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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  Love that power - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By IK - May 19 - 10:00 am

  AWD, V8, 3.73 limited slip differential. Only 16 MPG, but it takes off like a sports car! Leak from the front differential had to be repaired twice (at no cost to me). I replaced a bad plug wire a couple weeks later. Front half-shaft seals squeal for the first couple miles in cold weather, and need to be replaced. Bent rear wiper arm. This sums all its troubles for the 2-1/2 years and 27,000 miles of my ownership. A recent ear-ended accident resulted in just a slightly dented and misadjusted bumper. Yes, it lost almost half of its trade- in value since I bought it, but who cares - its not for sale anytime soon.

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  worth the money - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By cptmorgan - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I have found the excursion to be a worthy competitor to the chevy suburban. Although gas mileage is slightly worse than the chevy, the power and driveability of the excursion is unequaled. The steering is more responsive then the chevy even though it is some seven inches longer and approx. 1900 lbs heavier. Do not be intimidated by the size of this vehicle. On the exterior it seems almost too big to control, but when in the drivers seat control is all you will feel. The high stance of the excursion provides superior visability in city and highway traffic. Noise levels are at minimum even when on the highway passing big rigs.

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  Family loves it! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By John P Jr - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable ride. Great on long trips. With third seat folded down there is lots of room behind the second row. Great acceleration. Rides great on the highway and traction was good during the winter months.

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  Good troop carrier - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Tony B64. - May 17 - 2:00 am

  With a 57" tall wife, 3 large growing boys and a big, dog theres plenty of room. Agile for its size. Surprisingly better gas mileage than I expected. Dont like the cheap factory brake pads. Dusted constantly and had to replace front at 28,000 miles.

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  the truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By smogelinski - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck last year/03 and since then I have rebuilt the trans and engine. the engine is bored over .60 and has forged pistons, headers, racing cam. new brake system, new suspension/front and rear, also new tires and rims, summer/winter sets.

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  Ford Still Rules - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Daniel Snelbaker - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My Taurus drives like a dream and looks great I love it and feel it is better than camry or accord and thats for sure

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  cant complain - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By cypress94 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  What can I say...Definately got my moneys worth out of this truck...extremely reliable.

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  F x 4 is a great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By dave69 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Great truck, a little less power than the Dodge but really fun.

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  95 explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By n3oty - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Lots of fit and trim problems at the beginning but fixed under warrantee. Havent done much in the last 50k miles except change the oil.

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  FORD - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By CABUBBA - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY EXCRUSION, SUPER VEHICLE IN EVERY WAY.