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 in Class - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By PJ - August 27 - 11:48 am

  After test driving GM, Ford and Chrysler models, we found the Freestar to have the best qualities for the money. The Freestar has nearly all the features of the competitors and in some cases more. Hands down this beats the GM vans and the Chrysler is nice but not worth the extra $2000 to $4000 more for the same features.

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  2017 EL XLT 4WD - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By R. May - August 27 - 5:06 am

  Love this vehicle. Last SUV was a Suburban and was glad to see it go. This Expedition was priced right, has more electronics available than I will ever need. Has a great ride for a 4 wheel drive truck chases, just the way I prefer it to ride. The interior room is expansive and I like the interior design, simple and easy. All in all, a great vehicle. I feel it will last as long as my F-350 which is 16 years old and looks and runs great. The V6, 275 HP engine with the six speed transmission gets up and goes.

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  1998 EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER SPORT - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By BIG FAN - August 26 - 6:36 pm

  Love this vehicle. Bought it almost 2 months ago and it has become our #1 car out of 3. I originally bought it for myself, but my husband has come to love it. Its now his. Theres four in our family, and my husband sits in the drivers seat, Im in the passenger, our son in the second row, and our daughter in the third row. Its a great car. I would surely buy another!

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  Best and Most Reliable Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Matt - August 25 - 8:35 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. It has 199k miles on it and has never had any problems, except for the drivers side power window (regulator broke twice so i converted both windows to manual). Only basic items, i.e., a few timing belts, radiator, few sets of brakes. Believe it or not it has the ORIGINAL clutch and it is perfect. The best car Ive ever owned.

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  NICE JOB FORD! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By WKevin - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Everything is right about this SUV. Been driving it for about a year and no complaits, well maybe one, the gas milage could be better, but it is a huge SUV, what do you expect. All in All this SUV is perfect!

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  Its great! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Sailor - August 25 - 9:16 am

  I special ordered it the first day possible. It is a wonderful vehicle. The acceleration is very good (I havent yet gotten to the pedal to the floor going "go, go!" )in every instance. The higher visibility is what led me to it. FInally, an SUV that I can justify on ecological basis. It rivals my Ford Escort in mileage

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  love my bird - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bob L - August 25 - 8:10 am

  Ive owned an 84, 90, and this 95 bird. I liked them all, but I love this one. A wonderful combination of power (4.6 L V8) and luxury combined with reliability and just flat out fun to drive. Have wood trim on dash, nice with tan leather. Have gold trim with chrome wheels, pacific dark green, and its a beauty even being 10 years old. Still get comments on it.This car drives like its brand new, and still love to drive it. Have 90,000 miles on it and it has been very reliable. I use Mobile 1 oil, I want to keep this car for a long time. I dont think I could buy a car new today for under $40,000 that would compare.

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  Almost bought an Altima - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By sal - August 25 - 1:20 am

  While on my way to purchase a new Altima, I thought Id stop by the Ford dealer close by. After one drive sitting higher up off the road I did not even go back to the Nissan dealership. Easy to get in and out of. Ive had customers tell me they thought I was driving a Mercedes. While the power is average, in 90%+ of normal driving it is just fine. Averages close to 27 MPG on highway, and the room is GREAT. All in all a car worth the $$.

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  Best Snow car ever - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By John Goodson - August 24 - 3:19 pm

  Sure its a hybrid and gets good mileage for an SUV, but, the 4WD, with the motor over the front tires and the hybrid battery over the rear tires gives this SUV a low center of gravity and amazing traction on snow. Forget about the chains forever with this car; Oh, by the way, after 100K, the motor is still super reliable. I spent $500 on the 100K service and had to spend $600 on the hybrid fan after 60K, but other than that its just a $20 oil change every 5K. A well-built car with great mileage and outstanding traction.

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  My F150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Danny - August 24 - 1:23 pm

  This truck I have had for three years. The truck has not given me any problems at all since I bought it three years ago. I had the slave clutch changed to a better one. The interior design of this truck is comfortable and well planned out for some one who uses the truck to travel in. I love to take long trips in it since it does save me money on fuel. I use roughly about $200 dollars to get from California to Texas and back to California. The suspension gives you a comfortable and quiet ride. All in all I give this truck a 9.8 out of 10.