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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  Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jfa - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Very good impressed with ride and control lay out. One wish is memory seat selection so do not have to re set seat. Otherwise Love this truck. Owned Z71s before this and Ford did it right with this truck.

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  f-150 xlt 2wd/ fun truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By John Mullen - August 12 - 2:00 am

  had bought a 2004 ranger edge, no room, went ahead and traded up to f-150,it was like moving from a 1 bedroom, to a 4 bedroom.very comfortable and roomy. makes a excellent family truck. Very quite and fun to drive. It gets many looks

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  older 150s better - 2004 Ford F-150
  By appl. man - August 12 - 2:00 am

  brakes noisey, paint falling off at 1200 miles

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  2004 sport trac/shinny blue - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SE FLORIDA - August 12 - 2:00 am

  RIDES EXTREMELY WELL AND DOESNT FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN A TRUCK. GOOD GET UP AND GO BUT A LITTLE HEAVY ON THE GAS PUMP!! I AM TRULEY IMPRESSED AFTER LOOKING AT IT FOR OVER A YEAR, GLAD I GOT MY 2004!!

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  Ive been converted... - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By superman90000 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I havent had my explorer for very long, but let me say, I love it. Ive heard a lot of crap about Fords, but my explorer has over 150,000 miles and its running great. Its excellant off road, I even showed my friends cherokee up with it last week. Its very comfortable, great for long road trips. Id deffinatly recomend an explorer to my friend.

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  Stylin - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By amy69degrees - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a very sharp looking vehicle and I get lots of excellent comments. It handles better than the Explorer Sport I had previously. It feels like it is stuck to the road and can handle anything. The V8 gives me all the power I need and the AWD gives me peace of mind. I will definately buy another one.

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  Great Bang for the buck! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By blnewt - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Just picked it up last week. Love the deal ($22,000 out the door), love the look, and love the drive! Traded in a 03 Explorer Sport (Nothing sporty about an outdated 2-door) and the difference from top-to-bottom is dramatic, everything is a substantial improvement.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By starfreek - August 12 - 2:00 am

  eASIER TO GO CAMPING IN THIS LARGER VEHICLE

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  2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jones4730 - August 11 - 8:15 pm

  My first car bought in six years. Put a lot of research into it. Love this car. Black on black, tinted windows -- I get so many compliments on the exterior as well as the comfortable ride. Gas mileage is excellent. I do mostly in town driving so I average in the 30s; highway close to 40. First hybrid I have owned. I love it!!

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  Classic Family Car - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By vince - August 11 - 3:43 pm

  I have been very happy with my Crown Victoria. It was hard to find one in my area, but I am very happy with rear wheel drive performance, with a cozy ride. I have yet to find a seating position throughout the car that anyone is not completely comfortable with. Give a Crown Victoria a try!