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:

• 

  Ford Tough - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Triton - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Good overall value. The 5.4 is definatly worth the extra money. Best mpg is 18, worst 16.5. The new suspension is awesome. It takes the bumps and pot holes like they are not even there. Towing lighter loads is no problem. Ive towed 2000 pounds and didnt notice it was there. I like the fact Ford put beefier springs and shocks back into their trucks.

• 

  the best - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Me1 - October 1 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the best truck Ive ever drivin. Plenty of power, room and lots of buttons. Im very proud to be driving such a great Ford Truck!!

• 

  Best SUV especially for value - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By FacialBlaster7 - October 1 - 10:00 am

  This years Exlorer included remarkable handling,ergonomic,style and comfort improvements over my 99 exlorer. Loves deep snow and rain. I am buying a 2005 Explorer for my wife.

• 

  buds review - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By bud - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I got the v-8 with the tow package as I have a boat to pull. I am impressed with the performance and the high quality of the fit and finish. I have had the vehicle for over 3 months and have not found one defect.

• 

  Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By 4x4 XPLR - October 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my third explorer and its been the best out of the three. This one a 2003 rides a lot better than my 1998, and 2000 that i had previously owned. Although I miss the 302 5.0L V8 the 4.0L I have now still has enough power and acceleration. The 2003 performs well on and off road and in hazardous weather conditions such as snow, down- poors, and is a fun car to cruise around in on nice days with the sun- roof open. Overall I like the new explorer I feel ford did a good job redesigning it.

• 

  Ford Expedition Review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By R Weilert - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Expeditions and have nothing bad to say about any of them. I think the styling is outstanding on the outside and the interior is one of the nicest I have experienced. The ride and handling is the best of any vehicle I have experienced. For a large vehicle it handles better and has a tighter turning radius than my wifes Lexus RS 300. For short or long trips is rides as smooth as a luxury car and yet can handle 8 people very comfortably. I am 6 6" and can stretch my legs out full length in the front seat and do not impact other passengers.

• 

  2008 F150 - good but a very rusting truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Chris - October 1 - 8:11 am

  Bought truck brand new. Has always been and continues to be a very smooth and quiet truck - more like a luxury car. Good stable handling as well. Lots of room inside and in the bed and great for towing and good in the snow. Mechanically has been very good. However, rust has been a relatively serious issue. The steering rack was the first to go - rusted out and got very stiff and erratic to steer. Had to replace that and was very rusty. The second was much more serious. The transmission cooling lines rotted out. They let go just after I got home from a long trip to Nova Scotia with my elderly father. There was fluid on the ground the day after I came home. We could have been stuck in the middle of the night in the middle of no where. We were fortunate, but cost me about $900 to fix. Checked the underside and there was a lot of rust on the frame and especially the bed rails. Not very happy about that. Ive been spending a lot of time sanding, priming and painting the frame and rusty areas of the underside. Im also using the 3M rust fighter undercoating as well. Its costing a lot of time and money, but Im hoping it gives me a lot more years with the truck. Dont want another car payment! Looked at the underside of my wifes 2006 Toyota Sienna and noticed that it was undercoated from the factory and hardly any rust. Maybe Ford ought to consider that or they wont get any return buyers. If I get another truck, Ill be looking strongly at Toyota.

• 

  Great Car! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Owensry - October 1 - 3:13 am

  This is a great car, rides nice, love the color, Sangria Red on the SES model with the standard spoiler and the SYNC system! Great handling

• 

  Why Do All The Reviews Bag On This Car? - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Steve - October 1 - 1:46 am

  I bought my Five Hundred used. At only $16000, and only 13000 miles on the odometer it was a steal. I was checking out Hyundai Sonatas, but I wanted a V6, and had no desire to pay over 20 grand for a car. So I checked out Five Hundreds, I couldnt believe my luck. I always admired the styling of the car, and its safety features. It is roomy and comfortable, gets great gas mileage. I get many compliments on its color and design. Power is great, more than adequate, I mean, come on, how much power is enough? Its fast on the on ramp, good for passing, and corners beautifully. And since I drive mountain roads to get to work, in Calistoga, I love the saftey features and i size. Did I mention MPG?

• 

  My Black Stallion F150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Carl L. Triggs - September 30 - 10:26 pm

  I purchased my "Black Stallion" in Feb 2004. I still get a kick out of the driving the vehicle and still am amazed at how well behaved the truck and how quiet the cabin is. I have just completed a vacation road trip that was 2375 miles long and covered all types of road surfaces and conditions. My truck handled them all with equal grace and perfection. The engine delivers plenty of power and is more than willing to give that extra boost when needed for passing. The interior is no slouch either. I have the cream leather with the console mounted shifter. The sound system is audiophile quality and provides plenty of bass with the built-in bass module. Buy this truck and you wont look back!