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:

• 

  F150 Supercrew 2004 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By odinsch3 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2001 F150 Supercrew Lariat and loved it. I did a test drive of the 2004 and bought it that day. I really enjoy driving it with all the new comforts. Its unbelievable how quite it is. They did an excellent job in redesigning the truck.

• 

  Best Truck I Have Ever Owned - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Valhalla - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 FX4 is a beautiful truck and a joy to drive. Black on Black fully loaded.

• 

  Fabulous Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By MickeyW - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous truck. It glides down the road. Almost no road noise. Great suspension.

• 

  Love My T-Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By josie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  It is a great little car! Not great on gas but is fast with its V8 engine. It is a Ford and reliable too. I love my hard top and soft top. Two cars in one.

• 

  WANTING MORE - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By WILSON - July 21 - 2:00 am

  SINCE THIS WOULD BE FORDS HALO CAR I WAS HOPING FOR MORE STANDARD EQUIPMENT AND BETTER BUILD QUALITY

• 

  Love it - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By T.J.Sullivan - July 21 - 2:00 am

  If you are going to run away from home dont take this car because everyone notices the car

• 

  Love it - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Melissa - July 20 - 7:38 pm

  The Ford Escape is a small suv with lots of room. You can carry tons of stuff and feel like you have an SUV while at the same time feeling like you are driving a car. The car is cute, young and fun and it looks nice! I am amazed at the gas mileage. I live in Coral springs and was able to go to Orlando and back on one tank of gas - like 290 miles on the highway! Love this car. It is actually my company car. I drive a lot for work and spend over five hours per day in this car. I always feel comfortable and the inside is spacious.

• 

  Car is really fast - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By circpro - July 20 - 1:56 pm

  I test drove many other sport convertibles, but liked the ride of the Mustang best. I would have picked the Honda 2000, but it is so tiny, you better be 135 lbs and 55". The Nissan 350Z was nice, but you feel every bump in the road. This car is great except the quality of the interior for the price. I had an F150 Lariat, and the interior quality was far better equal price. The leather seats are very nice, but at 510" I find my knee resting against the center console. The stereo is outstanding for a factory unit, but I could tell no difference in the quality between the Shaker 500 and the 1000 even though the 1000 comes with a sub in the trunk.

• 

  AWD Eddie Bauer 4X4 - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By GLScott - July 20 - 12:57 pm

  Big powerful SUV that can tow a boat and take the kids to school. A bit tall for kids in car seats (hard to buckle standing outside the SUV) but teens have no problem. Handles well in snow, rain and dry. No problem passing or getting up to highway speed. AWD hurts fuel mileage but 4X4 is nice for deep snow and any off road drive. Running boards and lower ground clearance are not well suited for serious 4X4 off roading. Should use running boards when exiting the SUV or pant legs can get mud/dirt on them.

• 

  Ford Focus wagon - 2006 Ford Focus
  By percy abols - July 20 - 12:32 pm

  Went to look at the new Fusion and ended getting the Focus - on impulse. What attracted us was the exterior design and the comfortable interior. Following a brief test drive, we found the car peppy and fun to drive. One can quickly exceed the speed limit without noticing it. The car is my wifes city run about. The only problem we had was with the AC. Turns out that one cable was improperly connected at the factory - hence the problem. It has been corrected and all is well. Should have gotten cruise - perhaps we will get it installed at a later date though the expense gives one pause for thought.