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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  All it was ment to be!!!!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By CoryDale25 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I had always wanted a full size truck especially since I am 63". I was driving a 97 Ford Ranger previously, talk about a cramp, and always had a problem with the size and power of the truck. When I saw this truck, Regular cab, V-8, Blue (my fav. color) and it has a GREAT exterior profile, I was sold....and man am I happy. When I want to sit back and relax on a trip, I can, If I want to get up and go I can do that too. I have never enjoyed a vehicle as much as I love my truck. It is great and I am sure you would enjoy it to. From one Happy Ford F-150 owner.

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  my truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By shepherd - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a well built, fine handling truck

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  Not bad for a 16 year old - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JDD 16 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I got this Car for my 16th birthday a year ago. I have had to do nothing but change the oil and Wiperblades. This car is great. I am a piano player who carrys around people and Keyboards, But also have 2 seadoos. It carrys everything with no problem. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a truck but likes the interior of an SUV. I also had to pull my friends Jeep out of the mud! NO BOUNDERIES.

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  BIG&BAD - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By FORDCK - June 1 - 10:00 am

  GREAT RELIABLE SUV. A BARGIN IN THIS PRICE RANGE. ROOM FOR UP TO 9 PERSONS & YOU STILL HAVE CARGO ROOM. FORD SHOULD DO AWAY WITH THE EXTERIOR PLASTIC FOR A BETTER LOOK. IF FORD COULD GET BETTER MILAGE ON THIS MODEL IT WOULD BE AN EVEN BETTER SELL. GREAT PICK UP WITH THE POWERFUL V8,AND AS BIG AS IT IS EVEN SOMEONE LIKE ME AT 5 FEET TALL YOU CAN MAKE ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS TO MAKE IT A COMFORTABLE DRIVE. THE SIZE ALSO ADDS TO THE FEELING OF SAFETY, ESPECIALLY THE FACT THAT OU CAN SEE WAY AHEAD OF YOU.

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  Like a lot! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rave - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive for an SUV. Very functional for variety of uses - around town, towing, hauling.

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  comparing 2000 windstar/ 2004 freestat - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By miro kubala - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Our new 2004 freestar is much quieter and the 4.2 liter power plant is much more reponsive than the 3.8 engine of our2000 windstar.The instrument cluster is much nicer in the freestar and the fold down rear seats will eliminate many hernia operations

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  35K mileage update - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - June 1 - 9:03 am

  This is my final update concerning the Fusion Hybrid. All my earlier comments (made at approximately 12k and 22K) remain valid. Nothing has gone wrong with the car, other than a malfunction in the retention spring in the front passenger grab bar. So, at approximately 35K, I remain exceptionally pleased overall. No squeaks, rattles, leaks, malfunctions.

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  2009 SE - 2009 Ford Focus
  By keepinon - June 1 - 6:20 am

  Ive had the car for about two weeks and so far I am very impressed. I Sold a Toyota Matrix to buy this car because I wanted something made in Michigan, my home state. The car is quieter and smoother riding than the Toyota. It has a nicer interior. Although I miss the hatchback utility of the Matrix, I knew that going in. My first tank of mixed city/highway driving in winter weather yielded about 27.8 mpg with the four speed automatic. I got a good deal on the car from the dealer in my town and there were plenty on the lot so I didnt have to order one. Seriously, if you are in the market for a comfortable affordable compact car, take a test drive. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  My Tiny Truck (TT) - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Gregory C! - May 31 - 5:43 pm

  This is my second Sport Trac. I owned an 04 model and loved it. I decided to upgrade to the 07 model because, I loved the overall look and larger size and when I saw the chrome package, along with all the extra interior amenities this one offered over my 04, I was hooked. The gas mileage is not quite as good as my old TT, but the power from the V8 more than makes up for it. I have had a lot of positive comments on this truck. She is a keeper!!!

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  Great Car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By ma - May 31 - 8:16 am

  Was intending to by a honda fit but the fiesta was way more fun to drive.Yes it does not have as much room. But it makes up for that by the way it handles and drives. I have been driving this car to work everyday and I have to say I am very impressed with what Ford has done.