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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  Everyone should drive a Ford truck! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By nichole - July 23 - 1:53 am

  Comfortable to drive on a long road trip, good looking, great on gas, and great audio system, this is the best combination in a family friendly truck. We can take our dogs & kids on a long distance highway trip and ride in comfort. Not to mention the wonderful extras, we can never get lost because our truck always tells us what direction were going & the smooth ride lets the kids and dogs take their naps. When its time to do the weekend chores, the spacious bed gives us plenty of room to make a worthwhile trip to our local landfill! We love it & wouldnt trade it for anything ... except another FORD!

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - July 22 - 6:41 pm

  This has been a great car. It never missed a lick. Only replaced battery once, regular maintenance, changed brakes. This engine is great with great response. Average 25 MPG. The car will be missed.

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  awesome rig - 2003 Ford F-150
  By brent - July 22 - 3:56 pm

  This truck has been awesome. I searched around until I found one with a 3.73 limited slip rear end it has tons of power with the 5.4. The King Ranch leather is a lot nicer than the Lariat the mileage is actually ok for a fairly large truck with a big v8. Owned Chevys and Toyotas and this truck rides smoother, has better build quality, and gets a lot more complements about the interior and exterior styling.

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  My 2008 Escape! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By bgreen2 - July 22 - 3:53 pm

  This car is great! I owned a 2006 and the lease was up.They have done a wonderful job (Ford) upgrading this vehicle. The satellite radio, instrument cluster, and the fun of the drive are my favorites. It handles like a dream.

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  2003 SE Zetec - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tim - July 22 - 12:16 pm

  I had my problems; first the cold idle is still very rough till it warms up. Dealer couldnt fix. Also the rear camber adjusters were factory defective which made the car handle terrible in the winter and ate the rear tires up at 20,000 miles; dealer installed new adjusters and tires under warranty. I told the dealer to take the terrible low-profile Firestones and chunk them as we live in a snowy climate. Engine has plenty of power. Transmission has a harsh 1-2 rolling shift if you dont stop completely. Brakes are excellent as far as stopping power, steering is nimble, ride is acceptable, gas mileage is way below what it suppose to get. All this said I do like the car but my review at 60,000 miles may tell the story.

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  THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER - 2004 Ford F-150
  By WOODIE - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The new 04 FX4 supercrew is a wonderful vehicle. It functions like a truck as well as a passenger vehicle. Space in the interior is surprising, as is the handling. The extra weight of the new body style is evident, even with the increased horsepower, though. Long-Lewis Ford in Muscle Shoals, Al. sold 90 F-150s in August, and I can see why. It is a hit for Ford Motor Company.

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  F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By MR. G - July 22 - 10:00 am

  F150 VERY RELIABLE GOOD LOOKING ,MY THIRD TRUCK PROBLEM FREE MY NEXT ONE WILL BE A FORD

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  love my lightning - 2004 Ford F-150
  By kenmarriedguy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  i love to drive it and when you hear that supercharger whine it is a real rush

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  very pleased - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jimmy mac - July 22 - 10:00 am

  finest ride i have ever had. would not even think you are in a truck. interior is superb

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  Short on POWER & POOR mileage - 2004 Ford F-150
  By joe hubbard - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Unit came low in transmission fluid! It has rough shifting up& down! Air is not functioning properly! It starts blowing hot air set on 70 without having cooled unit! If I lower thermostat it cools again for a while! Mileage on road 14.2 @ 70! Has no power! My 97 4.6 was better performing! Owning FORD STOCK, I am very concerned! It could just be "THE ONLY LEMON"! I have been to ford shop & after having it 6 days it was as delivered! NOT FIXED!