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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  Ford SES - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By xpcdr4d - November 12 - 6:49 pm

  I bought this 03 Taurus SES about a month ago. So far I am very pleased. It cost me KBB wholesale from a rental car co and had 28K on it. Very comfortable driving and it got 31.5mpg on a recent trip to my amazement. Id buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Black Magic Stang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By globalcheryl - November 12 - 2:39 pm

  This is my 2nd mustang, my first was a 1965 red pony which my brother and I drove into the ground. This one will be better cherished. Im short 5 and can comfortably drive this car. I love the way it handles and the auto top is the bomb. I can reach everything.

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  Great little car - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By T.W. Seybold - November 12 - 12:36 pm

  Fun to drive, Plenty of power in the mountains. Comfortable seats especially in the rear with good vision out. Plenty of storage space and good mileage.

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  Big, Powerful, and Economical - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Bob607 - November 12 - 2:34 am

  I needed a Big SUV but was afraid of the fuel costs. Fords Turbo Diesel is the answer. This truck is incredible. At 7000 plus pounds, 11000 lbs. of towing capacity, the fuel mileage is equal to my daughters V6 midsize SUV. I am averaging 18+ overall mileage with power that you cannot believe. I mean this baby flies. I actually spun the rear wheels the other day entering traffic. Naturally, after I bought the truck, diesel fuel increased to $2+ per gallon, but I am confident it will settle back down to regular fuel prices. My friends GMC Yukon XL gets 11 miles per gallon no matter what he does. Is he ever jealous!

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  under rated - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By delane - November 12 - 12:25 am

  great truck with a size unequalled. I looked at the H2 but found it to small. This truck rides great, and the engine is amazing. Had a 2001 diesel ltd. Yhis truck is night and day better.

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  Fun Fun FUN - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By dar - November 11 - 6:46 pm

  I love driving this car down the street. Even after owning it for two years, and living in the suburbs of the "Motor City", its still a head- turner.

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  2004 Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By jmolnar - November 11 - 6:24 pm

  This is a great family vehicle. Ive been driving suburbans for 8 years and hesitated moving to the excursion. The additonal room has been great as our family has transitioned from toddlers to teenagers. The overall quality of this vehicle is exceptional and I like having the diesel engine. We like water sports and having the extra towing capacity has been great.

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  Big, Powerful and Beautiful - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By captcapo - November 11 - 5:25 pm

  Large capacity SUV that is not for the timid. This is my second one with a diesel engine. Milage is about mid 17 on my comutes and about 19 on the highway. In Florida last year with no hills and 55 mph speed limit the milage went over 22 mpg. Not bad for GVW @ 9200 lbs. New diesel is quieter than 01 model year. For some reason the tree hugers dont like this one but thats because they havent educated themselves to what this vechicle is all about. I may agree with the gas version but certainly not the diesel. Interior finish is good to excellent. It handles well considering its weight and height above the ground. Try one you will like it.

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  My Toradore Review - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By BK - November 11 - 4:57 pm

  My experience with the Excursion is that it is extremely reliable. The only negative thing that I have to say about it is the interior design, whereby the spare tire is inside. Im sure it could have been placed outside like most other vehicles. That would enable us to utilize that "dead space" which is created by having a tire inside of the vehicle. As for fuel economy, Ive never seen a rating, but we average anywhere between 18-21 mph on the highway, and 16-18 in the city! I think that is awesome for a vehicle of its size. Thanks for your time.

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  Best Truck - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Pmlsr - November 11 - 4:48 pm

  Great truck! We have owned two, both diesels. Used for towing large trailer up and down the east coast. Has power to spare even pulling up hill. I would buy a thrid one to save in the garage if I found out Ford was going to stop production.