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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  2002 Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer) - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Armstrong - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration and mobility in heavy traffic. Fairly quiet. All options for the 2002 Eddie Bauer series are standard with 2004 same models.

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  3rd new ford, only way to go - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By robert b - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my wife a 2003 XLT with the third row seat because I was tired of hearing about how she didnt really like our mini-van. So far we have only put about 4,000 miles on it. But, we are hard on our cars and this one feels like all our other Fords. Built to take it. I like the ride and how it handles. I would have rather had the V-8 but the power gain didnt seem worth the mileage loss. The V-6 pulls hard enough. Im not a big fan of the 5 speed auto. It shifts a little too often and I almost always lock out the overdrive.

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  Love it - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Smokey03* - October 31 - 10:00 am

  It is an overall great car, and ride, but the fuel economy is poor.

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  A Nice Little Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By tomscimo - October 30 - 5:13 am

  Although not a spectacular vehicle, this car has been a good investment. It is reliable, fairly peppy, and fun to drive. The gas mileage is a bit disappointing for a 4 cylinder, and the SE trim is a little on the cheap side in the interior, but it has been one of the best purchases of a new vehicle I have ever made. It has required no work other than routine maintenance.

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  its a truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By rlm - October 30 - 2:00 am

  When I went to purchase this truck I did not like the interior to begin with.But they made me an offer I couldnt refuse!I am in the market for a new 2004.

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  Excellent - 4 years running - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Aric - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have read a lot of reviews about Contours either people love them or hate them. Mine has been great - I love it. No problems to complain about. Sure the dashboard warped, whose didnt. The shop took care of it - problem solved. It is a great performer, very sporty, good gas mileage, all for a super price. I have over 60k in 4 years and nothing out of the ordinary has gone wrong. It is too bad they stopped making them. The Focus is inadequate as a replacement.

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  The Idle - 2003 Ford Escort
  By zx2owner - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for over a year now, and while it is fun to drive and rather reliable, there is one concern I have about the automobile. I recently took the ZX2 into the dealer ship for a vibration in the steering wheel (well actually the whole car) when I am at a complete stop. I was told that all the ZX2s have the same problem, and that it just "idles hard" since it is a four cylinder engigne. However, many automobiles are four cylinders and do not recieve the same problem. I was told there was nothing that could be done to alleviate the problem.

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  Not a bad choice.... - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Kipper - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Expedition from its birth into this world. A great vehicle for moving stuff, people and pets. I have not had any major service issues though I find I am taking the vehicle in the shop more often after 50k miles. Taking the vehicle to the shop is really the main drag in owning this Ford. The service is atrocious at my local dealer EVERYTIME!!

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  Unreliable but Fun to Drive - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By TbirdSC - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I ordered the my T-bird SC new. So far its been the most enjoyable car Ive driven. It has a unique blend of performance and comfort. The vehicle is roomy and rides well. It handles like a much smaller car. Its a cross between a luxury car and muscle car. Unfortuantely Ive had numerous problems with the vehicle from the very first week. This resulted in an alarming 90+ service invoices over 10yrs for problems outside of regular maintenance. The vehicle remains a very enjoyable and fun car to drive. Although the reliability has left me with a somewhat tarnished image of this product.

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  the last van you will ever need - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By andre hill - October 29 - 2:00 am

  My Windstar SEL has very bad transmition problems, it shifts very hard. thatis the only thing that i find worng with the Windstar SEL. Besides that it is a very nice van for a family of 4 or more.