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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  Very Bad Choice - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Betty - March 23 - 7:12 am

  Bought new 2005 Ford Taurus SE with flex fuel engine. Cant run e85 fuel transmission. Began to slip under 30,000k, water leak onto front passenger floor. Every 2005 to 2007 Ford Taurus I inspected had water under carpet on front passenger floor board causing a musty smell and metal rust. Very poor mpg 18 average.

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  Good Value - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By wolflane - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been very reliable. Its fun to drive and does great in the snow. Its comfortable but this may be the weakest point in this truck when driving long distance. The shoulder harness does not go low enough for a short person and hits me in the side of the neck. Its the only thing I dont like about this truck.

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  I love my Ranger Edge - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By AnikaSevenOfNine - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Ranger Edge and I love it. The only drawback is that it sucks up gas every time it passes a gas station. Other than that one little flaw, its a wonderful truck.

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  Nice fun ride - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Roger Parlett - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a truck before. My Ranger is surprisingly quiet and peppy. I got the super cab and the extra doors are a big plus for putting items inside for protection. There are little features like cup holders and storage pockets I did not expect. I got the 4.0 engine to pull my boat-the fuel economy could be a little better. get the 3.55 axle if you care about fuel economy.

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  NEW RANGER - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By E A MCMAHON - March 23 - 2:00 am

  FOR THE SHORT TIME IVE HAD IT ITS EVERYTHING I HAD WANTED

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  MY Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Valaudia - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Has some limitations, but overall, a fun, run car!

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  LEASING - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By VINNYC - March 23 - 2:00 am

  THE COMFORT OF MY EXPLORER, IT DRIVES LIKE A CAR BUT CAN HANDLE LIKE A TRUCK WHEN YOU NEEED IT TO GO OFFROAD.

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  Not Good - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mr G - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Only worse than this vehical is where I bought it. Wayne Ford in NJ. If you dont mind dealing with trans problems out the wazu, it isnt that bad. Handling stinks. No power.

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  Small ideas to help improve vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By tlstitch - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I love this vehicle and would purchase it again. There are a few comfort items that could be adjusted.

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  funner to drive than most - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By crafty - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The mustang has always had the most bang for the buck. Still does and it lives on. all othere have gone by the wayside but the Mustang lives on. The reason is simple, Style, quality, looks, value, handling, and just plain makes you feel good to drive it kind of a car. With a history like that the new SVT COBRAS have a lot to live up to and do it well. The one in my garage is a metalic red cv. Love it! 21 mpg (not important) but the best gas milage Ive ever got with a hot rod. The old 427- 428 would not get near that. It will pass about anything in a very short time period. Handling and ride are very good. A real bang forthe buck!!