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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  nice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By dawg - October 24 - 10:00 am

  i like it, it great on the highway & in the city. You can see everything in this suv. It makes you feel safe.

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  ford explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By cfd3girl - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had three items that were defected that needed to be replaced already. The warranty covered it but what a hassle to go through already.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Adele - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Ford SUVs since 1990. This vehicle is the best so far! The only issue that I have is the mirrors do not adjust properly when I use my auto settings. Just need to take it to the dealer. I would also like to see them add Day Running Lights to the Eddie Bauer version as part of the default package. You pay a ton of money for this truck you should get DRL for free!!!

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By HeRCuLeS - October 24 - 10:00 am

  i love this car ..

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  Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By keidem - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little SUV, it does a an outstanding job and is fun to drive. Easy to get around with and good in bad weather.

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  love it! the best fun car every - 2004 Ford Escape
  By xan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  my mom and i both have one. i have the newer model which 2004 and she has a 2001. there the best car. there so comfy and sleek. the sound system is really good. the gas could be better but its an suv so it wont really be great. all i can say is that its the best.

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  2003 focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By blvd4by - October 24 - 10:00 am

  do not really know yet but apppears to be well built fairly comfortable pretty quick but a little slow off the line

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  Luckier than Most? - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By vickist - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I currently have 54,000 miles on my Sport Trac. At 53,000 I had to have the dust shield on the front brakes replaced. Had to have the bolt holding the drivers seat to the floor replaced shortly after I bought the vehicle. The squeeking brakes gets me a lot of unwanted attention -- but the dealer also says that cant be fixed. Just read about the 2 new recalls. I presume that most of you had your hood latch replaced with the first recall.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Luvs2Ride16 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This F-150 2004 model is the best looking truck out there on the market.

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  5 Months & still happy - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By atyger7 - October 24 - 12:23 am

  Ive now had the car for 5 months and thought I would update. Anyone who thought they could only buy an SUV for height & space is wrong! I have as yet to fill it up. My only complaint is the engine seems to have a hard time deciding what gear to be in as you slow in city traffic and then accelerate again. I am 52" and all the controls are very easy to reach. No problem getting away from the steering wheel and still reaching the pedals. Very comfortable in town & on trips. Thrilled when I heard 5 star crash test scores in all categories! If I had been renting for this long, I would definately buy it. Live in Erie, PA, 100" snow and it goes great! With the weight & traction control AWD not necessary. Buy it!