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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  Basic truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Michael Kinney - March 16 - 10:21 am

  This is a basic no frills truck. Have had no real problems except for the rear window. This leaks and I have tried everything and cant seem to get it fixed. Not a race car. Small 4 cyl. does not have the poop to haul or tow much of anything. It is a basic, small utility truck. Mileage is nothing to be proud of. Factory tires stink. On wet roads the back end has lost traction and sent me into all three lanes of traffic on the freeway. I spent $400 and got better tires! No more problems. Dont drive these small trucks on snow or ice! Youre asking for trouble. They are too light in the rear unless you load something heavy into it..

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  Sully 6 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sully 6 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned this vehicale so, I dont know alot about it, however my sister ownes a 2002-03 ford explorer sport two door and she loves hers so I dont think I did to bad even though they could of took into concideration about the gas milage.

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  Brand New. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Batt One - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 Eddie Bauer. I know I will love it. It is a pleasure to drive. The vehicle is actually fun to get in and ride. I really love the radio system and CD player The 5.4 is awesome. Power when needed. I like it as a do anything with, all around vehicle. Ford really thought of everything in my Expedition. It is a wonderful machine.

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  Completly Satisfied.... - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pgkii - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned several Explorers in the past and have owned just about every model that Ford makes other than a Town Car and Ranger Truck...We love our Eddie Bauer SUV...Other than the gas mileage is not the best(knew that when purchased though:)) I like being able to go in the winter time on the snow and ice and it has a very comfortable ride. I feel very secure with my child in the back seat of this vehicle.

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  FIRST TIME FORD OWNER - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ALBATROSS - March 16 - 2:00 am

  GREAT RELIABILITY, FUEL MIALAGE, AND PERFORMANCE! INSURANCE RATES ARE HORIBLE THOUGH. OVERALL IF I HAD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN I WOULD

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  Worth the money - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mil - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Simply a rush and fun to drive - given todays gas prices, should have another vehicle for everyday transportation unless youre filthy rich or have an oil field in your back yard :-) Most fun Ive had dressed in a long time.....

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  ford all the way - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jim n joy - March 16 - 2:00 am

  we love are new ford focus its fun to drive and very zippy.

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  04 ZTW Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By aliners71 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun ride since car is so peppy. Traded in a 02 Mustang GT for a more fuel economical car. So far getting 26 mpg but only on second tank but have to do a lot of idling in traffic. Car is really comfortable and roomy.

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  Love this little car ! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Davoid - March 16 - 2:00 am

  European overtones won us over. Bought lightly used with special rims, suspension, trim, CD. Great on gas. big trunk, good rear cabin space... Fun to drive.

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  Almost A Perfect Van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Loyal Ford Buyer - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Owned a Mercury Villager before this vehicle. This is more spacious and has a much better ride. Second row of captain seats are a little narrow for an adult and the rear seat has little leg room for an adult and is uncomfortable for two. Rear restraint for a child hangs down from the ceiling and can be distracting when looking in the rear view mirror. When passengers in the rear are watching a DVD forget about seeing anything in the rear view mirror. When dropping kids off for sports and the van is running exhaust fumes enter van when tailgate is open.