsive speed. I average around 31 mpg during city and highway drive. At the same time this fuel efficeny is reached with my focus running no stop for 4-6 hours at a time. The interior is spacious and refined. On long trips at speed of 80- 85 mph I usually average 34-35 mpg on the highway. This car is a great buy with the ford deals and I would buy another in four years with out a question.