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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  The best vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By The high performance - December 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Expedition is the best truck/SUV ever.The fuel economy is the only bad thing. The Expedition can do basicly anything off-road and on-road! It has power and stability!Dont even think about the Explorer.It is too small and has a very poor engine!Trust me the 2003 Expedition is the right vehicle for everybody!Excellent safety!

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  only ford I wanted - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Greg - December 7 - 8:09 am

  On the test drive I didnt put it through its paces. After taking it easy for the first 300 miles I was able to go down some higher speed (65-70 mph) roads. The drive train had a vibration. The dealer indexed the drive shaft. Didnt help. They ordered another one. Didnt help. They indexed that one and the problem was fixed. The bad part was that the dealer said the vibration was normal for a Mustang. I had to talk to the dealership owner to get it fixed. I checked online and found out it is a common problem. I really enjoy it now. The only real downfall now is that the passenger seat is very low and on mine its not adjustable for height. My wife is short and has to sit on a cushion to see over the dash.

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  2004 Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By llcoolj1 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is outstanding. For is killing current owners vehicle value with significant rebates, i.e., huge discounts on new Expeditions deflate the value of recently purchased ones

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  Ford Focus S - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Papasrx - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Since I purchased this vehicle I have averaged a consistant 37MPG over 13000 miles driven but I drive mostly highway. It is an automatic transmission and the ride for a compact is excellent. I can say that it is not a Honda Civic but it costs 6K less. I would say for the money there is no better buy on the market.

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  Love my Ride - 2016 Ford Focus
  By RainRoc - December 5 - 11:08 pm

  I still love my Ford Focus!! Great gas mileage and it is still fun to drive. I have the hatchback and when I need extra storage, the hatchback provides it! Love the interior design. Love driving it!!

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  Nice SUV for the price, easy handling - 2001 Ford Escape
  By B Mills - December 4 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle used, and it had about 30,000 miles on it after 18 months of usage by the previous owner. So far we have been very pleased with the performance and handling. My 16 year old daughter is driving it, and she has great visibility, and can park it and manuever it easily. So far no quality problems, just a few minor rattles from the back door. The engine is quiet and has plenty of power.

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  Very dependable fun ride! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By wayne toms - December 3 - 5:35 am

  Vehicle is really fun to drive, dependable and handles smoothly.

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  best all around - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By pete - December 2 - 8:46 am

  Ride and handling are excellent but not for long trips. Bucket seats should be standard on all models as well as a gps system for police models. Otherwise leave well enough alone and keep making a quality product. I love my "Vic."

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  F150 4x4 4.6L - 2004 Ford F-150
  By hharle - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it last week and only have 300 miles logged but I am enjoying this vehical. I just traded in a Grand Marquis with a performance package so even though they both have 4.6L engines the F150 doesnt accelerate nearly as well(it is also dragging around a 4x4 driveline though) but is just as quiet on the highway and "thats impressive".

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  So far so good - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By hammonds1 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Had mine for a month so far so good.