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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  First new truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By FirstTruck - February 15 - 4:01 pm

  First new truck after driving only cars for 30 years. Truck sold itself after renting one from Hertz on a 1 week trip. Personally, I think its the best looking truck in the market. Rugged yet classy. Not in your face like Dodge. Not bland like GM. Not Japanese looking like Nissan or Toyota. After 30 years of cars, I was pleasantly surprised by ride quality, interior design, sound isolation. Great highway cruiser. 4x4 lets me go in deep snow even with regular tires.

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  Way too many electrical problems! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Tommy - February 15 - 3:51 pm

  It drove great for the first 2 years. In August of 2006 we took it in to have routine maintenance and it has never been the same. It has had too many electrical problems to list as well as having to replace the transmission. Out of the past 6 months, I have only driven it about 2 weeks. The rest of the time it has been in the shop. I hope I get a new vehicle or they give me the replacement value on it for another vehicle. I am the grandson of a former lifetime Ford employee and have been a devout Ford buyer. This has really made me upset. I just hope they do the right thing. It is even worse because I am in the military and this is my wifes vehicle. It has made my life miserable!

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  Fords Junk - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jerry - February 15 - 11:03 am

  Warning do not buy this vehicle. I have driven Fords for years. Never again. replaced fuel pump and fuel tank and now I am being told I need to replace the clutches. on a vehicle that has 50,000 miles on it.

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  S upermods Review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Supermod26 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, have not had long enough to give a good review..

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  fun focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sheldo - February 15 - 10:00 am

  after having a 2001 fx3 this 2004 focus is great.

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  Eddie Bauer Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Cliffi - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The Eddie Bauer is definetely worth the extra money. Traded in an XLT, loved it, but this one is awesome with all the extras.

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  Gas Hog, but fun! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By RKMIII - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2002 with a V6...no pickup whatsoever...but it got 20-22 mpg on the highway. The V8 has lots of pep, but 16mpg highway...

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  My first Ford. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By taralynn - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I used to drive a Jeep Wrangler and I was all about the 4 wheel dirve lift 35 inch tires all that. Well I sold it and got me an 04 Expedition and its great, not only did I get it for $24700 its proved very useful. Ive slept in it for days when it wouldnt stop raining while camping out. It was about 10 grand less than a tahoe as well. with the same options, well it has one more the keypad on the door I leave my keys in my cars all the time but now I can lock it. I tend to loose my keys thats why I do that, and where I live not too many cars are stolen. But all in all I love my new expedition, my only regret is not getting the 4 wheel drive.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Ford F-150
  By MANDY - February 15 - 10:00 am

  IT IS AN AWESOME TRUCK

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  Fun to drive anytime! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ajbran - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This hybrid of an SUV & pick-up truck is everything I had expected it to be. The V6 engine is quite responsive with plenty of "get-up-and-go" when needed on the road even when you have the air conditioner running. The no-frills interior of the XLS is very comfortable with some easy to reach amenities. There is plenty of leg room in the back for three adult passengers and my two kids really enjoy having the elbow room to spread out and keep their distance from their sibling rival. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an alternative to the standard SUV or those that are sticker-shocked by the large crew cab truck prices.