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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  Its The Only Vehicle For Me! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By cindy - June 1 - 4:05 am

  After driving my 2000 Explorer to exhaustion, I shopped 11 different models before I repurchased the Explorer. I thought I wouldnt like the 2005 as much, but it has turned out to be better than ever. After 5 months, I love the ride, great power, and gas mileage is better than I expected: 70% city/30% hwy = avg 16.1 MPG. If I had bought another model, I would have given up many of the features I love from the 2000 AND my new 2005 has even more features. I think Ford has done an excellent job and this model was thought through well. I practically live out of my vehicle and Im pleased with every aspect of it. It is roomy and has the extra features of a luxury car, without a luxury premium.

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  Theyre good!! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dondilio - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I really like the new explorer, its very reliable.

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  Exceeding my expectations - 2002 Ford F-150
  By myfirstford - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2WD XLT Supercrew 4.6L for three months and love it. I prefer the exterior 03 design vs. the new 04 look and with the 5yr/0.0% payment option I got a great deal on a truck that is built on a proven manufacturing platform. I suggest the captains chairs with its "grand canyon" center console, the 6 disc CD that loads easily and the bigger tires P255/70R (the standard size tire on the 2WD is to small for the wheel wells). I was impressed with the amount of options that come standard with the truck.

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  Excellent Choice - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Timmy23 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 Sport Trac is amazing. Its smooth running v6 engine is quiet and powerful. The ride is very improved from the 2000 explorers, it rides more like a luxury car than a truck. Its fuel economy, all though not great, isnt bad at all (I average about 19 city, 22 hwy)its very comfortable and stylish. I reccomend it to any and everybody.

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  Texas Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Austin - June 1 - 1:12 am

  For the money, you cannot beat this SUV. It is quiet, fast, and safe.

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  I love my Ford Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Deborah - May 31 - 9:06 pm

  I brought this car about 3 weeks ago and I love it. I has a exceptionally smooth ride. Attractive features, especially the radio controls on the steering wheel for safety. Its really a nice car and Im loving it.

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  Amazing and reliable vehicle - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Emilee - May 31 - 4:21 pm

  Bought this as my first car, still loving it. It is safe, reliable, and cheap. Brakes are great, engine is great, and has a nice look.

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  nice car - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By tlfmd - May 31 - 2:08 pm

  Eye catching, smooth and truly a style show. Trunk is a obligation, not a storage compartment, as the tonneau cover fills it up. Consider where youre gonna store the top in the summer

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  Love My Pony! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Deb - May 31 - 1:53 pm

  I was looking for a convertible and test drove the 40th Anniversary in December, to "take it off my list" because I was sure it was going to be too small. Once I got in it I knew it was mine. It is fun to drive and fun to own!

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  Great Vehicle for 20K - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - May 31 - 10:29 am

  There are a lot of reviews bashing some really minor points about this car. But, face it, this is just looking for reasons to complain. For $22K or less you get a solid, safe well built, good looking car. I use mine for towing a bass boat and it is like the boat is not even there. This car puts all other SUVs to shame in terms of value for money. Ok, it does not have a chrome plated steering wheel. Who cares. Go pay an extra $15k and you can have one along with the high priced maintenance. You cant go wrong. I love my Explorer.