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:

• 

  2001 Cobra Fast Fun - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By 01Cobraisawesome - October 30 - 2:00 am

  A responsive solid feeling muscle machine. Well balanced with the aluminum engine block.

• 

  Awesome Expedition, Fords Home Run - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By JamesBond - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was everything I expected and more. The ride is shockingly smooth for such a large truck and the engine is outstanding. It just pulls and pulls. The advance trac system eliminates the need for 4wd in all everyday situations. Snow is no problem. The only reason to buy the 4wd option would be for true offroading. The interior is designed well and extremely comfortable. At 6, 230 lbs, even the third row seat is comfortable. It is packed with great features and everything is solidly built. I love it.

• 

  2003 Expedition FX4 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jason Williams - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Best full Size SUV there is. Feels great to drive with positive handling and a solid ride. FX4 package gives the Expedition a distinctive look and gets admiring looks wherever we go. Great off-road vehicle as well with hatloads of towing capacity.

• 

  MINIVAN to SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By drk716 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  We somehow no longer needed the minivan, but wanted that type of vechile to drive. We like being able to see the traffic ahead, and make adjustments before the last minute. We love the FORD Expedition. It could be better on gas, however I dont nearly do the driving I did when the kids were in all those activities. The gas tank is big so I only fill it up every 2 weeks or so.

• 

  Joes F-150 Supercrew - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Joe Howards - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car/truck I have ever owned. It fits all of my needs. Great riding, driving vehicle. Feels very solid and safe. Has been flawless.

• 

  2003 ford truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By rdf - October 30 - 2:00 am

  great truck for the money. Quality is exellent.

• 

  Great Value - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By overflow23 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my ST! The ride is super quiet, especially for a truck! I was quite impressed with the initial quality. The power is great. Even though they have been out for 3 years, it still turns heads. There is a great support community and owners meets across the US. I recomend it totally!

• 

  Glad I went back to Ford! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By lbluke333 - October 29 - 7:33 pm

  Just purchased my new Focus in red about 2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it. I use the AC all the time and dont really take it easy on the gas pedal and I still average about 37 mpg driving about 8% highway miles. Its really fun to drive and it looks really sporty which is awesome. I got the 5 speed tranny which is so smooth when shifting. With no extras I walked away paying just over $13,000 with dealer rebates. The only gripe I have so far would have to be that there is no trunk release on the inside and the S model doesnt offer keyless entry. But overall I love the car and dont regret the purchase whatsoever.

• 

  95 Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By MR. Hart - October 29 - 2:00 am

  best suv avalible they say i have to put atlest 15 words... no need it is a great car

• 

  Exellent - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Renegade Newl - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I carpool with another lady, and the kids love it too. Especially when we go shopping, theres room to put stuff. Also, I haul our boat, and my husbands rock buggy. When we take it our of town, the excursion is our hotel, we just sleep in it. I think, they shouldnt have took them off the line, but should have made only diesel ones available.