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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  My Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Judy - March 3 - 2:16 am

  I recently purchased my first Ford Explorer - Eddie Bauer Edition. I am very pleased with the comfort, styling and driveablity of this vehicle. For a vehicle of its size, it is remarkably quiet.

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  Windstar = Happiness - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Vinb2k5 - March 2 - 9:44 pm

  Great van, ours has lasted 198,000 miles. Even when the engine developed a crack in the block it still ran, until the tags expired. Extremely reliable providing 8 years of service to our family. Definitely would buy another one.

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  This is a great way to go - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Family Man - March 2 - 4:33 pm

  Very nicely laid out interior. very Spacious with easy entry and exit from all seats. Even my mother in-law (a very large woman) said it was easy to get into and out of the passenger seat and the second row. Did not attempt the third row thankfully. Decent acceleration and stopping is also good. This is not a race car after all but a family transporter so set your expectations correctly and you wont be disappointed. The sound and video systems are excellent! Usually do not even consider a Ford. I am converted.

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  ZX5-Comfort - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RipRiley - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this vehicle. I got it for the fuel economy and the 100K drive train warranty. But I was surprised how fun the car is to drive. It is the best handling car Ive owned. Ok, here is the MPG scoop. For the first 2000 miles I got a city/highway combined 31 MPG. Since then it has steadily gone up. Now at 8000+ miles I get 35 MPG. That is about 60% highway 40% city. Average highway speed 75 MPH.

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  Great truck! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By nanolazer - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Sits high. Handles like a sports car. Hauls like a truck. Everything you would need in a vehicle. Comfortable seats, good fuel economy, nice view of the road, great sounding stereo, A/C works good. The EDGE has great ground clearance and looks good with the raised hood and grill.

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  Gold Ash Baby - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Lara - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I just love it!

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  Got to Love It - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By cajun102179 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Ford Hit a homerun with these vehicle. Compared to the Tahoe and Yukon the Expidition is King. The Third seat alone tells you which engineers were using their brains. Ride is wonderful. Replace the Air Filter with a K&N Airfilter($50) and I get 1 mile per gallon better plus some horsepower. Eddie Bauer Eddition has Cruize Controls, Radio Controls, and AC controls on the wheel. Dual keypads which will set the seat and mirrors according to which key pad unlocks the doors. Once again I will never go back to Chevy or GMC

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  SVT F150 Lightning - 2003 Ford F-150
  By gadgetman - March 2 - 10:00 am

  An amazing performance value. Dont buy this truck for fuel economy or any practical concerns. If you want an extended cab then dont get a Lightning, they made no compromises in performance for practicality. the lightest bed, shortest wheelbase etc. Dont complain about tire wear, they last long for being used in such a heavy and powerful vehicle.

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  Great truck - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Greg - March 1 - 7:22 pm

  Its the family prime mover and its been across the USA twice and up and down each coast with no problems. The economy isnt the best, but it pulls a trailer with ease and also isnt affected with gear on the roof. The interior is great with loads of room and even adults can use the third row. We have the FX4 which turns out is pretty rare, even dealers are surprised to see it when we take it in for service. If it wasnt for the front brake dust issue, it would be perfect. Its been in for warranty on leather seats, rear seat frame rust, and roof paint too thin.

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  I LOVE my Excursion! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Carrie Mullen - March 1 - 10:11 am

  The Excursion is so comfortable! The 7 people in my family, including 2 teenagers, fit wonderfully in this vehicle. Road trips are a breeze! It takes a little time to get used to parking this beast, but its well worth the effort. I am saddened that this vehicle will not be made after 2005.