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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  overall opinion - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By ford taurus - December 8 - 5:22 pm

  This was my first Ford. Mechanically, it is the best car I have owned. Except for emission control repairs, the car has never been in the shop. I replaced the steering stabilizers at 128,000 miles and the idler pulley at 136,500 myself.

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  2007 Eddie Bauer Expedition - SWEET - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Neil - December 8 - 5:01 pm

  After 7 years it was time to trade in the 1999 Explorer which served me very well. I test drove every large SUV on the market and kept coming back to the Expedition. The 07 model was very comfortable, showed good fit and finish, and handled very well. The electric fold down 3rd row was a strong selling point. Several others just folded the seats and they have to be physically removed to open up the rear. While gas mileage is an issue this one is actually rated as well as my 1999 Explorer 6 cylinder model. Ive driven Fords for many years, gave all the others a fair look, and ultimately went back to the blue oval. Take a close look at the 2007 Expedition. Its SWEET!

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  Lincoln LS400 with a Bed and more room - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Pro Pilot - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The Lariat is more than a truck. With the new interior and comfortable size, it can double for your luxury car duties too. The engineering that went into making this truck responsive to drive is impressive. Who would have thought the words "road feel" and "truck" would be in the same sentance? The 2004 F150 is very quiet, comfortable and gets the same mileage as the outgoing model. The drive by wire may make the truck feel slightly sluggish since the power comes on so smooth, but you are always going faster than you think you are in this vehicle.

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  Excellent - 2001 Ford F-150
  By jamx100es - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving this truck for about a month. It has been used for about two years, but only has 9K miles on it. Its SWEET. I am absolutely in LOVE with this truck! I couldnt ask for anything more.

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  2003 Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By lpu73@aol.com - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Compared this to the Chevy, Toyota and GMC SUVs of similar size. The excellent third row leg room was important to us with tall sons. We went with the captains chairs in the second row. Easy of entry is great. Sound system is just ok. DVD is nice for the long trips. We liked the Toyota Sequoia but no captains chairs so leg room in third row was poor. Gas milage about 13 in city so far. All in all very happy.

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  Best in class - 2004 Ford Escape
  By obby - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Love it. Very powerfull

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  03 Shaker - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By sadigirl - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a paid off 2003 V.W. 1.8 turbo for this. I have no regrets. It is so fun to drive and looks great. It has been to the shop a few times, but what new car does not have a problem.

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  SWWEEEEETT CAR - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By the speedster - December 8 - 10:00 am

  this is best car u could buy for the price, especially power wise.

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  SVT Rules - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Obsession - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling, 28+mpgs (no kidding), wonderfull array of features, comfort is thru the roof. Adults of average height (510"-6) sit comfortably in back seat w/ average height driver/passenger (and I have a moonroof).

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  Luxury on Wheels - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Expy Owner - December 7 - 11:21 am

  We were the first to buy our 07 Expedition, right off the truck. It has every upgrade imaginable and we love it. It has a better turn radius than the smaller SUV I just traded in and is very easy to drive for being such a roomy vehicle. My husband is 64" and fits comfortably in the third row. And with the button in the back to make the seats automatically go down, it makes shopping or hauling things a breeze. We also have the power liftgate and adjustable pedals which works good for us because there is such a big difference in height when we take turns driving it. Have fun driving this car! :)