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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  Much improved for 03 ...... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By MCC - July 19 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Expedition is greatly improved frame and body from earlier versions. The 5.4L motor and tranny are still the same as earlier models. Overall Im very satisfied with the new Expedition and it tows my boat well. Good fit and finish on most areas. I installed a cargo mat in the rear, so the 3rd row seats are not really a factor for me, but they are there if I need them. Who decided to put cup holders down by your feet anyway? That is the biggest obstacle to entering and exiting this truck!

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  Like this truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By X-Style - July 18 - 5:13 am

  Had the truck two years so far. No problems. Its an everyday driver, minimal issues "mysterious knock when in reverse". Everyone likes the looks and I like to drive it. Very comfy inside. I am a big guy and have no problems. I have even slept in the truck a couple of times, but dont try to climb behind the seats. My only regret with this truck is that i did not buy the 4x4. I would not use the 4x4 much, but it is nice to have when you need it. This truck in much bigger than the old Rangers. You sit high, nice clearance, good handling, great acceleration, but you do feel pot holes and speed bump. If you buy this truck you will like it.

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  GREAT SUV - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By LORI - July 17 - 10:25 pm

  We owned an Explorer before this Expedition. With three little kids we needed something bigger. The handling is great for a big vehicle, and a smooth ride. Enough room for three car seats across the second row of seats, and room for three adults in the third row. Very safe vehicle and performed great in safety crash tests. Enough cargo room when third seat is folded down to handle suitcases, strollers, coolers, and extra groceries. I really, really like this big SUV.

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  2005 Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By David - July 17 - 3:10 pm

  The Explorer gives a very solid, yet comfortable ride. It handles well in the snow and ice.

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  Best SUV I have ever driven - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jack - July 16 - 7:17 pm

  I have driven the Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, and the Chevy Tahoe and my Explorer tops them all. Its roomy you dont feel cramped like you do in the 4Runner (low roof line). The interior design is simple, easy to understand, and has so much room for storage. The back seats fold flat giving huge cargo room. Drives great, steering is very responsive, and there is little road noise. Never had any problems other than a recall on the back window hinges.

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  Sold on the Ranger 2005 - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Fraser Ellis - July 16 - 1:10 pm

  Owned a 2002 and turned it in for a 2005. It has really been developed into a great truck.

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  I love it! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Gina Rogowsky - July 16 - 10:33 am

  I love this truck. Everyone says that itÂ’s a big truck its not. I love sitting up so high. And diesel is the only way to go. I get 500 miles to a tank and it lasts me over a month. When we go to Rochester we dont have to stop for gas. And its a 6 hour drive and 375 miles away from where I live. I have three kids, 3 year old and 3 month old twins, and let me tell you itÂ’s better than a minivan. Way more room. I can put a double stroller and a single one in the trunk with my groceries. I can put 2 people on the third row seat with my 3 year old and 1 person in the back seat with my twins. So all together I can fit 8 people in my truck. I will never own anything else again.

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  White Girl - 2001 Ford Focus
  By kara - July 16 - 10:26 am

  Ive had this car from November 2007 to July 2016. The owner before me had sold it to me for $3,500 with 75,000 miles on it. He was moving to Germany for a new job and couldnt take it with him. I was about to graduate high school so my mom bought it for me as a gift. The interior and exterior were in excellent condition, except the headlights had a cloudiness to it and later on the thermometer gage got weird. I switched out the radio, because it was too old school. Too bad it didnt stay that way, a few years later on the highway a heavy chair fell out of into the lane I thought I would be safe from it hitting me, so I had a dent on the side near my headlight and then my moms coffee spilt everywhere on the passenger side so speckles on the ceiling from that. Around 2014 my air stopped working and living in Florida its miserable but I didnt want to pay to have it fixed. Then in March 2015 after driving it for an hour my car made a really loud noise like a shotgun. Turns out my radiator is bad. Although my gage goes from red back and sometimes back to the middle and theres a little smoke coming from under the hood after starting it up. Im still able to get to where I need to go 10 mile radius of course. Repair isnt necessary because its how much the cars worth. Im not the type of girl who wants all the gadgets that come in a newer car so I love it. If it didnt have a baby on the way I would get another one. Since my husband bought a mini cooper s before we were married, its time for an suv.

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  Love My Bird! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By sivyaleah - July 14 - 2:40 pm

  Im no expert by any means, but all I know is each time I look at our car, I love it even more! It drives pretty well, feels great at high speeds, has been reliable too. Looks great and thats the most important reason we bought it. We have the merlot, with merlot soft top, black interior. Car gets a lot of comments - many people think its vintage at first glance.

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  New purchase - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By JAM - July 14 - 10:48 am

  I owned 4 mustangs over the last 10 yrs but this 2016 ecoboost is by far the best. Im very impressed with the performance and the new look is impressive. Considering that is a 4 cyl with 310hp the ride comfort and acceleration is amazing.