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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  taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By crichtn - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Best handling North American car in quite a while. Solid feel throughout cornering and braking, while maintaining a plush ride on the highway.

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  awesome truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By maytag - June 20 - 2:00 am

  great truck, could not ask for anything better. Im considering keeping it around instead of trading it in.

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  What more could one want? - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By SBA - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Lots of looks, fun to drive, great handling and ride. Watch for leaks around front sealing area of hardtop and/or convertible. Handles great in all weather. Minimal trunk space, but it will hold golf clubs & weekend fun bag for wife and me.

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  95 Ford Windstar -- Not Recommended - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By kh550 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had many problems which include: Transmission problems, Head Gasket Replacement and continual Oxygen Sensor replacements ever since the Head Gaskets were replaced, Electrical Problems including windshield washer fluid not working, lights staying on and the related door ajar sounds it likes to make, etc... It has had brake problems and a surging engine problem. The sliding door fell off when it was opened all the way. Of course when it fell of it scratched the paint on the back quarter of the van. The most reliable component has been the check engine light which usually came back on within a week of having it out of my local Ford garage.

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  Great shaggin wagon! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Hugh Jass - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has been so good to me. I got it from my mom, because she got a new car, and it has only been in the shop once (fender bender). I love to drive, and my freinds love to ride in it when I am driving. It has been all over the country, and is always reliable.

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  Excellent Truck!!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Kennyb - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ford has done an amazing job with this truck. The interior comfort of the Lariat along with the instrument design and leg room, front and back, is with out a doubt the best in the industry. The ride is firm while the new suspension is very forgiving. If you are in the market for a new truck, look no further than the new Ford F-150. And if budget allows, buy the Lariat!

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By scotty - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the biggest overall advance in the history of the F-150. Styling is fabulous, interior (leather captains chairs with console shift) is on par with european luxury cars. Fabulous! Fabulous! Fabulous! My only criticism is that although 300Hp is claimed, the truck does not feel like it makes 300Hp. Throttle feel is mushy. Should be more crisp and responsive. Hopefully the microtuner folks can solve this.

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  BEST TRUCK OUT - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ANDRTHOMS - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe this truck!! Its awesome. The power from the engine is phenominal, tows 9500lb max and its super quiet while it does it. Thank goodness it has a rev counter or you wouldnt know it was running. THe new interior design is stunning, capt chairs with center shift gives me a feeling of being in a fancy SUV. Half the time I forget I am in a pickup truck. I test drove the hemmi first but it rode like a truck and sounded like a semi with a broken manifold. I decided against the Hemmi as soon as I got in the Ford. Basically a no brainer. I am a redneck with style now!!

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  excellent all around - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Holt - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Very impressive new design for this truck, had two prior full size Chevy Silverados, then most recently a Toyota Tundra, but the F-150 grabbed my attention. Nothing compared to the comfort when I drove this for the first time. The SuperCrew interior was far more quiet than any truck Ive ever been in. The truck is very responsive in power, the handling is very reassuring over rough terrain and corners. I had to keep reminding myself that I was not in a luxury sedan. Gas mileage is good, even with the 300 hp under the hood. Definitely recommend the 18-inch wheels and tire combination, looks and handles awesome.

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  Outstanding Value - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Bruce Templeton - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I researched all the full-size SUVs and in the end nothing delivered Expeditions combination of features, flexibility, and good handling. The fold-flat seat is critical for our family...we can take long trips with the seat folded down and the cargo area filled with luggage, then when we arrive we can fold the seat back up and cart around up to 8. Cant do that with any other full-size SUV, other than the Armada, but for some reason Nissan didnt offer a rear seat that is split in half.