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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  Best bang for the buck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Blackheart - February 9 - 9:30 pm

  I need both a commuter vehicle and something I could haul things with and found the perfect vehicle to do both. This truck gives me great gas mileage while allowing me to do the numerous weekend chores that require a pickup bed. The 2.3L engine is responsive and well suited for a vehicle of this weight. The 5 speed manual tranny adds a bit of fun as well. The price was very reasonable, under $13,000 with A/C. Great value.

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  Smart Buy - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Bill T. - February 9 - 8:09 pm

  The used 05 Taurus SE that I had purchased from dealer had approximately 25,000 miles on odometer upon delivery. Vehicle looked and felt brand new. Im very satisfied with the firm but smooth ride, comfort of the power drivers seat, great base stereo/cd system, and especially the very quick acceleration that the Vulcan V-6 has on the open highway. Its not your 24 valve Duratec engine that reeks for traction from a standing start to finish, but a very respectable engine within its own design. I had a slight shimmy in front wheels upon delivery, but proper wheel balancing corrected that problem. Build quality appears second to none, and so far, Im very pleased with the vehicle and my purchase.

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  My wife loves her truck - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Mat Koenig - February 9 - 12:46 pm

  We bought this truck with about 80K miles and it has pulled two boats and driven a family of 8 for the last 4 years and my wife wouldnt let me sell it to buy her a new Toyota SUV.

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  The 07 Expedition has upd the ante - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Fordaholic - February 9 - 12:39 am

  Ive leased a new Expedition every 3 years for the last 12 years. The 04 model was Fords first real effort to improve the overall performance and quality. However, the 07 is outstanding. The ride is the most significant change. Also, the availability of options is very impressive. I now have heated & AC seats, and a remote up/down rear lift gate. The power rear folding seats are worth their weight in gold and the center console shifter is far more convenient. The car has a firmer, tighter, and more stable ride. Allegedly the car has thicker windows and noise suppression metal. I definitely believe its true. The interior is much quieter while driving than the 04 model.

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  2004 Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By swimjim - February 8 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 years and its amazing. Its everything youd expect from 6 cylinders and a little more. And it turns heads everywhere I go!

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  Highly Recommended! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Meg022 - February 8 - 2:27 pm

  I really love this car--its the second one I have owned (totaled the first one). It has great pickup considering its a 4-cyl. The exterior design is fabulous! (I have the 2-dr coupe with spoiler on the back). I love looking at it, even after all these years! Bought both of my ZX2s used, and had minimal repair...until I hit the 90K mark. Then, every inspection has been a $500+ ordeal, but had no emergency repairs. I had to replace the E-brake cable, the thermostat, needed to add freon for A/C, replaced the CAM shaft, and one of the control arms, etc. over a period of about two years. It does get a little uncomfortable for long trips--the interior is small, and the seats are FIRM.

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  New Adrenalin - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DaintyCruiser - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We absolutely love the new truck and we get compliments all of the time. Enough room to haul and still versatile. The stereo in the Adrenalin is awesome!

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  all around best truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Pickupman - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several trucks and the new f150 is the best of the best. drove all the others, none compare to f150 interior or refinement. its the cadillac of trucks. love the new 3 valve 5.4l V8. pulls the boat effortlessly , dont even know its back there !

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  First F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By New Ford Man - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Love the sytling of this truck, gets lots of attention where ever it goes. Ride like a dream at highway speeds, but had a terrible vibration between 40 and 50 mph. Dealer says its the nature of the beast. Already had warranty repair with less than 700 miles on it...hope this is not going to be the case in the future. Paint is already flaking off the top of the cab and its only 3 weeks old. Dealer says they are not responisble for paint and that it is not covered under warranty. Im no idiot and know Im being lied to, so not very happy with the dealer service so far, hope it gets better. Overall the truck is very nice and I love the way it drives.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By intruder242 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I am now used to sitting higher. This is a great vehicle. I have 3600 miles on it and no complaints. I have been able to haul things that I couldnt with my car. I am averaging 20mpg.