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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  2010 GT500, an owners perspective - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Ford Guy - July 24 - 4:23 pm

  Having just moved from a 2009 GT500 to my new 2010 GT500 I was able to honestly evaluate the improvements made by Ford on this car over previous years. The car surpassed all of my expectations with regard to styling and performance. The interior is of much better quality and design with the new shifter garnering high marks. The suspension and clutch are noticeably improved over my 2009 and the car drives and handles much better. Fuel economy at 65 mph is an honest 22.3 MPG with cruise control on, and better than my V-6 truck!

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  great truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By roundbob3189 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  2.3 liter a bit small for power but excellent for fuel economy. easy to dress up and make appearance custom

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  ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By bobc99 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  best lite truck ever

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  great truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By CaptChuck - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. I pull a 19 foot bow rider boat with ease. No problems ever.

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  THE BEST TRUCK!!! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By likwidsndsj - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck, it is my first truck and i just got it. for being a girl i didnt think i would like a truck but when i first saw the ford ranger i knew it was the truck for me. its comfort and design is only the start of all the great things about this vehicle. the performance of this truck is amazing and i wouldnt trade it in for anything! if you are in the market to buy a new truck, take it from me, a girl, this truck is for you!

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  BUILT FORD TOUGH??????? - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By earl - July 24 - 2:00 am

  It is a stylish fun vehicle. It has good pickup, a good sound system and is reliable. I am a homebuilder, and the body is like a tin can....No solidness about this vehicle. If you get stuck, there is no place to tow from. I put a bed liner in so it doesnt seem so flimsy (chinsy). I like the vehicle, but I am disappointed that being as non- solid as it appears, that the vehicle does not get better mpg. I drive 80% hiways, and have NEVER gotten over 20 mpg.

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  Ford F-150 FX4X4 2004 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By kygal - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck is excellent.I like everything about it. The ride, the classy look, the drive is wonderful and the comfort for a truck is great.The fuel is not that bad either. I have an explorer and my truck gets better mileage than the explorer.

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  I love this car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Mrs Greene - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is wonderful, well built, havent giving me any problem. I love his car.

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  not a fan - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Erin Lynn - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car was too light, so it was bad in rain and snow.

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  mine - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JDJ - July 24 - 2:00 am

  this is the second focus i have had...my previous was a 02 ford focus (just a few minor problems with the 02 that i had over 2 years) this has been a great car so far no complaints