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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  1997 Ford Ranger 2 DR XLT SB - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Officer_ndogg - April 7 - 3:00 am

  This is a good truck as long as you dont need a lot of power or room. The 4Cyl engine is weak and provides slow acceleration, though fuel economy is good. If you get the 4Cyl, get the 5- speed or it will be slower than a dump truck. This truck handles very well and rides decent, for a truck. The interior is very cramped, though heardroom shouldnt be a problem. Build quality is not bad, especially for a truck. Towing with the 4Cyl is out of the question. Not a bad truck for the everday commute, but for work duty it wouldnt be very usefull.

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  TheTank - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Wifes Expedition - April 7 - 3:00 am

  When I bought this vehicle I though that the interiors will hold up better. I will suggest that if you plan to buy one these tanks that you buy the factorys extended warranty, as repair for these car are expensive. There has been problems with the engines in the past. Such as Blown head gasket and transmissions going bad as early as 16,000 miles of use.

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  affordable expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By RSAYERS - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Great price, after rebates and advertised price I got it for under 23k less tax and liscence. Great for large families, hauls 9 people. Many standard features on base model. Super alternative to minivan when hauling a trailer is required.

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  1999 Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Cornhusker172 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  No problems in 3 years of hard driving. Lots of romm and space for most any need.

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  I never expected to love it - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jocopapay - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I was driving a BMW 315 when I came across the Sport Trac. It was supposed to be for my husband but I loved driving it..now its mine! The back seat has so much room, even four adults can ride in comfort and there is plenty of room to haul just about anything. Sitting up so high makes me feel safer too.

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  Ford 1996 Power Stroke - 1996 Ford F-250
  By patrick p andrews - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I love it. I had Chev 4x4 trucks gas engines carrying campers and pulling boats for 25 years then switched to ther Ford diesel power stroke. Powerfull, comfortable.

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  Zippy, Fun But Extremely Frustrating - 2000 Ford Focus
  By KCM - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Loved car when bought. Still like it, but tired of quirky surprises! Had a cracked AC line 6 months after purchase. It was at dlrshp 3 mths waiting for for the part to come in. Many recalls. Most recent on fuel pump. Car cant be started to move just couple of feet in driveway or critical valve sticks and car wont restart. Dlr says drive around block to avoid problem. Prblm with wires in steering column caused exterior light failure on 2 diff. occasions. Brakes(rotors too) had to be replaced. Crz cntrl would not remain engaged; had to be repaired. Ignition swtch went bad, key would not go into the ignition. Many rpr bills while still making car pymts!

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  mine is a 2001 lightning - 2004 Ford F-150
  By sliverbullit - April 6 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck but my biggest complaint is seat comfort and the lack of detail in the interior . carbon fiber trim would look nice . but no big deal

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  Good all around suv - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Nathan Lutz - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the ride and it handles very well and is great in the snow.

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  Not for Houston - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By MG - April 5 - 2:20 am

  Car is generally OK. Gas mileage less than advertised -- no surprise -- but far better than my SUV we traded in. Interior has little storage and few amenities. Air conditioning compressor shuts down when the car is powered by the electric motor only, causing extreme discomfort in Houston summer traffic jams and at stop lights. Can get around it by going to Max AC manually, but then youre on the gas engine, considerably reducing gas mileage. This is not a car for hot, humid climates.