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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  wonderful truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Justin&Hope - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Looks better, tows more, rides better, built better than other competitors trucks. I test-drove all others, Titan close second. Has more power but does not match looks or build quality!! Test drive them, it should be an easy choice unless you just want a faster truck(Titan), or if you want to support your fav auto maker(those other 3 guys) p.s. this truck is not underpowered, it will smoke tires! Just test drive them, youll see!

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  f150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By rick moss - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck for approximately a month. I drove it from Georgia to Wyoming right after I bought it. It rides exceptionally well. Much better than some I have owned. No wind noise.

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  F150 review - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Cycle Man - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Handles well on the open road. I have put nearly 12,000 miles on since the first of June.

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  great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By dokmac - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this truck handles and the power, but the front bumpers seem to be too fragile.

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  F 150 Lariat - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ed in Austin - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I love the looks, comfort, power, and the ride and handling of this vehicle. I almost bought the 2004 Ram. After driving both vehicles I am confident that I made the right decision.

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  Smoked Ya - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JustinSmokedYa - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car on August 2, 2003. It is my first car, and I am a guy, but it is pretty sporty, the 2Dr ZX3 Hatchback. I wish I could of gotten a Chevy Camero Z28 310 Hp, but I ended up with this pretty darn good car with 59,064 miles on it. I know a good car when I see one.

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  This is my second one! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By EscapeeInMI - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving an Escape since 2001 and love them! They are quiet, comfortable and quite fuel efficient. The changes to the interior in the 2005 models are great - the storage compartment and gear selector on the floor should have been there all along. I can carry all the things necessary for a family vacation since the cargo area is nicely sized. But it still looks like a grown up car when it is date night on Saturday. I feel safe in the car and never worry when one of the kids borrow it

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  First time Explorer Owner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By CTH123 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for eight months now and have no complaints. The V-6 engine does surprisingly well.

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  Too high expectations! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Moms taxi - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Eddie Baurer Expedition. I was so psyched when I purchased it b/c I loved everything about the interior.- space between 2nd row captain chairs, 3rd row fold down seats, DVD. HOWEVER, I have had too many problems in the last year- new brakes at 23,000 miles, loud clicking sound going from 2WD to AWD(cant find the problem), over- hauled transmission(car was in the shop for 3 weeks I might add). Plus Ford doesnt give out loaner cars. Bummer considering all of the problems I have had in the last year. And we paid $45,000!!!

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  Perfect for people who dont race - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Nikhil - March 16 - 2:30 am

  The interior is very slick with good utilities. Smooth ride. It is a family car with higher importance to safety rather than speed. Not to be used for street light racing. Fuel economy - 25 MPG which is not very good as compared to foreign models. Price - compitative to most foreign cars and almost $5,000 less than a CR-V