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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  Alaska Trip - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dbriskey - May 25 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought me this vehicle for mothers day.In July we drove from Alaska to Texas it was a very comfortable ride.We really enjoy this suv we also own the explorer..

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  It is what is is and does it best - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Lance2 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  A real suv for serious work, trailer hauling duty and off road play, not a latte grabber. True to the original design with the correct improvements for such a product.

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  2002 SPORT TRAC REVIEW - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JJRAINV - May 25 - 2:00 am

  VERY FUN AND COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE LEATHER, THE FOUR DOORS AND THE SIZE OF THE BED WITH HARD TONNOUE COVER. IT IS A VERY SHARP LOOKING ADAPTABLE TRUCK.

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  Best sports truck for the money. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jeffwbaldwin - May 25 - 2:00 am

  0-60 in 5.4 and 148 Mph in under 15, no production truck can touch that. Reliability should be fine. Nice and tightly built. Just bought it last week. Great breaking and pretty quite cab, until the supercharger kicks in. Kick up the tunes and hold on tight.

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  The Best Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Trout - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever had in my entire life!

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  Franks TBIRD - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By frank ditta - May 25 - 2:00 am

  1)The TBird really handles 2)Fit and Finish is above Fords normal 3)The negitive is getting in and out of the car with the tops on .(Head Clearence (NG). 4)The car has plenty of power.

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  Focus #1 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By shannonann - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Focus is like no other. I have had nothing but fun with my car and never have come into any problems with this car and am looking to get a 2004 Focus, all I have to do is decide on the color. Once the Focus came out, similar makes of car had the same body style, everyone wants a focus!

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  look out japan - 2003 Ford Focus
  By bill scwarz - May 25 - 2:00 am

  im a toyota man.bought this focus because i got such a great price.Im glad i did. There all over europe and now i know why.The unibody construction vehicle is quick and handles like a car that costs 10 grand more

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  Safety Matters Most - 1999 Ford Contour
  By jjmeans - May 25 - 2:00 am

  My wife was sitting at a stop light and was rear ended the vehicle that hit her was traveling between 40-45 MPH. My wife and two young children walked away. My only concern was that it is estimated she struck the vehicle in front of her at about 15-20 MPH causing severe front end damage and the airbags did not deploy.

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  Good Reliable Car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Sseth Aaron - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall I think it is a great car. I have basically had no problems with the car and it is very reliable. It has pretty good pick up for a 3.0L V-6. Great first car.